colpo di calore
/ˈkol.po di kaˈlo.re/word by word
The Italian phrase for heat exhaustion is colpo di calore.
This phrase is used to describe a condition where the body overheats due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures. While 'heat exhaustion' is the English target, colpo di calore is more commonly used in Italian to refer to the more severe condition of 'heat stroke'.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of colpo di calore is /ˈkol.po di kaˈlo.re/. It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The word colpo can be used to describe a sudden romantic attraction, as in colpo di fulmine, which literally translates to a 'bolt of lightning'.
- The English word 'gulf' and the Italian word colpo are actually linguistic relatives, both tracing back to a root describing a blow or a hollow.
- While colpo di calore refers to the condition, Italians use the word afa to describe the specific oppressive and humid heat that causes it.
Example conversation
Lorenzo feels unwell while hiking in the sun.
- ChiaraLorenzo, hai un aspetto molto pallido.Lorenzo, you look very pale.
- LorenzoSì, temo di avere un colpo di calore.Yes, I'm afraid I have heat exhaustion.
- ChiaraSiediti subito e bevi un po' d'acqua.Sit down immediately and drink some water.
- LorenzoGrazie, Chiara, mi sento già un po' meglio.Thanks, Chiara, I already feel a bit better.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (colpo, di, calore) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries calore, colpo, colpo di calore, di, CC BY-SA 4.0.
