Sorriso (transl. Smile)
🗓️ 10 maggio 2024 — Dive into today's Italian word of the day, its origins, and its uses. Explore Italian language and culture with us!
[sor-REE-so]
NOUN
Smile.
A facial expression formed by the upward curving of the corners of the mouth, which typically expresses amusement, pleasure, or affection. Often regarded as a universal sign of happiness.
💬 EXAMPLE SENTENCES
Fai un sorriso: è venerdì!
Make a smile: it’s Friday!
Il suo sorriso è contagioso.
Her smile is contagious.
I sorrisi dei bambini illuminano la vita.
The smiles of children light the life up.
Mi ha fatto un sorrisetto sarcastico1.
He gave me a sarcastic smirk.
⚡IDIOMS
Sorriso a trentadue denti
Literal
Smile showing thirty-two teethSimilar English expression
Grinning from ear to ear
Mettere il sorriso sulle labbra
Literal
To put a smile on the lipsSimilar English expression
To make someone smile
Sorriso amaro
Literal
Bitter smileSimilar English expression
Bitter smile / rueful smile
🔎 WORD ORIGINS
Sorriso comes from the Latin verb "subridēre," which means "to smile subtly" or "to smile from underneath," indicating a gentle or understated expression.
The root "sub-" implies something subtle or hidden, while "ridēre" means "to laugh" or "to smile”.
🤓 DID YOU KNOW THAT…
SURPRISE YOUR ITALIAN FRIENDS WITH CURIOUS FACTS ABOUT ITALY AND ITS CULTURE
The permanent smiles on Venice Carnival masks are more than decorative; they symbolize anonymity and freedom.
Masks like the "Bauta" allow wearers to eat, drink, and converse without revealing their identity, leveling social hierarchies and inviting open interaction among participants from all walks of life.
This enduring smile is a gateway to unrestrained joy and mystery, encapsulating the festival’s spirit of liberation and hidden depths behind every cheerful facade.
👉 YOUR TURN
Can you use the word SORRISO correctly in a sentence?
Based on the definition and examples provided, write a sentence using today's word of the day and share it as a comment on this post. It is important that your sentence makes sense and shows that you understand the word's definition, but we also encourage you to use creativity and have fun.
Sorrisetto is the diminutive of sorriso and is often used only to describe forced or desiring smiles.