Ah, Italian! The language of love, art, and… gender confusion! In Italian, every noun has a gender, either masculine or feminine. Sounds easy, right? Well, not really. Because changing the gender of a word doesn’t just tweak its form; it changes its entire meaning. Here’s an example: asking for una pizza (feminine) will get you some delicious carbs, but asking for il pizzo (masculine) means you’re requesting mafia protection money!
So, to help you avoid potential misunderstandings, here are 35 words where gender in Italian isn’t just a grammatical detail, it’s the whole story!
Words that end with -o/-a
In many cases, Italian words that change meaning by gender do so with a simple vowel swap—o for masculine, a for feminine.
1. Il Banco vs La Banca
Il banco means the “counter” or the “desk”, referring to the physical surface where a cashier works or students sit in school. In the world of casinos, it can also mean the “dealer.”
Mio figlio sceglie sempre il banco in ultima fila a scuola.
My son always picks the back-row desk at school.
In the feminine form, la banca is something far more financially serious: the “bank”.
Domani devo andare in banca a ritirare la nuova carta di credito.
Tomorrow I have to go to the bank to pick up my new credit card.
2. Il Bilancio vs La Bilancia
Il bilancio has to do with numbers and reflection. It means “financial statement” or “balance sheet,” often heard in boardrooms and end-of-year reports. But it can also take a more personal tone, like when we’re reflecting on our life: fare un bilancio della propria vita (to take stock of one’s life).
Quest’anno, Il bilancio dell’azienda è positivo.
This year, the company’s balance sheet is positive.
La bilancia, on the other hand, is the “scale” we step on to check if we’ve been snacking on too many cannoli!
Ho buttato la bilancia, non voglio impazzire per due chili in più!
I threw away the scale, I’m not going to go crazy over a couple extra kilos!
3. Il Busto vs La Busta
Il busto is the “bust”, a sculpture showing someone’s head, shoulders, and chest. It can also refer to the chest area in anatomy, or even to an orthopedic back brace in medical settings.
È stato trovato un nuovo busto dell’imperatore Giulio Cesare, sarà esposto al museo.
A new bust of Emperor Julius Caesar has been found, it will be displayed at the museum.
Shift to feminine, and la busta is the “envelope” we use to send letters. In everyday Italian, you might hear it in expressions like la busta della spesa (the shopping bag) or la busta paga (a pay slip).
Per il compleanno, gli zii gli hanno dato una busta con dentro dei soldi.
For his birthday, his uncles gave him an envelope with money inside.
4. Il Caso vs La Casa
Il caso means “case”, like a legal case or a medical case. It’s also used when talking about “chance” or “coincidence,” like in the expression per caso (by chance).
Sto lavorando su un caso di malasanità.
I’m working on a case of medical malpractice.
La casa, on the other hand, means the “house” or “home.”
La nuova casa di Sandro è piccola e accogliente.
Sandro’s new house is small and cozy.
5. Il Cassetto vs La Cassetta
Il cassetto is the classic “drawer” in our desk, dresser, or kitchen, and it’s also used metaphorically in the expression avere un sogno nel cassetto (to have a dream in the drawer, meaning a secret dream or ambition).
Avevo messo i documenti nel cassetto, ma non li trovo più.
I put the documents in the drawer, but I can’t find them anymore.
On the other hand, la cassetta can be a “small box,” a “toolbox,” a “mailbox,” or even an old-school cassette tape (yes, the kind we rewound with a pencil!).
Ho trovato una vecchia cassetta con le mie canzoni preferite degli anni Novanta!
I found an old cassette with my favourite songs from the 90s!
6. Il Collo vs La Colla
Il collo means the “neck,” whether we’re talking about our own anatomical part or describing a shirt collar. We also use it figuratively in the expression like collo di bottiglia (literally, “bottleneck”), referring to a slowdown in a process.
Non riesco a dormire bene con questo cuscino, mi sveglio sempre con il mal di collo.
I can’t sleep well on this hard pillow, I always wake up with a neck ache.
La colla, instead, is the “glue” that sticks everything together.
Ricordati di comprare la colla per il progetto dei bambini.
Remember to buy glue for the kids’ project.
7. Il Colpo vs La Colpa
Il colpo means “blow” or “strike,” whether physical (un colpo di karate – a karate strike), emotional (un colpo al cuore– a heart-wrenching moment), or even pure luck (un colpo di fortuna– a stroke of luck).
Il colpo era così forte che ha rotto la finestra.
