Ave Maria
/ˈa.ve maˈri.a/word by word
The English phrase 'hail mary' is translated into Italian as Ave Maria.
Ave Maria is used in religious and official contexts, such as during prayers and religious ceremonies.
Meaning: prayer (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word Ave is a Latin greeting meaning 'hail' or 'hail to you'.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈa.ve maˈri.a/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
When do people say it?
It is customary for devout Catholics to cross themselves while reciting Ave Maria.
Did you know?
- In some Italian dialects, variations of the Ave Maria are used as folk charms to protect livestock or crops from storms.
- While Ave Maria is a prayer, the word ave was once a common secular greeting in Latin, similar to saying 'hello' or 'welcome' to a stranger.
- In Italian musical traditions, such as opera or sacred choral works, the phrase Ave Maria is often treated as a melodic motif rather than just a spoken prayer.
Examples in context
- Recitiamo l'Ave Maria insieme.Let's recite the Hail Mary together.
- Ho imparato l'Ave Maria a scuola.I learned the Hail Mary at school.
- La preghiera dell'Ave Maria è molto dolce.The Hail Mary prayer is very sweet.
Example conversation
Francesco and Sofia are visiting a church.
- FrancescoSofia, vuoi pregare un'Ave Maria?Sofia, do you want to pray a Hail Mary?
- SofiaSì, Francesco, è un'ottima idea.Yes, Francesco, that is a great idea.
- FrancescoCominciamo l'Ave Maria adesso.Let's start the Hail Mary now.
- SofiaSì, chiudiamo gli occhi e preghiamo.Yes, let's close our eyes and pray.
