gomma da masticare
/ˈɡom.ma da mas.tiˈka.re/word by word
The English phrase "gum" (referring to a single piece of chewing gum) is gomma da masticare in Italian.
Meaning: single piece of chewing gum (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of gomma (gum or rubber), da (for or to be) and masticare (to chew), literally meaning "gum for chewing".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In casual conversation, Italians often shorten gomma da masticare to just gomma.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Cicca is an informal word for gum used in some regions of Italy, particularly in the south.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 5 syllables and the stress is on the first syllable: /ˈɡom.ma da mas.tiˈka.re/.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the word gomma is used for both a piece of chewing gum and a pencil eraser.
- If you ask for una gomma in a garage, a mechanic will likely think you are talking about a car tire.
- The word gomma and the English word 'gum' are distant relatives, both descending from the Ancient Greek word κόμμι, meaning 'resin'.
Examples in context
- Hai una gomma da masticare?Do you have any gum?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has any gomma da masticare.Tatoeba #2076072 by Sirio60, translation #953193 by CK
- Mary ingoiò la sua gomma da masticare.Mary swallowed her chewing gum.This sentence is useful for describing someone swallowing their gomma da masticare.Tatoeba #13682860 by Guybrush88, translation #7380053 by CF
- Può darmi una gomma da masticare, per favore?Can you give me a chewing gum, please?
- Ho la bocca secca, hai una cicca?I have a dry mouth, do you have any gum?
- Mi serve un pacchetto di gomma da masticare.I need a pack of chewing gum.
- Ho dimenticato la mia gomma da masticare a casa.I forgot my chewing gum at home.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Chiara are talking in the hallway.
- LorenzoChiara, hai una gomma da masticare?Chiara, do you have a piece of gum?
- ChiaraSì, ne ho una in borsa.Yes, I have one in my bag.
- LorenzoMe ne puoi dare una?Can you give me one?
- ChiaraCerto, eccola a te, Lorenzo.Of course, here it is, Lorenzo.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (gomma, da, masticare) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries da, gomma, masticare, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
