sala giochi
The Italian word for "arcade" is sala giochi.
In Italian, an arcade can be referred to as a covered passage, usually with shops on both sides.
Meaning: covered passage, usually with shops on both sides (noun)
Which one should you use?
Another formal equivalent for "arcade" is Galleria, which refers to a covered walkway with shops and businesses on both sides.
Did you know?
- The word sala is a linguistic relative of the English word 'hall', both stemming from a common Germanic root meaning 'house' or 'large building'.
- If you go to an Italian 'arcade' looking for a single machine, you might be confused to find that sala giochi refers to the entire venue, such as a bowling alley or a gaming center.
- In a domestic context, the word sala can refer to a living room, meaning sala giochi literally translates to 'living room of games'.
Examples in context
- Nel centro storico di Firenze, puoi trovare molte gallerie con negozi caratteristici.In the historical city center of Florence, you can find many arcades with unique shops.
Example conversation
Francesco and Chiara are deciding where to meet for shopping.
- FrancescoDove ci incontriamo per fare shopping?Where shall we meet for shopping?
- ChiaraIncontriamoci nella sala giochi del centro.Let's meet in the downtown arcade.
- FrancescoVa bene, è un posto molto comodo.Alright, it is a very convenient place.
- ChiaraPerfetto, a dopo allora, Francesco!Perfect, see you later then, Francesco!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sala, sala giochi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
