birra alla spina
/ˈbir.ra ˈal.la ˈspi.na/word by word
Draft beer in Italian is birra alla spina.
The term is used to describe beer served from a cask or keg rather than from a bottle or can. The specific component alla spina means on tap or draft.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase alla spina literally means at the tap or at the spout.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase birra alla spina can be used for both singular and plural contexts. Even when referring to multiple draft beers, the word birra remains in its singular form to denote the type of beverage.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbir.ra ˈal.la ˈspi.na/. The stress is on the 1st of 6 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word spina also refers to a thorn or a spine in Italian. This reflects the physical shape of the original taps used to pierce barrels.
- In Italy, you might see alla spina used for olive oil or wine. This indicates the product is sold from a bulk dispenser rather than in a pre-packaged bottle.
- The word birra is borrowed from the German word 'Bier'.
Examples in context
- Non vendiamo birra alla spina.We don't sell draft beer.This sentence is useful for expressing that a business does not sell birra alla spina.Tatoeba #11800400 by Guybrush88, translation #9972236 by CK
- Vorrei una birra alla spina, per favore.I would like a draft beer, please.
- Mi dai una birra alla spina?Can you give me a draft beer?
- Preferisco la birra alla spina.I prefer draft beer.
- C'è una birra alla spina locale?Is there a local draft beer?
Example conversation
Matteo and Sofia are at a bar.
- MatteoPrendo una birra alla spina, per favore.I'll have a draft beer, please.
- SofiaVuoi anche un panino, Matteo?Do you want a sandwich too, Matteo?
- MatteoNo, grazie, solo la birra.No, thanks, just the beer.
- SofiaVa bene, arriva subito.Alright, coming right up.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (birra, alla, spina) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries birra, spina, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
