Learn How to Pronounce Claudia Cardinale | YouPronounce.it

How to Pronounce Claudia Cardinale

Quick Answer: In Italian, the name Claudia Cardinale is pronounced [ˈklaudja kardiˈnaːle].
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)

Meaning and Context

Claudia Cardinale, born Claude Joséphine Rose Cardinale in Tunis in 1938, is an iconic Italian actress and a defining symbol of European cinema's golden age. Her career, spanning over six decades, is a testament to her remarkable versatility and magnetic screen presence. Cardinale rose to international stardom through her collaborations with legendary directors, delivering an unforgettable performance as Jill McBain in Sergio Leone's epic spaghetti western 'Once Upon a Time in the West' (1968) and captivating audiences as Claudia in Federico Fellini's surreal masterpiece '8½' (1963). Beyond these pinnacles, her filmography includes seminal works like Luchino Visconti's 'The Leopard' (1963) and 'Rocco and His Brothers' (1960), solidifying her status as a muse of Italian auteur cinema. While she achieved fame in Hollywood films such as 'The Pink Panther' (1963) and 'Blindfold' (1965), her heart remained in Italian movies, where she portrayed a wide range of complex, often strong-willed characters. Claudia Cardinale's enduring legacy is that of one of the most accomplished and stunning Italian actresses of the 20th century, whose work continues to be celebrated for its depth, elegance, and undeniable power.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The name Claudia Cardinale is generally spelled consistently, but common errors arise from anglicized pronunciation and keyboard slips. The most frequent typo is "Claudia Cardinal," dropping the final "e," which incorrectly translates the surname to the English word for a high-ranking Catholic priest or a type of bird. Another common misspelling is "Claudia Cardinale" with a single "n," though the correct Italian spelling uses a double "n." Occasionally, her first name is misspelled as "Claudie" or "Claudio." In her early career, she was sometimes billed under the French spelling "Claude Cardinale," reflecting her Tunisian birthplace, but the Italian "Claudia" became and remains the standard. Fans and writers should also note the proper Italian pronunciation, which emphasizes the penultimate syllable: car-dee-NAH-leh.

Example Sentences

Film scholars often cite Claudia Cardinale's performance in 'The Leopard' as a masterclass in conveying quiet resilience amidst social upheaval.

For many cinephiles, her entrance in 'Once Upon a Time in the West,' arriving at the remote train station of Flagstone, is one of the most iconic moments in the western genre.

Despite numerous offers from Hollywood, Cardinale always prioritized working with visionary European directors who offered her more substantive roles.

In interviews, the actress has reflected on how her distinctive, husky voice—which was initially dubbed in her earliest Italian films—became one of her most recognizable and beloved traits.

Today, Claudia Cardinale is celebrated not only for her film legacy but also for her longstanding advocacy for women's rights and UNESCO goodwill ambassador work.

Related Pronunciations

📂 Browse all words in the French Actors and Directors category ➔