lavagna
/laˈvaɲ.ɲa/feminine
The Italian word for "chalkboard" is lavagna.
A lavagna refers to a slate board used for writing on with chalk.
Meaning: slate board for writing on with chalk (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
lavagna is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of lavagna is /laˈvaɲ.ɲa/. It has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word lavagna is actually a toponym, meaning it is named after the specific town of Lavagna near Genoa which was famous for its slate quarries.
- In an Italian classroom, a teacher asking a student to 'clear the board' uses the verb cancellare, which is the same word used for 'deleting' a file on a computer.
- In Italian, lavagna can also refer to a 'board' used in a different context, such as a lavagna Kanban for project management.
Examples in context
- Sulla lavagna c'è scritto il vostro nuovo orario.On the chalkboard is written your new timetable.This sentence is useful for seeing how to indicate what is written on the lavagna.Tatoeba #517938 by Pharamp, translation #753329 by AlanF_US
- In classe, il professore scrive sulle lavagne per spiegare la lezione.In class, the professor writes on the chalkboards to explain the lesson.
- Maria, prendi la lavagnetta e vieni a disegnare con noi!Maria, grab the little chalkboard and come draw with us!
- La lavagna è troppo piccola.The chalkboard is too small.
- Ho pulito la lavagna con un panno.I cleaned the chalkboard with a cloth.
Example conversation
Giulia and Lorenzo are in a classroom.
- GiuliaLorenzo, guarda cosa c'è sulla lavagna.Lorenzo, look what is on the chalkboard.
- LorenzoOh, è il compito per domani!Oh, it is the homework for tomorrow!
- GiuliaSì, dobbiamo scrivere tutto sul quaderno.Yes, we have to write everything in the notebook.
- LorenzoVa bene, inizio a copiare adesso.All right, I'll start copying now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chalkboard” translations and entries lavagna, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lavagna, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
