motto

noun MOHT-toh Rare

Origin: Italian motto from Latin muttum (a grunt, a word)

Also means

maxim

Usage Note

Motto is a masculine noun and its plural is motti. In Italian it also carries the older sense of a witty saying or bon mot, so un motto di spirito means a witticism, not just an official slogan. Do not confuse with the English false-friend 'mote' (a particle of dust), which has no connection.

Examples

"Il loro motto è 'forza e coraggio'."

Natural Translation

Their motto is 'strength and courage'.

Related Words

Explore Italian by topic

ItalianNow

Italian Prepositions: A, In, Di, Da, Su Made Simple

Cities take a, countries take in, origin is di, agents are da. Master the five Italian prepositions a, in, di, da, su and their contractions fast.

June 5, 2026 6 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

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

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