blocco di calcestruzzo
/ˈblɔk.ko di kal.t͡ʃesˈtrut.t͡so/word by word
The English phrase 'cinder block' is translated into Italian as blocco di calcestruzzo.
This term refers to a lightweight building block.
Meaning: lightweight building block (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of blocco (block) and di calcestruzzo (of concrete).
Which one should you use?
The singular form is blocco di calcestruzzo, while the plural form is blocchi di calcestruzzo.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈblɔk.ko di kal.tʃesˈtrut.tso/. It has 5 syllables, and the first syllable is stressed.
Did you know?
- The word blocco can mean both a building block and a naval or military blockade.
- While the English term 'cinder block' evokes ash and burnt residue, the Italian blocco di calcestruzzo focuses entirely on the 'concrete' aspect of the material.
- The Italian word for concrete, calcestruzzo, is a compound likely combining calx for lime and struō for building.
Examples in context
- Durante la ristrutturazione, abbiamo utilizzato molti blocchi di cemento per la costruzione delle pareti.During the renovation, we used many cinder blocks for wall construction.
- Ho usato alcuni mattoni di cemento per costruire la base del barbecue.I used some cinder blocks to build the base of the barbecue.
- Abbiamo bisogno di un blocco di calcestruzzo per il muretto.We need a cinder block for the low wall.
- Il blocco di calcestruzzo è molto leggero.The cinder block is very lightweight.
- Devi spostare quel blocco di calcestruzzo nel giardino.You need to move that cinder block into the garden.
Example conversation
Francesco and Giulia are working in their garden.
- FrancescoGiulia, puoi aiutarmi con questo blocco di calcestruzzo?Giulia, can you help me with this cinder block?
- GiuliaSì, Francesco, è abbastanza leggero da sollevare.Yes, Francesco, it is light enough to lift.
- FrancescoPerfetto, mettiamolo vicino alla nuova fioriera.Perfect, let's put it near the new planter.
- GiuliaVa bene, lo faccio subito.Okay, I'll do it right away.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (blocco, di, calcestruzzo) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries blocco, calcestruzzo, di, CC BY-SA 4.0.
