rado

sparse

adjective RAH-doh Rare

Origin: From Latin rarus (thin, scattered).

Also means

rare

Usage Note

Rado is most commonly used in di rado ('rarely, seldom') — a fixed adverbial phrase equivalent to raramente. As a standalone adjective it means sparse or thin: capelli radi (sparse/thinning hair), una foresta rada (a sparse forest). The seed POS 'noun' appears to be an error — rado functions as an adjective (and in di rado, as part of an adverbial phrase).

Examples

"Di rado mangio carne rossa."

Natural Translation

I rarely eat red meat.

Literal Translation

Of-rare I-eat meat red.

Related Words

Explore Italian by topic

ItalianNow

Italian Noun Gender: Rules, Endings & Exceptions

Italian noun gender decoded: -o is usually masculine, -a feminine, but -zione and -tà are feminine, -ore and -ma masculine. Plus the trap words to memorize.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

Mi Piace vs Mi Piacciono: How to Say 'I Like'

Use mi piace for one thing and mi piacciono for many — because in Italian the thing you like is the subject. The full rule, pronouns, and past tense.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

You're Welcome in Italian: 8 Ways Beyond Prego

You're welcome in Italian is more than prego: say figurati to friends, si figuri to strangers, di niente, non c'è di che, or grazie a te. Pick the right one.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

ItalianNow

Essere vs Avere: Italian Past Tense Made Simple

In the passato prossimo, use avere for most verbs and essere for movement, change, and reflexives — plus the agreement trap English speakers always miss.

June 5, 2026 5 min read