Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mappa | /ˈmap.pa/ | feminine |
| carta | /ˈkar.ta/ | feminine |
| carta geografica | feminine | |
| cartina | /karˈti.na/ | feminine |
Italian uses several words for a visual representation of an area depending on the context. The verb mappare is used in technical fields such as biology or computing to mean 'to map' data or structures, rather than drawing a physical landscape.
Which one should you use?
There are specific nuances between the available forms. The term carta geografica is the most formal and precise way to refer to a physical or printed map of a territory. In contrast, the diminutive cartina is very common in everyday speech to refer to a small map, such as a small paper map or a street map. The word carta is also a general term for a map.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
All forms provided, carta, mappa, carta geografica and cartina, are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
mappa is pronounced /ˈmap.pa/. The stress is on the first of the two syllables.
Did you know?
- In the Roman era, the word mappa originally referred to a 'napkin' or 'cloth'. It evolved into a word for 'map' because early charts were often drawn on linen or cloth.
- The Italian word carta refers to both a 'map' and a 'playing card' or 'piece of paper'. This is why an Italian might ask for una carta when they are actually looking for a deck of cards.
- In Italian, carta can describe a 'charter' or a 'constitution', such as the Carta Costituzionale. This treats the map-word as a symbol of a structured, written agreement.
Examples in context
- Io ho la mappa.I have the map.This sentence is useful for stating that you possess the mappa.Tatoeba #2556069 by Guybrush88, translation #2549664 by CK
- Mi dia la mappa.Give me the map.This sentence is useful for requesting the mappa.Tatoeba #3676440 by Guybrush88, translation #2250410 by hayastan
- Io ho una mappa.I have a map.This sentence is useful for stating that you possess a mappa.Tatoeba #7623347 by Guybrush88, translation #5829169 by CK
- Vorrei una mappa di Roma, per favore.I would like a map of Rome, please.
- 153 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Martina are looking for a museum in a new city.
- MatteoHai una mappa della città?Do you have a map of the city?
- MartinaSì, ho la mappa qui nello zaino.Yes, I have the map here in my backpack.
- MatteoOttimo, troviamo subito il museo.Great, let's find the museum immediately.
- MartinaGuarda la mappa, è proprio dietro l'angolo.Look at the map, it is right around the corner.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “map” translations and entries mappa, carta, carta geografica, cartina, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
