This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 noun 6 min read

costume

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips costume in 30 Seconds

Explanation costume in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know 'costume' in one specific context: the beach. It means 'swimsuit'. You will use it with the verb 'portare' (to bring) or 'mettere' (to put on). It is a masculine noun: 'il costume'. Example: 'Porto il costume per andare al mare.' (I'm bringing my swimsuit to go to the sea). Focus on the physical object you wear to swim.

At A2, you start to see 'costume' in phrases like 'costume da bagno'. You also begin to recognize it in the context of 'costume nazionale' or 'costume tipico' when talking about Italian regions and their traditional clothes. You might learn that it is masculine and ends in -e, so the plural is 'costumi'. You can describe the color or style: 'un costume rosso', 'un costume intero'.

At B1, the word expands into the realm of 'customs' and 'traditions'. You learn the phrase 'usi e costumi' to describe the way people live in a certain place. You also understand its use in 'costume d'epoca' (period costume) for theater or movies. You start to see it in newspapers in the 'Società e Costume' section, which covers lifestyle and social trends.

At B2, you use 'costume' to discuss sociological changes. You can talk about the 'evoluzione dei costumi' (evolution of social habits) in Italy since the 1960s. You understand the nuance between 'abitudine' (personal habit) and 'costume' (social habit). You also recognize the formal term 'buon costume' (public decency) and how it relates to law and morality.

At C1, you use 'costume' with precision in academic or literary contexts. You can analyze 'la commedia di costume', a genre of theater that satirizes social habits. You are comfortable using the word to describe complex social phenomena, such as 'il costume politico' (political culture/habits). You understand the etymological roots and how they influence modern usage.

At C2, the word is a tool for deep cultural analysis. You can discuss 'l'etica e il costume' (ethics and social practice) in philosophical debates. You recognize subtle shifts in meaning in historical texts where 'costume' might refer to 'character' or 'moral fiber'. You use the word effortlessly across all its sartorial, social, and legal dimensions.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

costume in 30 Seconds

Primarily refers to a swimsuit (costume da bagno) in everyday casual Italian conversation.
Represents social customs and collective habits when used in terms like 'usi e costumi'.
Used for theatrical or historical clothing, such as 'costume d'epoca' or 'costume tradizionale'.
A masculine noun (il costume) that is a key term in sociology, fashion, and daily life.

The Italian word costume is a fascinating linguistic bridge between the physical world of clothing and the abstract world of social behavior. At its most basic level, for a beginner, it most frequently refers to what you wear at the beach: the costume da bagno (swimsuit). However, as you progress to a B1 level, you realize that costume is deeply rooted in the Latin 'consuetudo', meaning habit or custom. It describes the collective habits, traditions, and moral standards of a society.

The Sartorial Context: In the world of fashion and theater, it refers to specific attire. A 'costume d'epoca' is a period costume, while 'costume nazionale' refers to traditional folk dress. Unlike the English word 'costume' used for Halloween, Italians use 'maschera' or 'travestimento' for disguises, though 'costume' is acceptable in theatrical contexts.

Durante il Carnevale di Venezia, ogni costume racconta una storia secolare di eleganza e mistero.

The Sociological Context: When used in the plural, 'i costumi', it often refers to the 'mores' or moral customs of a people. You might hear about a 'cambiamento dei costumi' (a change in social habits) referring to how dating or family life has evolved over decades. It is a word that carries the weight of history and the fluidity of fashion.

Il costume di mangiare insieme la domenica è ancora molto forte in Italia.

Etymological Nuance: The word shares a root with 'custom' in English. In Italian, it evolved to mean both the 'habitual way of dressing' and the 'habitual way of acting'. This duality is why a 'costume' is both something you put on your body and something you 'wear' as a member of a culture.

Using costume correctly requires understanding its gender (masculine) and its various meanings in context. In daily life, you will likely use it most in the summer.

