secondo

Secondo is an Italian term that functions as an adjective, noun, and adverb, meaning generally “second” or “following.” It agrees in gender with the noun it describes: secondo (masculine) and seconda (feminine). It can indicate order, position, or a sequence in time, space, or logic.

As an ordinal and in time expressions, secondo is used to mark sequence or timing. Phrases include il secondo giorno (the second day), la seconda volta (the second time), and piano secondo (second floor). In timekeeping, the noun form un secondo denotes a unit of time equal to one sixtieth of a minute.

In cooking, il secondo piatto refers to the main course served after the primo piatto. The term is common in Italian menus and culinary writing, where the secondo is typically a meat or fish dish, sometimes accompanied by vegetables or starches.

In music, secondo designates a secondary voice or part. It may refer to the second violin (secondo violino) or to a part in a duet or ensemble that is not the primary line. In score notation, the secondo line is contrasted with the primo line from the Italian terms used historically in vocal and instrumental ensembles.

In general usage, secondo can also mean “according to.” In expressions such as secondo te (in your opinion) or secondo X, it introduces a source or viewpoint. The term appears widely in Italian-language texts and is used occasionally in English contexts when referring to Italian cuisine, music, or time expressions.