lampadina
/lam.paˈdi.na/
The English word 'bulb' is translated into Italian as lampadina.
In Italian, use lampadina specifically to describe the electrical component that provides light.
Meaning: rounded solid object (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word lampadina is a diminutive of lampa (lamp), meaning 'little lamp'.
Which one should you use?
While lampadina is the term for a light bulb, the word bulbo is used for botanical bulbs, such as an onion or for anatomical bulbs.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form is lampadina and the plural form is lampadine.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /lam.paˈdi.na/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the word lampadina is often used metaphorically to describe a 'bright idea' or a sudden moment of inspiration, mimicking the classic cartoon visual of a light bulb appearing over someone's head.
- If you ask for a bulbo in a grocery store, you might end up with a sack of onions or garlic instead of a light source.
- The word lampadina follows a common Italian pattern where diminutive endings are used to name small, ubiquitous domestic objects.
Examples in context
- Una lampadina fa luce.A light bulb gives light.This sentence shows the use of lampadina in the context of producing light.Tatoeba #5767151 by Guybrush88, translation #681358 by Source_VOA
- Tom svitò la lampadina.Tom unscrewed the light bulb.This sentence illustrates the action of unscrewing a lampadina.Tatoeba #2743348 by Guybrush88, translation #2542776 by CK
- La lampadina si bruciò.The light bulb burned out.This sentence is useful for describing when a lampadina has burned out.Tatoeba #3075010 by Guybrush88, translation #529337 by darinmex
- Ho bisogno di comprare una nuova lampadina per la luce del mio ufficio.I need to buy a new bulb for the light in my office.
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Sofia are in the kitchen at night.
- AlessandroSofia, non riesco a vedere nulla.Sofia, I can't see anything.
- SofiaForse si è fulminata la lampadina.Maybe the light bulb burned out.
- AlessandroHai una lampadina nuova in garage?Do you have a new light bulb in the garage?
- SofiaSì, la prendo subito.Yes, I'll get it right away.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry lampadina, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