Practical Usage: Summer: 'Ho dimenticato il mio costume da bagno a casa!' (I forgot my swimsuit at home!). Notice how 'da bagno' specifies the type, though in casual conversation, 'costume' alone is sufficient if the context is the sea or a pool.

Ti piace il mio nuovo costume intero?

Abstract Usage: Traditions: When referring to customs, it often appears in the fixed phrase 'usi e costumi'. For example: 'Dobbiamo rispettare gli usi e i costumi locali' (We must respect local habits and customs). Here, it is almost always plural.

È un costume diffuso in questa regione.

Theatrical Usage: In the arts, a 'costumista' is a costume designer. You would say: 'I costumi di questo film sono stati premiati con l'Oscar' (The costumes of this movie were awarded an Oscar).

L'attore ha indossato un costume del Settecento.

You will encounter costume in diverse settings, from the mundane to the intellectual. At an Italian beach club (stabilimento balneare), the word is ubiquitous. You'll hear parents telling children: 'Mettiti il costume!' or friends asking: 'Hai portato il costume?'. In this context, it is purely functional.

Media and Journalism: Turn on an Italian news program like TG1 or TG5, and you might see a segment labeled 'Società e Costume'. This section covers lifestyle, fashion, celebrity news, and shifts in public behavior. It differentiates these 'lighter' topics from 'politica' or 'cronaca nera' (crime news).

La rivista analizza il costume dell'Italia moderna.

Historical Festivals: Italy is famous for its 'Sagre' and 'Palii' (historical races). During the Palio di Siena, for example, the 'corteo storico' (historical parade) features participants in 'costume tradizionale'. Here, 'costume' evokes pride and historical continuity.

Sfilavano tutti in costume rinascimentale.

Academic and Legal Contexts: In legal terms, 'buon costume' refers to public decency or morality. An act 'contrario al buon costume' is something considered indecent or offensive to public morals. This is a very formal use of the word.

The most frequent mistake for English speakers is the 'False Friend' trap regarding Halloween or costume parties. In English, you 'wear a costume' to a party. In Italian, if you say 'Indosso un costume per la festa', an Italian might think you are wearing a swimsuit or a 17th-century theatrical outfit.

Halloween vs. Costume: For a fancy dress party, use 'travestimento' (disguise) or 'maschera' (mask/character). 'Mi travesto da pirata' (I'm dressing up as a pirate) is more natural than 'Indosso un costume da pirata', though the latter is becoming more common due to English influence.

Non è un costume, è un travestimento per Carnevale.

Gender Confusion: Because it ends in -e, some learners mistake it for feminine. It is 'IL costume' (masculine). Saying 'la costume' is a common error. Always pair it with masculine adjectives: 'un costume bello', not 'una costume bella'.

I costumi sessuali sono cambiati molto.

Overusing 'Costume da Bagno': While 'costume da bagno' is correct, Italians often drop 'da bagno' in context. Keeping the full phrase every time can make you sound a bit overly formal or like a textbook. At the beach, just say 'costume'.

To enrich your vocabulary, it is essential to know when to use costume and when to opt for a synonym.

Costume vs. Abitudine: 'Abitudine' is a personal habit (e.g., smoking, waking up early). 'Costume' is a social or collective habit. You have an 'abitudine', but a society has a 'costume'.

È mia abitudine correre, ma è un costume locale fare la siesta.

Costume vs. Tradizione: A 'tradizione' is something passed down through generations. A 'costume' can be a current social trend or a long-standing custom. They often overlap, but 'tradizione' implies a longer historical tail.

La tradizione del Natale include molti costumi regionali.

Costume vs. Divisa: 'Divisa' or 'uniforme' is used for professional clothing (police, school). 'Costume' is never used for a modern work uniform.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Il rilassamento dei costumi preoccupa le autorità."

Neutral

"Hai portato il costume per la piscina?"

Informal

"Che bel costume! Dove l'hai preso?"

Child friendly

"Metti il costume, andiamo a fare il bagno!"

Slang

"È proprio un malcostume quello di arrivare sempre in ritardo."

