netturbino
The English phrase garbage man is translated into Italian as netturbino.
The term refers to a person whose job is to collect and dispose of waste from residential or commercial areas.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While netturbino is the common term, operatore ecologico is a more formal and politically correct way to refer to a garbage man in professional or official contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form for a garbage woman is netturbina, and the plural form for garbage men is netturbini.
Did you know?
- The word netturbino is built from the words for 'cleanliness' and 'urban', meaning the job is linguistically defined by the act of cleaning the city rather than handling waste.
- While netturbino is the standard term, you may see the word spazzino used in literature or older films, which comes from the word for 'broom'.
- Italian cities often have specific, strict calendars for when a netturbino collects different materials, and placing a bin out on the wrong day can result in a municipal fine.
Examples in context
- Tom è un netturbino.Tom is a garbage man.This sentence is useful for identifying someone's profession using the form netturbino.Tatoeba #5591145 by dnnywld, translation #11977019 by shekitten
- Il netturbino passa ogni martedì mattina.The garbage man passes by every Tuesday morning.
Example conversation
Francesco and Sofia are looking out the window at the street.
- FrancescoGuarda, ecco il netturbino!Look, here is the garbage man!
- SofiaSiamo in ritardo con i sacchi.We are late with the bags.
- FrancescoPresto, portali fuori subito.Quick, take them out right now.
- SofiaSpero che il netturbino aspetti.I hope the garbage man waits.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries netturbino, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
