Italian · Nature, Animals & Weather

"Does it bite?" in Italian: Morde?

Morde?

Say it: MOR-dehphrase/ˈmor.de/

Does it bite in Italian is Morde? Ask before petting a dog or approaching an unknown animal. Soften with scusa if needed.

Neighbor's dog

Posso accarezzarlo? Morde?
Can I pet him? Does it bite?
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How to pronounce Morde?

Say it

MOR-deh

/ˈmor.de/

Morde: MOR-deh. Open o; soft e.

"Does it bite?" in Italian: quick reference

ItalianEnglish
Morde?Does it bite?

Default.

morde se lo tocco?does it bite if I touch it?

Before petting.

non mordeit doesn't bite

Owner reassurance.

ha mai morso?has it ever bitten?

Stronger caution.

How to use Morde? in real life

  1. 1Neighbor's dog

    Posso accarezzarlo? Morde?

    Can I pet him? Does it bite?

    Polite check.

  2. 2Farm visit

    Quel cane liberomorde?

    That free-roaming dog… does it bite?

    Caution.

  3. 3Kids approaching

    Aspettamorde o è buono?

    Wait—does it bite or is it friendly?

    Parent line.

Mistakes English speakers make with Morde?

Incorrect: Bite?

Correct: Morde?

Use the Italian verb form.

Incorrect: Mordere lui?

Correct: Morde?

Third-person present: morde.

Good to know

Italians ask Morde? before touching dogs in courtyards and parks. Owners often answer no, è buono. Still wait for a clear invitation—some dogs wear muzzles on transit for rules, not aggression.

Try it in a ChatPal conversation

Meeting a friend's energetic puppy

  1. ChatPal

    Vuoi salutarlo?

    Want to say hi?

  2. You

    Carinomorde?

    Cute… does it bite?

  3. ChatPal

    Nonon morde, solo lecca.

    No—it doesn't bite, it only licks.

  4. You

    Ok, allora gli do tante coccole.

    Ok, then I'll give it lots of pets.

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"Does it bite?" in other languages

FAQ

Common questions about "Does it bite?" in Italian

Exact word?

Morde?

Before touching?

Morde se lo tocco?

Owner answer?

Non morde.

Stronger?

Ha mai morso?

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