The blow was so strong that it broke the window.
In contrast, la colpa means the “fault” or “blame,” used in everything from courtroom dramas to family arguments, like the classic È colpa sua (It’s his/her fault).
Non è colpa di nessuno se le cose non sono andate come ci aspettavamo.
It’s nobody’s fault if things didn’t go the way we expected.
8. Il Costo vs La Costa
Il costo means the “cost” — what you pay for something, financially or figuratively. Common expressions include il costo della vita (cost of living) and a tutti i costi (at all costs).
Questo mese il costo della benzina è schizzato alle stelle.
This month the cost of gas has skyrocketed.
In the feminine form, la costa means the “coast,” that beautiful stretch of land by the sea.
La costa toscana ha dei borghi meravigliosi.
The Tuscan coast has some wonderful little towns.
9. Il Foglio vs La Foglia
Il foglio is a “sheet” of paper, something you write or print on. It can also be used more formally in expressions like foglio illustrativo (instruction leaflet) or foglio di via (expulsion notice).
Ho scritto tutto su questo foglio. Mi raccomando, non perderlo!
I wrote everything on this sheet of paper. Please, don’t lose it!
If we flip the gender, we get la foglia, which means the “leaf.”
Guarda che bella foglia, la conserverò tra le pagine del libro.
Look at this beautiful leaf, I’ll keep it between the pages of the book.
10. Il Gambo vs La Gamba
Il gambo is the “stem” or “stalk” of a plant—think flowers, veggies, or that sad celery stick in your fridge.
Devo tagliare il gambo di queste rose.
I need to cut the stem of these roses.
La gamba, on the other hand, means the “leg,” as in the human limb.
Nonostante siano passati mesi dall’incidente, mi fa ancora male la gamba.
It’s been months since the accident, but my leg still hurts.
11. Il Mento vs La Menta
Il mento is the “chin,” that little part of our face just under the mouth.
Marco ha una deliziosa fossetta sul mento.
Marco has a cute dimple on his chin.
La menta, instead, means “mint”—the fragrant herb that gives a fresh pop to our tea or chewing gum.
La menta è perfetta per dare un tocco di freschezza all’insalata di pomodori.
Mint is perfect for adding a fresh touch to tomato salad.
12. Il Mostro vs La Mostra
Il mostro is the “monster,” the classic under-the-bed nightmare. But it also pops up in a figurative sense, like when someone is incredibly skilled – we might call them un mostro di bravura (literally, “a total beast”… in a good way!).
La leggenda narra di un mostro che vive nei boschi.
Legend has it there’s a monster living in the woods.
The feminine version, la mostra, is a totally different story, meaning “exhibition” or “art show.”
Abbiamo acquistato i biglietti per la nuova mostra a Palazzo Reale.
We bought tickets for the new exhibition at the Royal Palace.
13. Il Pianto vs La Pianta
Il pianto refers to the act of “crying” or “weeping.”
Al primo giorno di asilo, il bambino è scoppiato in un pianto disperato.
On his first day of kindergarten, the child burst into desperate tears.
La pianta, on the other hand, can be our typical houseplant, a tree in the garden, or even a “map” or “floor plan” depending on context.
Ho comprato una bella pianta per mia mamma!
I bought a beautiful plant for my mom!
14. Il Pasto vs La Pasta
Il pasto means the “meal,” referring to food, the time we sit down to eat, and the ritual of eating.
Mi piace fare un pasto leggero a pranzo.
I like to have a light meal for lunch.
Instead, la pasta is that magical, carb-filled delight of Italian cuisine—spaghetti, penne, fusilli, you name it!
Adoro la pasta al pomodoro, è semplice ma deliziosa.
I love pasta with tomato sauce, it’s simple but delicious.
15. Il Porto vs La Porta
Il porto is the “port” or “harbour” where ships dock and goods are loaded and unloaded.
Il porto della città è un luogo davvero affascinante.
The city’s port is a really fascinating place.
Back on dry land, la porta means the “door”.
Vi siete ricordati di chiudere a chiave la porta?
Did you remember to lock the door?
16. Il Punto vs La Punta
Il punto means the “point” —a spot on a map, a moment in time, a detail in your speech, or the main idea of an argument. When you can’t quite grasp what someone is trying to say, you’re missing il punto.
Ho segnato il punto preciso sulla mappa, così se vuoi puoi raggiungermi.
I marked the exact spot on the map, so if you want, you can meet me there.
Change the gender and la punta is the “tip” or “pointy end” of something.
