fiammiferi
The English phrase "matches" is translated into Italian as fiammiferi.
The term refers to small sticks of wood or cardboard used to start a fire.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is fiammifero, though it is much more common to use the plural fiammiferi when referring to the object in general.
Did you know?
- The word fiammifero is a combination of fiamma, meaning 'flame', and ferro, meaning 'iron'. This reflects early designs where a metal piece was used to create the spark.
- The Italian phrase accendere un fiammifero is used not only for lighting a fire but also as a metaphor for triggering a sudden, volatile emotional outburst.
- In some regional Italian dialects, people use different words for matches that avoid the formal fiammifero, often referencing the 'sulfur' inside the match head.
Examples in context
- I fiammiferi erano bagnati.The matches were wet.This sentence shows how to describe the state of the fiammiferi.Tatoeba #7020488 by Guybrush88, translation #6357052 by CK
- Non giochi con i fiammiferi.Don't play with matches.This sentence provides a warning about playing with fiammiferi.Tatoeba #4110967 by Guybrush88, translation #2270517 by CK
- Perché ha bisogno di fiammiferi?Why do you need matches?This sentence asks about a need for fiammiferi.Tatoeba #8032680 by Guybrush88, translation #6713415 by Eccles17
- Marco, hai dei fiammiferi?Marco, do you have any matches?
- Mi servono dei fosfori per accendere una candela.I need some matches to light a candle.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Martina are preparing a candlelit dinner.
- FrancescoHai dei fiammiferi per le candele?Do you have some matches for the candles?
- MartinaSì, li ho messi sul tavolo.Yes, I put them on the table.
- FrancescoOttimo, grazie mille, Martina.Great, thank you so much, Martina.
- MartinaDi nulla, Francesco.You're welcome, Francesco.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