Fun Fact

The word 'costume' and 'custom' share the exact same Latin ancestor. In Italian, it eventually specialized to also mean the clothes that represent those customs.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /koˈstume/

US /koʊˈstumeɪ/

Second syllable (cos-TU-me).

Rhymes With

fume lume fiume piume volume bitume acume legume

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'e' as a silent letter (it must be heard).
Confusing the 'u' with an 'o' sound.
Stress on the first syllable.
Making the 's' sound like a 'z'.
Over-emphasizing the 't'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to its similarity to the English word 'custom' and 'costume'.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the masculine gender and when to use 'da bagno'.

Speaking 2/5

Simple pronunciation, but don't forget the final 'e'.

Listening 2/5

Commonly used in many contexts, usually clear from the situation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

mare vestito abitudine bagno portare

Learn Next

costumista tradizione usanza travestimento maschera

Advanced

consuetudine etnocentrismo antropologia moralità sartoria

Grammar to Know

Masculine nouns in -e

Il costume / I costumi

Preposition 'da' for purpose

Costume da bagno (Costume for bathing)

Adjective agreement

Il costume rosso / I costumi rossi

Definite articles

Il costume (singular) / I costumi (plural)

Compound nouns

Il malcostume (bad habit)

Examples by Level

Hai il costume?

Do you have your swimsuit?

Masculine singular noun.

Il mio costume è blu.

My swimsuit is blue.

Subject + verb + adjective agreement.

Metto il costume.

I'm putting on my swimsuit.

Present tense of 'mettere'.

Dov'è il costume da bagno?

Where is the swimsuit?

Question with 'dove'.

Compro un costume nuovo.

I'm buying a new swimsuit.

Indefinite article 'un'.

Il costume è bagnato.

The swimsuit is wet.

Adjective 'bagnato' agrees with 'costume'.

Non ho il costume.

I don't have my swimsuit.

Negative sentence.

Porta il costume!

Bring your swimsuit!

Imperative form.

In questa regione usano il costume tipico.

In this region, they use the typical costume.

Adjective 'tipico' modifying 'costume'.

Mi piace questo costume intero.

I like this one-piece swimsuit.

Demonstrative adjective 'questo'.

I costumi da bagno sono in saldo.

The swimsuits are on sale.

Plural form 'i costumi'.

Lui indossa un costume tradizionale.

He is wearing a traditional costume.

Verb 'indossare' (to wear).

Abbiamo visto molti costumi colorati.

We saw many colorful costumes.

Past tense 'abbiamo visto'.

È un vecchio costume di famiglia.

It is an old family costume.

Adjective 'vecchio' before the noun.

Il costume sardo è molto bello.

The Sardinian costume is very beautiful.

Proper adjective 'sardo'.

Quanti costumi hai?

How many swimsuits do you have?

Interrogative 'quanti'.

Dobbiamo conoscere gli usi e i costumi locali.

We must know the local habits and customs.

Fixed phrase 'usi e costumi'.

Il film ha vinto un premio per i migliori costumi.

The film won an award for the best costumes.

Plural noun in a professional context.

È un costume antico che non si usa più.

It's an ancient custom that is no longer used.

Reflexive 'si usa'.

La costumista sta preparando gli abiti per lo spettacolo.

The costume designer is preparing the clothes for the show.

Related noun 'costumista'.

In Italia, il costume della siesta sta scomparendo.

In Italy, the custom of the siesta is disappearing.

Abstract meaning of 'habit'.

Questo costume d'epoca è molto pesante.

This period costume is very heavy.

Phrase 'd'epoca'.

Ogni popolo ha il suo costume nazionale.

Every people has its national costume.

Possessive 'suo'.

Seguo la rubrica di costume sul giornale.

I follow the lifestyle column in the newspaper.

Noun used as a modifier.

La rivoluzione sessuale ha cambiato i costumi della società.

The sexual revolution changed society's customs.

Plural noun referring to social mores.

È un'azione contraria al buon costume.