Si è rotta la punta della matita.
The pencil tip broke.
17. Il Suolo vs La Suola
Il suolo means the “soil” or the “ground.”
Il suolo qui è ottimo per coltivare il riso.
The soil here is great for growing rice.
La suola, on the other hand, is the sole of our shoes.
Devo far sistemare la suola di questa scarpa, è tutta consumata.
I need to get the sole of this shoe fixed, it’s completely worn out.
18. Lo Scopo vs La Scopa
Lo scopo is the “purpose,” the “goal,” the why behind our actions.
Lo scopo di questa riunione è discutere l’organizzazione dell’evento clienti di fine anno.
The purpose of this meeting is to talk about the organisation of the end-of-year client event.
On the other hand, la scopa means the “broom,” the classic cleaning tool. And, fun fact, it’s also the name of a traditional Italian card game.
Passami la scopa per favore, devo spazzare il pavimento.
Pass me the broom, please. I need to sweep the floor.
19. Il Tavolo vs La Tavola
Il tavolo is the “table”, as in the actual piece of furniture.
Abbiamo comprato un tavolo nuovo per il salotto.
We bought a new table for the living room.
Change the gender and la tavola still means “table” but in a more figurative sense: it’s the table set and ready for a meal, full of life, conversation, and food.
Ragazzi a tavola, la cena è pronta!
Guys, come to the table, dinner’s ready!
20. Il Testo vs La Testa
Il testo means the “text”, like the words on a page, or those catchy lyrics we just can’t stop humming.
Voglio controllare il testo originale, senza traduzioni.
I want to check the original text, without translations.
On the other hand, la testa means the “head”.
Mettiti in testa che devi studiare!
You need to get it through your head that you have to study!
21. Il Torto vs La Torta
Il torto refers an “injustice,” or simply the state of “being in the wrong.”
Mi spiace signora, ma questa volta ha proprio torto!
I’m sorry, ma’am, but this time you’re definitely wrong!
La torta, however, is something much sweeter: the “cake.”
La torta ricotta e cioccolato di mia nonna è insuperabile!
My grandma’s ricotta and chocolate cake is unbeatable!
22. Il Velo vs La Vela
Il velo means the “veil,” a piece of fabric or covering, often used to hide or conceal something. Think of a bride’s veil or even something that metaphorically hides vision or understanding.
Questa mattina, un velo di nebbia copre la città.
This morning, a veil of fog covers the city.
Change the gender, and la vela takes us to open waters: it means the sail—the large fabric on a boat that catches the wind. More broadly, it can also refer to sailing or a sailboat.
La vela della loro barca si è strappata durante la tempesta.
The sail of their boat tore during the storm.
Words that end with -e
These words don’t change spelling between masculine and feminine forms—just the article in front of them shifts.
23. Il Capitale vs La Capitale
Il capitale is all about money—“capital” in the financial sense.
L’azienda ha bisogno di più capitale per espandersi.
The company needs more capital to expand.
On the other hand, la capitale refers to the “capital city” of a country or region, the big city where all the political action happens.
Roma è la capitale d’Italia.
Rome is the capital of Italy.
24. Il Fine vs La Fine
Il fine means the “aim” or “purpose,” referring to the goal or the intention behind an action.
Il fine di questo progetto è migliorare la qualità della vita in città.
The purpose of this project is to improve the quality of life in town.
La fine means the “end”—the final moment, the last scene, the part where the curtain falls and the credits roll.
La fine del film è stata emozionante!
The end of the movie was so moving!
25. Il Fronte vs La Fronte
Il fronte means the “front,” as in a battlefront, weather front, or any leading edge of action or change.
Purtroppo non arrivano buone notizie dal fronte.
Unfortunately, there’s no good news from the front.
La fronte, instead, means the “forehead.”
Dato che ho la fronte alta, il parrucchiere mi fa sempre la frangia.
Because I’ve got a high forehead, my hairdresser always gives me bangs.
26. Il Volante vs La Volante
Il volante is what we grip when we’re driving: the “steering wheel” of a vehicle.
Ho dovuto chiamare il carro attrezzi perché si è bloccato il volante dell’auto.
I had to call a tow truck because the steering wheel got stuck.
La volante, on the other hand, refers to the “police car,” the type that’s out on the streets keeping an eye on things.
La volante ha arrestato il sospetto.
The police car arrested the suspect.
Other cases
There’a another group of nouns where the feminine form refers to a discipline, while the masculine form refers to the person who studies or works in that specific field.
