computer fisso
/komˈpju.ter ˈfis.so/word by wordmasculine
The English phrase 'desktop computer' is translated into Italian as computer fisso. If unsure, use computer fisso. Wiktionary also lists calcolatore fisso and elaboratore fisso.
Meaning: a computer of a size designed to be used on a desk (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| computer fisso | /komˈpju.ter ˈfis.so/ (word by word) | masculine |
| calcolatore fisso | /kal.ko.laˈto.re ˈfis.so/ (word by word) | masculine |
| elaboratore fisso | /e.la.bo.raˈto.re ˈfis.so/ (word by word) | masculine |
| ordinatore fisso | /or.di.naˈto.re ˈfis.so/ (word by word) | masculine |
| computatore fisso | masculine | |
| computiere fisso | masculine |
The term refers to a computer designed to be used on a desk. In everyday conversation, Italians almost exclusively use the English loanword 'computer' to refer to these machines.
What does it mean word for word?
The adjective fisso means 'fixed' or 'stationary', which is used to distinguish a desktop from a portable computer.
Which one should you use?
While several forms exist, computer fisso is the most common and natural way to say desktop computer in modern Italian. To specify a laptop rather than a desktop, use the term computer portatile.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of computer fisso is computer fissi.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 5 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- While computer fisso is standard, the word ordinatore was historically pushed by some linguists as a patriotic Italian alternative to the English loanword.
- The term calcolatore is used in Italian today primarily in high-level scientific or mathematical contexts, whereas in English 'calculator' refers to a small handheld device.
- In Italian, the adjective fisso is used for any stationary technology, such as a telefono fisso for a landline phone.
Examples in context
- Devo acquistare un nuovo computer fisso per il mio studio.I need to buy a new desktop computer for my office.
- Spero di ricevere un nuovo computer da scrivania per Natale.I hope to receive a new desktop computer for Christmas.
- Il mio vecchio computer fisso da tavolo non funziona più.My old desktop computer doesn't work anymore.
- Ho comprato un nuovo computer fisso.I bought a new desktop computer.
- Il mio computer fisso è molto veloce.My desktop computer is very fast.
- Preferisco usare un computer fisso per lavorare.I prefer to use a desktop computer for work.
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Martina are talking about home office equipment.
- LorenzoMartina, vuoi comprare un computer fisso?Martina, do you want to buy a desktop computer?
- MartinaSì, Lorenzo, ne ho bisogno per l'università.Yes, Lorenzo, I need one for university.
- LorenzoIl computer fisso occupa molto spazio sulla scrivania.The desktop computer takes up a lot of space on the desk.
- MartinaNon importa, ho una scrivania molto grande.It doesn't matter, I have a very large desk.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “desktop computer” translations and entries computer fisso, calcolatore fisso, elaboratore fisso, ordinatore fisso, computatore fisso, computiere fisso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (computer, fisso, calcolatore, elaboratore, ordinatore) and can differ in connected speech.
