cubo
/ˈku.bo/masculine
The English word 'cube' can be translated into Italian as cubo. If unsure, use cubo. Wiktionary also lists dado.
Meaning: object more or less in the form of a cube (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cubo | /ˈku.bo/ | masculine |
| dado | /ˈda.do/ | masculine |
The term cubo is used to describe an object that is in the form of a cube. In a culinary context, small cubes are often referred to as cubetti, which is the diminutive form of cubo. Related to this, the verb cubettare means to cut something into cubes and the mathematical expression elevare al cubo or (potenza) elevare alla terza means to raise a number to the third power.
Which one should you use?
While cubo refers to the geometric shape, dado is the specific word used for a gaming die.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
cubo is pronounced /ˈku.bo/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word dado may share a root with the Arabic word أَعْدَاد, which means 'numbers'. This suggests that the terminology for gaming cubes entered the language through trade or cultural exchange.
- The term cubetti is used not just for food, but also for cubetti di ghiaccio, meaning ice cubes. While English uses 'cube', Italian frequently prefers this diminutive form for ice.
- In a figurative sense, using dadi can refer to fate. The expression gettare i dadi means 'to cast the dice', mirroring the Latin root meaning 'thrown'.
Examples in context
- Nessun cubo è la somma di due cubi.No cube is the sum of two cubes.This sentence is useful for illustrating a mathematical property of the form cubo.Tatoeba #2224392 by Guybrush88, translation #2028093 by halfb1t
- La scatola rossa contiene un cubo verde.The red box contains a green cube.This sentence is useful for describing the contents of a box using the form cubo.Tatoeba #6029756 by Guybrush88, translation #6028677 by AlanF_US
- Il cubo è leggero, ma la scatola è pesante.The cube is light but the box is heavy.This sentence is useful for comparing the weight of a box and the form cubo.Tatoeba #6029757 by Guybrush88, translation #6027130 by terryos
- Il bambino sta giocando con un cubo di legno.The child is playing with a wooden cube.
- Ho preparato dei cubetti di ghiaccio per il tuo drink.I prepared some ice cubes for your drink.
- Vorrei un cocktail con qualche cubetto di ghiaccio.I'd like a cocktail with a few ice cubes.
- Aggiungi un dado di brodo alla tua zuppa per un sapore più gustoso.Add a broth cube to your soup for a tastier flavor.
- La scultura esposta in galleria è un cubo di marmo bianco.The sculpture displayed in the gallery is a white marble cube.
- Mi piace il design minimalista di queste lampade a forma di cubo.I like the minimalist design of these cube-shaped lamps.
- Puoi vedere il riflesso della città negli alti grattacieli di vetro cubici.You can see the reflection of the city in the tall cubic glass skyscrapers.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Alessandro are doing a puzzle with geometric shapes.
- MartinaDove si trova il cubo blu?Where is the blue cube?
- AlessandroIl cubo è proprio qui davanti a te.The cube is right here in front of you.
- MartinaGrazie, ora posso finire il disegno.Thanks, now I can finish the drawing.
- AlessandroPrego, Martina!You're welcome, Martina!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cube” translations and entries cubo, dado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cubo, dado, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
