palestra
/paˈlɛs.tra/feminine
The Italian word for gym is palestra.
palestra refers to a sporting facility specialized for lifting weights and exercise. A common way to express that you are going to the gym for a workout is to use the phrase andare in palestra.
Meaning: sporting facility specialized for lifting weights and exercise (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of palestra is palestre.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable: /paˈlɛs.tra/.
Did you know?
- The term palestra is often used metaphorically in Italian to describe a place where one gains experience or learns how the world works.
- The word palestra comes from the Ancient Greek palaístra, which specifically referred to a school for wrestling.
- In many Italian schools, a palestra is not just a fitness center but a multipurpose hall used for physical education and school assemblies.
Examples in context
- Io ero in palestra.I was in the gym.This sentence shows how to use palestra to say you were at the gym.Tatoeba #2560930 by Guybrush88, translation #2549374 by CK
- Io sono in palestra.I'm at the gym.This sentence shows how to use palestra to say you are currently at the gym.Tatoeba #2556339 by Guybrush88, translation #2549642 by CK
- Va in palestra oggi?Are you going to the gym today?This sentence shows how to use palestra to ask if someone is going to the gym.Tatoeba #3623452 by Guybrush88, translation #2135459 by CM
- 106 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Francesco are talking about their afternoon plans.
- FrancescoVai in palestra dopo il lavoro?Are you going to the gym after work?
- SofiaSì, vado in palestra alle sei.Yes, I am going to the gym at six.
- FrancescoPosso venire con te in palestra?Can I come with you to the gym?
- SofiaCerto, Francesco, vieni pure!Sure, Francesco, come along!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gym” translations and entries palestra, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries palestra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
