Consiglio

Consiglio is an Italian noun with two principal senses: advice and council. It derives from the Latin consilium, meaning plan, guidance, or deliberation. In everyday language it can refer to guidance given by someone (un consiglio) or to a suggestion that helps someone decide what to do. The plural form, consigli, can indicate multiple pieces of advice or, more broadly, recommendations.

As guidance, consiglio denotes the act of advising. Phrases such as dare un consiglio (to give advice) and seguire un consiglio (to follow a piece of advice) are common. Un consiglio utile describes practical or helpful guidance. The term also forms part of related words, including consigliere (an advisor or council member) and consulenza (consulting or advisory service).

As a noun for a deliberative body, consiglio refers to a formal assembly or governing board. Typical instances include consiglio comunale (city council), consiglio regionale (regional council), and Consiglio dei ministri (cabinet). In these senses, a council is a group charged with deliberating and making or shaping policy, sometimes endowed with statutory powers or responsibilities.

A related term, concilio, exists with a different meaning and usage, usually describing a formal assembly, particularly in religious contexts (for example, ecumenical councils). Although etymologically connected to consiglio, concilio is not interchangeable in standard Italian.

Overall, consiglio covers everyday advice as well as formal organizational bodies, reflecting its broad role in communication and governance.