barlume
/barˈlu.me/masculine
The English word 'glimmer' can be translated into Italian as barlume. If unsure, use barlume. Wiktionary also lists filo.
Meaning: faint light (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| barlume | /barˈlu.me/ | masculine |
| filo | /ˈfi.lo/ | masculine |
The noun barlume refers to a faint light. It is frequently used in an abstract or metaphorical sense to describe a small amount of an emotion or concept, most commonly when describing a small amount of 'speranza' (hope).
Which one should you use?
While barlume refers to a faint light, the word filo is used metaphorically to mean a 'thread' or 'glimmer' of something, such as 'un filo di speranza' (a thread of hope).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because barlume is a masculine noun, it is preceded by the masculine indefinite article un to form un barlume (a glimmer).
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /barˈlu.me/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- You can use the phrase un filo di to quantify almost any tiny amount, such as un filo d'olio for a mere drizzle of oil.
- The word filo, which means 'thread', actually shares a linguistic ancestor with the Ancient Greek word for 'wood' or 'forest'.
- In Italian, the term lume was historically used to represent the 'light' of human intellect and reason, not just a physical lamp.
Examples in context
- C'è un barlume di speranza nelle tue parole.There's a glimmer of hope in your words.This sentence shows how to use barlume to describe a glimmer of hope in someone's words.Tatoeba #11568676 by Nuel, translation #11568674 by Nuel
- C'era un barlume di speranza nelle sue parole.There was a glimmer of hope in her words.This sentence demonstrates using barlume to describe a glimmer of hope in her words.Tatoeba #11568986 by carlosalberto, translation #11568982 by carlosalberto
- Vedo un piccolo barlume attraverso la nebbia.I see a small glimmer through the fog.
Example conversation
Matteo and Martina are in a dark cave.
- MatteoGuarda, c'è un barlume laggiù!Look, there is a glimmer down there!
- MartinaDove? Non vedo nulla, Matteo.Where? I don't see anything, Matteo.
- MatteoSì, proprio lì, un piccolo barlume.Yes, right there, a small glimmer.
- MartinaHai ragione, Martina ora lo vede!You're right, Martina sees it now!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “glimmer” translations and entries barlume, filo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries barlume, filo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