It is an action contrary to public decency.

Formal legal phrase 'buon costume'.

Il libro analizza il costume degli italiani nel dopoguerra.

The book analyzes the habits of Italians in the post-war period.

Singular noun as a collective concept.

Non è solo moda, è una questione di costume.

It's not just fashion, it's a matter of social custom.

Contrast between 'moda' and 'costume'.

I costumi teatrali devono essere fedeli alla storia.

Theatrical costumes must be faithful to history.

Adjective 'fedeli' plural.

L'evoluzione del costume influenza l'arte.

The evolution of social habits influences art.

Abstract subject.

Hanno studiato i costumi delle tribù amazzoniche.

They studied the customs of Amazonian tribes.

Scientific/Anthropological context.

Il malcostume politico è un problema serio.

Political corruption/bad habits are a serious problem.

Compound word 'malcostume'.

La commedia di costume di Goldoni critica la nobiltà.

Goldoni's comedy of manners criticizes the nobility.

Literary term 'commedia di costume'.

Si nota un rilassamento dei costumi negli ultimi anni.

A loosening of social mores is noted in recent years.

Formal noun phrase.

Il saggio esplora il nesso tra legge e costume.

The essay explores the link between law and custom.

Abstract philosophical usage.

È un costume radicato nella nostra cultura.

It is a custom rooted in our culture.

Adjective 'radicato' (rooted).

La censura intervenne per difendere il buon costume.

Censorship intervened to defend public morality.

Historical/Legal context.

I costumi di scena erano sontuosi e dettagliati.

The stage costumes were sumptuous and detailed.

Sartorial precision.

Il costume sociale imponeva regole rigide.

Social custom imposed rigid rules.

Subject 'costume' with verb 'imporre'.

Analizziamo il costume mediatico contemporaneo.

Let's analyze contemporary media habits.

Modern sociological context.

L'opera riflette il costume morale dell'epoca.

The work reflects the moral character of the era.

High-level literary analysis.

Non possiamo prescindere dal costume del tempo.

We cannot ignore the customs of the time.

Verb 'prescindere' (to disregard).

Il travestimento non va confuso con il costume storico.

Disguise should not be confused with historical costume.

Nuanced distinction.

L'indagine sul costume rivela verità scomode.

The investigation into social habits reveals uncomfortable truths.

Journalistic/Investigative tone.

Il concetto di 'buon costume' è soggetto a interpretazione.

The concept of 'public decency' is subject to interpretation.

Legal philosophy.

I costumi si evolvono parallelamente alla tecnologia.

Customs evolve in parallel with technology.

Adverb 'parallelamente'.

Vico sosteneva che il costume precedesse la legge.

Vico argued that custom preceded law.

Subjunctive mood 'precedesse'.

La deriva dei costumi preoccupa i conservatori.

The drift of social mores worries conservatives.

Metaphorical use of 'deriva'.

Common Collocations

costume da bagno

usi e costumi

costume d'epoca

buon costume

costume intero

costume tradizionale

cambio di costume

costume sociale

costume nazionale

cronaca di costume

Common Phrases

È un costume diffuso

— It is a widespread habit or practice.

È un costume diffuso mangiare fuori il sabato.

Contrario al buon costume

— Offensive to public decency or morals.

Quel comportamento è contrario al buon costume.

In costume da bagno

— Wearing a swimsuit.

Siamo tutti in costume da bagno.

Costume di scena

— A costume worn by a performer.

Il costume di scena era troppo stretto.

Usi e costumi locali

— Local habits and traditions.

Rispettate gli usi e i costumi locali.

Fare costume

— To create a trend or habit (literary).

Questo libro ha fatto costume.

Affari e costume

— Business and lifestyle (news section).

Leggo sempre la pagina di affari e costume.

Costume a due pezzi

— A two-piece swimsuit (bikini).

Cerca un costume a due pezzi.

Perdere il costume

— To lose one's habits or morals.

La società sta perdendo il costume.

Costume tipico

— Typical regional dress.

