palestra
/paˈlɛs.tra/feminine
The English phrase 'gymnasium' is translated into Italian as palestra.
palestra refers to a place for indoor sports.
Meaning: place for indoor sports (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
palestra is a feminine noun. Its plural form is palestre. Because it is feminine, when you want to say 'of the' gymnasium, the definite article and preposition combine to form della palestra.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /paˈlɛs.tra/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- If you are looking for a 'gymnasium' in the sense of a high school building, Italians use the word ginnasio instead of palestra.
- The Greek root of palestra is tied to the concept of 'wrestling', which is why the word carries a historical weight of combat training.
- In some Italian contexts, the word palestra can be used metaphorically to describe a 'training ground' for a specific skill or a difficult situation.
Examples in context
- Ho avuto uno scorcio del lottatore mentre lasciava frettolosamente la palestra.I got a glimpse of the wrestler as he hurriedly left the gymnasium.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe someone leaving the palestra.Tatoeba #3134690 by Guybrush88, translation #259290 by CM
- Sto cercando un centro sportivo nelle vicinanze.I'm looking for a gymnasium nearby.
- Vado al centro sportivo per fare un po' di esercizio.I'm going to the gymnasium to get some exercise.
- L'impianto sportivo qui ha una palestra moderna.The sports facility here has a modern gymnasium.
- Gli atleti si allenano all'impianto sportivo durante la settimana.The athletes train at the sports facility during the week.
- Vado in palestra ogni giorno per allenarmi.I go to the gymnasium every day to work out.
- La palestra vicino a casa mia ha attrezzature moderne.The gymnasium near my house has modern equipment.
- La palestra della scuola è molto grande.The school gymnasium is very big.
- Vado in sala pesi per allenare i muscoli.I go to the weightlifting area to train my muscles.
- La palestra è molto grande.The gym is very large.
- Vado in palestra tre volte a settimana.I go to the gym three times a week.
Example conversation
Giulia and Matteo are discussing their afternoon plans.
- GiuliaMatteo, vai in palestra oggi?Matteo, are you going to the gym today?
- MatteoSì, vado in palestra dopo il lavoro.Yes, I am going to the gym after work.
- GiuliaPosso venire con te in palestra?Can I come to the gym with you?
- MatteoCertamente, Giulia, andiamo insieme.Certainly, Giulia, let's go together.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gymnasium” 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.
