cuore
/หkwษหre/
Definition
The organ in your chest that pumps blood; also used to mean the emotional center of a person, like "heart" in English.
Example
Lei ha un cuore generoso e aiuta tutti.
Show translation
She has a generous heart and helps everyone.
Etymology
From Latin *cor* (genitive *cordis*), meaning "heart." The same root gives English "cordial," "accord," and "courage" โ all words once tied to the heart as the seat of feeling and bravery.
Cultural note
In Italian culture, *cuore* carries enormous emotional weight beyond anatomy. Phrases like *di buon cuore* ("good-hearted"), *con tutto il cuore* ("with all my heart"), and *stare a cuore* ("to matter deeply") are everyday expressions. Italy's most beloved children's novel is even titled *Cuore* (1886, by Edmondo De Amicis). Be careful not to confuse *cuore* with the Spanish false friend *corazรณn* โ both mean "heart," but they are not interchangeable across languages.