metallo
/meˈtal.lo/
The English phrase "metal" is metallo in Italian.
metallo is a noun used to refer to an atomic element or a material made of such atoms.
Meaning: atomic element or material made of such atoms (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Sicilian dialect, the term matallu is used to refer to metal.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of metallo is metalli. When you want to say "of the metal" using an articulated preposition, the masculine singular article il combines with di to form del metallo.
How do you pronounce it?
metallo is pronounced /meˈtal.lo/. It has three syllables, and the stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The term metallo is used in the expression metallo della voce to specifically describe the timbre that allows a singer to be heard over an orchestra.
- If you are talking about 'heavy metal' music in Italian, you would say heavy metal, keeping the English term rather than translating it to metallo pesante.
- The Ancient Greek root of metallo, métallon, originally referred to a 'mine' or 'quarry' rather than the metal itself.
Examples in context
- Non sono di metallo.They're not metal.Tatoeba #4568194 by Guybrush88, translation #2243648 by CK
- Il rame è un metallo.Copper is a metal.Tatoeba #14046344 by Guybrush88, translation #13102713 by CK
- Lo zinco è un metallo.Zinc is a metal.Tatoeba #14046345 by Guybrush88, translation #12154869 by CK
- Il metallo è un materiale molto resistente.Metal is a very durable material.
- 72 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Giulia are looking at a piece of furniture.
- AlessandroQuesto tavolo è di metallo.This table is made of metal.
- GiuliaSì, è molto resistente.Yes, it is very durable.
- AlessandroPreferisco il legno al metallo.I prefer wood to metal.
- GiuliaHai ragione, è più caldo.You are right, it is warmer.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “metal” translations and entries metallo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries metallo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
