interno

Interno is an Italian term that functions as both a noun and an adjective. In its core sense, it denotes the interior or inside of something, as opposed to the exterior. It is widely used in everyday language to describe interior spaces, such as l’interno di una casa (the interior of a house) or lo spazio interno (the inner space), as well as internal parts and components in objects, vehicles, and architecture.

Etymology and grammar: Interno derives from the Latin internus, meaning inside or internal. The masculine singular form is interno, while the feminine singular is interna. The masculine plural is interni and the feminine plural is interne, with agreement in gender and number when modifying a noun or standing in for a category of interior elements. As an adjective, it can pair with nouns to indicate position or relation to the inside, for example, spazio interno or funzione interna, and it can describe something internal in a broader sense.

As a proper noun, Interno may appear in titles, brand names, or organizational names, where capitalization signals a distinct reference rather than a generic use of the Italian word. Because it is also a common noun, its appearance in a text might require context to determine whether it refers to interior matters or to a specific name.

See also: interior, internal, interno (Italian).