cigno — meaning in English: swan

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for swan

cigno

paradosso

limite di velocità

collana

sedia

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Italian for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 'cigno' when discussing nature, particularly in relation to lakes and rivers where swans are commonly found. It's also a popular term in literature and poetry, where the gracefulness of the swan is often used as a metaphor for beauty and love.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym for 'cigno' is 'uccello d'acqua', which means 'water bird'. However, 'cigno' specifically refers to swans, whereas 'uccello d'acqua' can refer to various types of waterfowl. You would choose 'cigno' when you want to emphasize the elegance and beauty associated with swans.

Culture

'Cigno' comes from the Latin word 'cygnus', which also refers to the bird. In Italian culture, swans are often associated with elegance and fidelity, as they are known to mate for life. This has led to their depiction in various art forms, including the famous ballet 'Swan Lake', which has influenced even Italian interpretations of swans in storytelling.

FAQ

Q.What is the plural of 'cigno' in Italian?

'Cigno' becomes 'cigni' in the plural form. For example, you might say 'Ci sono molti cigni nel lago' meaning 'There are many swans in the lake'.

Q.How do you pronounce 'cigno'?

'Cigno' is pronounced as 'CHEE-nyo' in Italian. The 'c' before 'i' makes a soft 'ch' sound, and the 'gno' produces a unique nasal sound.

Q.Are there any idiomatic expressions with the word 'cigno'?

Yes! In Italian, there's the expression 'fare il cigno', which means to act gracefully or elegantly, akin to how a swan glides across the water. This can be used in contexts where someone is behaving in a particularly refined manner.

Learn italian with Maspeak →

Italian 500