accensione
/at.t͡ʃenˈsjo.ne/
The English word "ignition" (referring to the key receptacle for starting a vehicle) is translated into Italian as accensione.
In a vehicular context, accensione is the standard term for the ignition mechanism or the act of starting. You may see it used in specific phrases such as interruttore dell'accensione for "ignition switch" or sistema di accensione for "ignition system". If you are specifically discussing the ignition of a car engine, you can use the phrase accensione del motore. For the general process of starting or initiating a machine or vehicle, the term avviamento is primarily used. While accensione refers to the mechanism or the act, the word innesco is used to describe a metaphorical ignition, such as a spark of inspiration, as does the verb accendersi.
Meaning: key receptacle for starting a vehicle (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The noun accensione is derived from the verb accendere, which means "to light" or "to turn on".
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun accensione is feminine. When using an adjective, it must agree with the gender, such as accensione elettronica for "electronic ignition".
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of accensione is /at.tʃenˈsjo.ne/. It has four syllables, with the stress on the third syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the concept of 'ignition' as a trigger for an explosion or a bomb is expressed as innesco rather than accensione. This distinction prevents confusion between starting a car and detonating a device.
- The verb accendere used in accensione is the same word used to 'light' a cigarette or 'turn on' a lamp. This reflects the history of engines starting with a literal spark or flame.
- The phrase accendersi is frequently used metaphorically to describe a person's passion or sudden inspiration. It describes an internal 'ignition' of emotion that English usually describes as 'lighting up'.
Examples in context
- Mary lasciò le chiavi nell'accensione.Mary left her keys in the ignition.This sentence shows how to use accensione when referring to leaving keys in the ignition.Tatoeba #12879153 by Guybrush88, translation #7377375 by CF
- Ho dimenticato la chiave di accensione della macchina.I forgot the car's ignition key.
- L'interruttore dell'accensione è rotto.The ignition switch is broken.
- Il meccanico ha riparato il sistema di accensione dell'auto.The mechanic repaired the car's ignition system.
- Il suo discorso ha innescato una rivoluzione.His speech ignited a revolution.
- Le sue parole hanno acceso la sua creatività.Her words sparked his creativity.
- C'è qualcosa di bloccato nell'accensione.There is something stuck in the ignition.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Matteo are getting into the car.
- MartinaMatteo, dove sono le chiavi?Matteo, where are the keys?
- MatteoSono già nell'accensione, Martina.They are already in the ignition, Martina.
- MartinaAh, grazie mille!Ah, thanks a lot!
- MatteoPrego, partiamo subito.You're welcome, let's leave right away.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry accensione, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
