posacenere
/ˌpɔ.zaˈt͡ʃe.ne.re/
The English phrase "ashtray" is translated into Italian as posacenere. Wiktionary also lists portacenere.
Meaning: receptacle for ashes (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| posacenere | /ˌpɔ.zaˈt͡ʃe.ne.re/ /ˌpɔ.saˈt͡ʃe.ne.re/ |
|
| portacenere | /ˌpɔr.taˈt͡ʃe.ne.re/ | masculine |
Both posacenere and portacenere are used to describe a receptacle for ashes.
What does it mean word for word?
The word posacenere is a compound formed from the verb posare, meaning "to put" or "to place" and the noun cenere, meaning "ash". Literally, it translates to "ash-put-thing".
How does it change in a sentence?
portacenere is masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌpɔ.zaˈtʃe.ne.re/. The word has 5 syllables and the stress is on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word cenere refers to both the ash in a posacenere and the 'ash Wednesday' service in the Catholic church.
- The component cenere shares a distant linguistic ancestor with the English word 'cinder', linking the two languages through their Indo-European roots.
- The word cenere is also used poetically in Italian literature to refer to the remains of a burnt-out passion or a lost flame.
Examples in context
- Mi serve un posacenere.I need an ashtray.This sentence shows how to express needing an ashtray using posacenere.Tatoeba #3525331 by Guybrush88, translation #22144 by CK
- Tom svuotò il posacenere.Tom emptied the ashtray.This sentence describes the action of emptying an ashtray using posacenere.Tatoeba #13544736 by Guybrush88, translation #13025405 by CK
- Ho rotto il tuo posacenere.I broke your ashtray.This sentence is useful for expressing that you have broken someone's ashtray using posacenere.Tatoeba #3525315 by Guybrush88, translation #22143 by CK
- Potrei avere un posacenere, per favore?Could I have an ashtray, please?
- Mi passi la ceneriera, per favore?Can you pass me the ashtray, please?
- Scusi, c'è un posacenere qui vicino?Excuse me, is there an ashtray nearby?
- Per cortesia, potrei avere un posacenere?Could I please have an ashtray?
- Mi dispiace, non ho trovato il posacenere.I'm sorry, I didn't find the ashtray.
- Ricorda di vuotare la ceneriera dopo la festa.Remember to empty the ashtray after the party.
- Nel ristorante c'era un posacenere su ogni tavolo.There was an ashtray on every table in the restaurant.
- 37 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Matteo are sitting at a cafe terrace.
- GiuliaPuoi portarmi un posacenere, per favore?Can you bring me an ashtray, please?
- MatteoCerto, lo chiedo subito al cameriere.Sure, I will ask the waiter immediately.
- GiuliaGrazie, Matteo.Thanks, Matteo.
- MatteoDi nulla, Giulia.You're welcome, Giulia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ashtray” translations and entries posacenere, portacenere, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
