giochi da tavolo
The English phrase "board games" is giochi da tavolo in Italian.
giochi da tavolo refers to games played on a marked surface or board, typically involving pieces that are moved according to specific rules. Related vocabulary includes giocatore (player), pedina (game piece), dado (die) and casella (square on a board). You might play scacchi (chess) or monopoli (Monopoly). Common verbs used in this context are vincere (to win) and perdere (to lose).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase giochi da tavolo literally translates to "games from table", composed of giochi (games), da (for/from) and tavolo (table).
Which one should you use?
giochi da tavolo is the standard way to refer to board games, but giochi di società is also a common alternative used to describe them.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the phrase is gioco da tavolo. When using the verb giocare (to play) with this phrase, you typically use the preposition a (which contracts to ai in the plural), such as in the expression giocare ai giochi da tavolo.
Did you know?
- The word pedina, used for a game piece, carries a heavy metaphorical weight in Italian. It is frequently used to describe a person who is merely a 'pawn' being manipulated in a political or social power play.
- In Italian, the word gioco is a linguistic chameleon. Depending entirely on the context, it can mean a harmless board game or a high-stakes gamble or bet.
- The word pedina is etymologically linked to pedone, which originally referred to a foot soldier. This connection highlights the piece's role as a common, low-ranking unit on the board.
Examples in context
- A Tom piacciono i giochi da tavolo.Tom likes board games.This sentence shows how to express a person's preference for giochi da tavolo.Tatoeba #13583091 by Guybrush88, translation #9238828 by CK
- A Sami piacevano i giochi da tavolo.Sami liked board games.This sentence shows how to express a past preference for giochi da tavolo.Tatoeba #13583093 by Guybrush88, translation #6687337 by OsoHombre
- Mi piace giocare ai giochi da tavolo.I like to play board games.This sentence demonstrates the correct use of the verb and preposition when saying one likes to play giochi da tavolo.Tatoeba #13583297 by Guybrush88, translation #5018918 by paulstiles91
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Alessandro are at a toy store.
- GiuliaAlessandro, che tipi di giochi da tavolo vuoi?Alessandro, what kinds of board games do you want?
- AlessandroMi piacciono i giochi da tavolo strategici.I like strategic board games.
- GiuliaAllora guardiamo in questo reparto.Then let's look in this section.
- AlessandroOttima idea, Giulia.Great idea, Giulia.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
