carta bancomat
The English phrase 'bank card' is translated into Italian as carta bancomat.
In everyday Italian, people almost always use carta bancomat to refer to a bank card, even if the card is technically a credit card or a debit card from a specific bank.
Meaning: card issued by a bank (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is a compound of carta (card) and bancomat, which is a common Italian term for an automated teller machine (ATM).
Which one should you use?
While carta bancomat is used generically for any bank card, carta di credito specifically refers to a credit card that allows you to spend money you do not currently have in your account.
Did you know?
- In Italy, you will often see the word bancomat written on a sign to indicate that a shop or restaurant accepts card payments, even if there is no actual machine present.
- The word bancomat is actually a brand name that became a generic noun for all ATMs in Italy. It originates from the name of a specific machine used by the Banca Commerciale Italiana.
- While English speakers use 'card' for many objects, the Italian carta is used for everything from playing cards to maps and even simple sheets of paper.
Examples in context
- Posso pagare con la mia carta di credito?Can I pay with my credit card?
- Ho bisogno di una nuova tessera bancariaI need a new bank card
- Ho dimenticato la mia carta di bancomat a casaI forgot my debit card at home
- Posso pagare con carta di credito?Can I pay with a credit card?
- Questa carta di credito offre molti vantaggiThis credit card offers many advantages
- Posso pagare con la carta bancomat?Can I pay with a bank card?
- Hai dimenticato la tua carta bancomat.You forgot your bank card.
- Devo prelevare con la carta bancomat.I need to withdraw money with the bank card.
Example conversation
Matteo and Chiara are at a cafe.
- MatteoChiara, hai la tua carta bancomat?Chiara, do you have your bank card?
- ChiaraSì, ce l'ho nel portafoglio.Yes, I have it in my wallet.
- MatteoPerfetto, offro io il caffè oggi.Perfect, I'll pay for the coffee today.
- ChiaraGrazie mille, Matteo!Thank you so much, Matteo!