27. La Chimica vs Il Chimico
La chimica means “chemistry”—both the science that explores how substances interact and transform, and that special spark between people (yep, that kind of chemistry too!)
Sento che c’è una chimica pazzesca con Alessandro!
I feel such amazing chemistry with Alessandro!
Il chimico is the “chemist,” a person who specialises in chemistry, either in a lab, a research facility, or the pharmaceutical industry.
Mio nipote sta studiando per diventare chimico di laboratorio.
My nephew is studying to become a lab chemist.
28. La Fisica vs Il Fisico
La fisica means “physics,” the branch of science that looks at how things like matter, energy, and light work.
A scuola prendevo sempre insufficienze in fisica, odiavo quella materia!
In school, I always got failing grades in physics, I hated that subject!
In the masculine form, il fisico means the “physicist,” the expert who specialises in this field. But it can also mean “physique,” as in someone’s physical build or body type!
Dopo mesi di allenamento, il mio fisico è diventato molto più tonico.
After months of training, my physique has become much more toned.
29. La Matematica vs Il Matematico
La matematica means “mathematics,” the subject that involves numbers, formulas, and logical reasoning.
A mia figlia piace studiare la matematica.
My daughter likes studying mathematics.
Il matematico, on the other hand, is the “mathematician,” a person who specialises in mathematics.
Durante la conferenza, il matematico è riuscito a dimostrare un teorema che sembrava impossibile.
During the conference, the mathematician was able to prove a theorem that seemed impossible.
30. La Medicina vs Il Medico
La medicina refers to the “medicine,” both the science of diagnosing, treating, and preventing illnesses, as well as the actual substances or drugs used to treat diseases.
Mia sorella deve prendere questa medicina tutti i giorni.
My sister has to take this medicine every day.
Switching to the masculine form, il medico is the “doctor,” the professional who practices medicine and helps you get back on your feet.
Domani devo andare dal medico per una visita di controllo.
Tomorrow I have to go to the doctor for a check-up.
31. La Psicologia vs Lo Psicologo
La psicologia means “psychology,” referring both to the scientific study of the mind and, more broadly, to the human psyche.
Elena vuole studiare psicologia all’università.
Elena wants to study psychology at university.
Lo psicologo is the trained professional, the “psychologist.”
Lo psicologo l’ha aiutata in un momento di grande difficoltà.
The psychologist helped her through a really difficult time.
Fruit names
When it comes to fruit in Italian, the masculine form typically refers to the plant or tree, while the feminine version is the actual fruit we eat.
32. Il Ciliegio vs La Ciliegia
Il ciliegio is the “cherry tree,” the plant with the beautiful blossoms that gives us those irresistible little fruits.
Il ciliegio dei miei è carico di fiori.
My parents’ cherry tree is full of blossoms.
La ciliegia, on the other hand, is the “cherry.”
È proprio vero, una ciliegia tira l’altra!
It’s true, once you eat one cherry, you just can’t stop!
33. Il Melo vs La Mela
Il melo means “apple tree.”
Ho piantato un bel melo in giardino.
I planted a nice apple tree in the garden.
La mela is the “apple”—you know, the one that keeps the doctor away!
Mi piace mangiare una mela ogni mattina.
I like to eat an apple every morning.
34. Il Pero vs La Pera
Il pero is the pear tree, and also appears in a popular Italian expression: cascare dal pero, meaning “to act surprised by something obvious” (literally, “to fall from the pear tree”).
Ma che bei fiori che ha questo pero!
The pear tree in my garden has many white flowers.
Instead, la pera is the actual “pear.”
Ho voglia di una bella pera e del formaggio!
I feel like a nice pear and some cheese!
35. Il Pesco vs La Pesca
Il pesco means “peach tree,” the tree that blooms with delicate pink flowers and gives us juicy fruits.
Il pesco che abbiamo piantato l’anno scorso è già cresciuto molto.
The peach tree we planted last year has already grown a lot.
La pesca, instead, is the “peach” — juicy, fragrant, and perfect for a summer dessert. But it also has a second meaning: fishing!
Ho mangiato una buonissima pesca a merenda.
I had a super tasty peach for a snack.
Valentina Nicastro is a travel writer in love with her home country, Italy. Having travelled widely around the globe, she realised there was more to explore closer to home and decided to put the passport aside for a while. When she is not immersed in documenting Italy, you’ll find her donning her communication consultant hat, weaving words as a content writer and bridging linguistic divides as a translator.
