lubrificante
/lu.bri.fiˈkan.te/
The English phrase "lube" is translated into Italian as lubrificante.
lubrificante refers to a substance used to reduce friction between surfaces. If you are specifically referring to a lubricating oil, you can use the term olio lubrificante.
How does it change in a sentence?
lubrificante is a masculine noun. Its plural form is lubrificanti. To express the action of applying such a substance, use the verb lubrificare, which means to lubricate.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 5 syllables, with the stress on the 4th syllable: /lu.bri.fiˈkan.te/.
Did you know?
- The verb lubrificare is sometimes used metaphorically in Italian politics or business to describe the act of bribing someone to make a process move faster.
- In Italian, the word grasso describes both mechanical grease and body fat, meaning a mechanic and a doctor might use the same word for very different substances.
- While lubrificare is the standard verb, the phrase ungere is frequently used in everyday speech to mean 'to grease' or 'to lubricate' a mechanism.
Examples in context
- Serve un lubrificante per la catena della bici.A lubricant is needed for the bike chain.
- Ho comprato un lubrificante per la porta.I bought a lubricant for the door.
- Usa un lubrificante per ridurre l'attrito.Use a lubricant to reduce friction.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Sofia are working in a garage on a bicycle.
- AlessandroLa catena cigola molto.The chain is squeaking a lot.
- SofiaHai portato il lubrificante?Did you bring the lubricant?
- AlessandroSì, l'ho preso io.Yes, I picked it up.
- SofiaOttimo, passamelo per favore.Great, pass it to me please.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry lubrificante, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
