tristezza

sadness

noun tree-STETS-tsah Rare

Usage Note

Tristezza is the general noun for sadness or melancholy, from the adjective triste (sad). The related verb rattristare means 'to sadden', and rattristarsi (with essere) means 'to become sad'. The opposite is allegria (cheerfulness, joy).

Examples

"La tristezza si leggeva sul suo viso."

Natural Translation

Sadness could be read on his face.

Literal Translation

The sadness itself-read on-the his face.

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