Indossano il costume tipico per la festa.

Often Confused With

costume vs Maschera

Used for Halloween or Carnival masks/characters, while 'costume' is for swimming or history.

costume vs Vestito

A general dress or suit, whereas 'costume' is specialized.

costume vs Abitudine

A personal habit, while 'costume' is a social habit.

Idioms & Expressions

"Usi e costumi"

— The overall traditions and habits of a place.

Ogni paese ha i suoi usi e costumi.

neutral

"Offesa al buon costume"

— A legal term for public indecency.

È stato arrestato per offesa al buon costume.

formal

"Società e costume"

— A category of news regarding social life and trends.

Mi piace la rubrica 'Società e Costume'.

neutral

"Commedia di costume"

— A play satirizing social classes and habits.

Goldoni è il maestro della commedia di costume.

literary

"Malcostume"

— Bad habits, often referring to corruption or lack of ethics.

Il malcostume politico rovina il paese.

neutral

"Rilassamento dei costumi"

— A decline in moral standards or social rules.

Molti criticano il rilassamento dei costumi moderni.

formal

"In costume"

— Dressed in a specific (often historical) way.

Eravamo tutti in costume per la rievocazione.

neutral

"Fare costume"

— To influence the social behavior of a generation.

Quel film ha fatto costume negli anni '60.

literary

"Costume d'epoca"

— Clothing from a specific historical period.

Affittiamo un costume d'epoca per il ballo.

neutral

"Costume da bagno"

— The standard term for swimwear.

Non dimenticare il costume da bagno!

neutral

Easily Confused

costume vs Costume

Sounds like 'Custom' and 'Costume' in English.

In Italian, it covers both meanings but specifically refers to swimsuits, which English 'costume' rarely does alone.

Il costume da bagno (swimsuit) vs. I costumi sociali (customs).

costume vs Completo

Both refer to a set of clothes.

Completo is a business suit; costume is a swimsuit or historical dress.

Indosso un completo per l'ufficio.

costume vs Divisa

Both are specific types of clothing.

Divisa is a uniform (police, school); costume is for theater, swimming, or tradition.

La divisa dei carabinieri.

costume vs Uso

Often paired with costume.

Uso is the act of using something; costume is the tradition behind it.

L'uso del telefono vs. Il costume di salutare.

costume vs Abito

General word for clothes.

Abito is more formal/general; costume is specific to swimming or performance.

Un abito da sposa.

Sentence Patterns

Io ho un costume [colore].

Io ho un costume rosso.

Mi piace il costume [tipo].

Mi piace il costume intero.

È un costume tipico di [luogo].

È un costume tipico di Venezia.

Secondo il costume del tempo, [azione].

Secondo il costume del tempo, le donne non uscivano sole.

Il rilassamento dei costumi ha portato a [conseguenza].

Il rilassamento dei costumi ha portato a nuove libertà.

L'opera è una satira dei costumi [aggettivo].

L'opera è una satira dei costumi borghesi.

Porto il costume per [verbo].

Porto il costume per nuotare.

Dov'è il costume di [persona]?

Dov'è il costume di Marco?

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in summer; high in cultural/sociological contexts.

Common Mistakes

La costume → Il costume
The word is masculine, even though it ends in -e.
Indosso un costume per Halloween → Indosso un travestimento per Halloween
In Italian, 'costume' is rarely used for party disguises.
È il mio costume fumare → È mia abitudine fumare
'Costume' is for social habits, 'abitudine' is for personal ones.
Un costume da uomo → Un completo da uomo
Don't use 'costume' for a business suit.
I costumi sono bagnata → I costumi sono bagnati
The adjective must be masculine plural to match 'costumi'.

Tips

Gender Check

Always remember 'costume' is masculine. 'Il costume' is correct. This is a common mistake for beginners who think -e words are feminine.

Beach Ready

In summer, 'costume' almost always means swimsuit. If you're at a shop, just ask: 'Vorrei un costume'.

