capoluogo

provincial capital

noun kah-poh-LWOH-goh Less Common

Origin: Compound of capo (head) + luogo (place)

Usage Note

Capoluogo is specific to the Italian administrative system: it is the main city (capoluogo di provincia or capoluogo di regione) that serves as the seat of a province or region. The plural is capoluoghi. There is no direct English equivalent; 'county seat' is the closest approximation.

Examples

"Milano è il capoluogo della Lombardia."

Natural Translation

Milan is the regional capital of Lombardy.

Free starter pack

Building your Italian vocabulary?

Get the 100 most common Italian words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.

Related Words

Explore Italian by topic

ItalianNow

Essential Italian Travel Phrases (With Vorrei)

Vorrei means I would like — the politest, most useful Italian travel phrase. Learn five reusable frames to order, ask prices, and find your way in Italy.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

Italian Numbers 1 to 100: Count Like a Local

Learn Italian numbers 1 to 100 by mastering 0-20, the tens, and 3 spelling rules so you can generate any number from ventuno to novantanove on demand.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

Italian Adjective Agreement & Placement Made Simple

Italian adjectives agree in gender and number and usually sit after the noun. Master the -o/-a/-i/-e endings, the BAGS rule, and meaning-shifting pairs.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

Ti Amo vs Ti Voglio Bene: I Love You in Italian

Ti amo is romantic love; ti voglio bene is tender affection for family and close friends. Here's exactly who to say each phrase to in Italian.

June 5, 2026 5 min read