armadio
/arˈma.djo/masculine
The English word 'cabinet' can be translated into Italian as armadio, guardaroba or pensile.
Meaning: storage closet (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| armadio | /arˈma.djo/ | masculine |
| guardaroba | /ɡwar.daˈrɔ.ba/ | masculine |
| pensile | /ˈpɛn.si.le/ | masculine |
These masculine nouns are used to describe different types of storage closets and cabinets.
Which one should you use?
armadio is the most common term for a general cabinet, wardrobe or closet used for clothes or linens. guardaroba specifically refers to a wardrobe or the collection of clothes one owns, rather than just the piece of furniture. pensile refers specifically to a cabinet that is mounted on a wall, such as kitchen wall cabinets.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of armadio is armadi.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /arˈma.djo/. It has three syllables, and the stress is on the second of the three syllables.
Did you know?
- The word armadio is a distant relative of the English word 'armoury', as both stem from the Latin root for weapons or equipment.
- In a professional theater context, the guardaroba refers to the entire costume department rather than just a piece of furniture.
- The word guardaroba literally translates to 'guard clothes', suggesting the furniture is actively watching over your garments.
Examples in context
- La tovaglia è nell'armadio.The tablecloth is in the cabinet.This sentence shows the location of an object within an armadio.Tatoeba #3224712 by Guybrush88, translation #39640 by CK
- Ho bisogno di mettere questi libri nell'armadio.I need to put these books in the cabinet.
- L'ufficio è dotato di un mobile dove poter riporre i documenti.The office is equipped with a cabinet to store documents.
- Ho messo i medicinali nell'armadietto del bagno.I put the medicine in the bathroom cabinet.
- La mia nonna ha una bellissima credenza in sala da pranzo.My grandmother has a beautiful cabinet in the dining room.
- Ho trovato delle foto negli scomparti della cassettiera.I found some photos in the drawers of the cabinet.
- Metti i vestiti nell'armadio.Put the clothes in the cabinet.
- L'armadio della camera è troppo piccolo.The bedroom cabinet is too small.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Martina are moving into a new apartment.
- AlessandroDov'è l'armadio per le camicie?Where is the cabinet for the shirts?
- MartinaÈ in quella stanza, Alessandro.It is in that room, Alessandro.
- AlessandroPosso usarlo per i miei cappotti?Can I use it for my coats?
- MartinaCertamente, è molto capiente.Certainly, it is very spacious.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cabinet” translations and entries armadio, guardaroba, pensile, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries armadio, guardaroba, pensile, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