Theater Talk

If you are at the opera or a play, 'costumi' refers to the amazing outfits the actors are wearing.

Social Trends

Use 'costume' when discussing how society has changed, for example, 'il cambiamento dei costumi' regarding technology.

Formal Italian

In very formal or old texts, 'buon costume' refers to the moral standards of the public.

The 'Custom' Link

Link 'costume' to 'custom'. A 'costume' is the 'customary' thing to wear at the beach!

Plural Power

The plural 'costumi' is very common. Use it when talking about multiple swimsuits or multiple social habits.

Compound Words

Learn 'malcostume'. It's a great word for 'corruption' or 'bad social habits'.

Latin Roots

Knowing it comes from 'consuetudo' helps you understand why it means both clothing and habits.

Clear Vowels

Italian vowels are pure. Make sure the 'o', 'u', and 'e' in 'costume' are distinct and clear.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Custom' you 'Wear'. You wear a 'Costume' to the beach, and you 'wear' the 'Customs' of your country.

Visual Association

Picture a person in a 17th-century dress (costume) standing on a beach with a modern swimsuit (costume) holding a book about social habits (costume).

Word Web

beach swimsuit tradition habit theater history fashion society

Challenge

Try to use 'costume' in three different sentences today: one about swimming, one about a tradition, and one about a movie.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'consuetudo', which means habit, usage, or custom. It evolved into the Old French 'costume' and then into Italian.

Original meaning: A habitual practice or way of behaving.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

Be careful with 'buon costume'; it can sound a bit old-fashioned or moralistic in modern slang.

English speakers often use 'costume' for Halloween, but in Italy, that is a 'travestimento'.

I costumi di Danilo Donati (famous Oscar-winning costume designer). La rubrica 'Costume e Società' on RAI news. Goldoni's 'Commedie di costume'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the beach

Dov'è il mio costume?
Mi metto il costume.
Hai un costume di ricambio?
Costume intero o bikini?

Discussing history

In costume d'epoca.
I costumi del Seicento.
Un costume tradizionale.
La sfilata in costume.

Talking about habits

Gli usi e i costumi.
Un costume locale.
Il cambiamento dei costumi.
È un vecchio costume.

Theater/Film

La costumista è brava.
I costumi di scena.
Un cambio di costume.
Premio per i migliori costumi.

Journalism

Cronaca di costume.
Società e costume.
Un pezzo di costume.
Analisi del costume.

Conversation Starters

"Ti piace indossare il costume tradizionale della tua regione?"

"Qual è il costume (abitudine) più strano che hai visto in Italia?"

"Hai già comprato il costume da bagno per quest'estate?"

"Pensi che i costumi sociali siano cambiati troppo velocemente?"

"Quale film ha i migliori costumi d'epoca secondo te?"

Journal Prompts

Descrivi un costume tradizionale del tuo paese e quando viene indossato.

Rifletti su come i costumi della tua famiglia sono diversi da quelli dei tuoi amici.

Hai mai indossato un costume d'epoca? Racconta l'esperienza.

Qual è il tuo 'costume da bagno' preferito e perché ti fa sentire a tuo agio?

Discuti un 'malcostume' che vorresti vedere sparire nella società moderna.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

While people will understand you, it's more natural to use 'travestimento' or 'maschera'. 'Costume' is usually for swimming or historical dress.

'Costume intero' is a one-piece swimsuit, while 'bikini' (or 'costume a due pezzi') is a two-piece.

It is masculine: 'il costume', 'un costume', 'i costumi'.

It refers to the traditions, habits, and social rules of a specific group or place.

No, for a man's business suit, use 'completo' or 'abito'.

A person who designs or manages costumes for a theater, film, or television production.

You say 'costume da bagno', or simply 'costume' if the context is clear.

It's a formal term meaning 'public decency' or 'social morality', often used in legal contexts.

Yes, but it refers to a collective social habit, not a personal one (which is 'abitudine').

It's a type of journalism that focuses on social trends, fashion, and lifestyle.