microbi
The English word "microbes" is translated into Italian as microbi.
microbi refers to microscopic organisms, such as bacteria and viruses, that can be found everywhere in the environment.
Which one should you use?
You may also encounter microrganismi in more technical or precise contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
microbi is the masculine plural form of the noun. The singular form is microbio.
Did you know?
- In Italy, the phrase lavarsi le mani dai microbi is used not just for hygiene, but can sometimes imply a desire to distance oneself from something 'contaminated' or morally unclean.
- In older Italian literature, the word microbo was sometimes used metaphorically to describe anything infinitesimal or negligible, much like the English word 'speck'.
- The word microbi is frequently paired with the verb combattere in Italian advertising for cleaning products, creating a culturally specific imagery of 'fighting' invisible enemies.
Examples in context
- Qual è la differenza tra i microbi e i batteri?What's the difference between microbes and bacteria?This sentence is useful for clarifying the distinction between microbi and bacteria.Tatoeba #4584483 by Guybrush88, translation #3223245 by Hybrid
- È importante lavarsi le mani per evitare i microbi.It's important to wash your hands to avoid microbes.
- Lo studio si concentra su un microrganismo specifico.The study focuses on a specific microbe.
- Quel microbo può causare malattie gravi.That microbe can cause serious illnesses.
- Hai sentito parlare del nuovo microrganismo scoperto? È molto interessante!Have you heard about the new microbe discovered? It's very interesting!
- Esistono microbi in ogni parte dell'ambiente.There are microbes in every part of the environment.
- Il laboratorio studia i microbi nell'acqua.The laboratory studies the microbes in the water.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Sofia are looking at a science textbook in a library.
- AlessandroSofia, leggi questa parte sui microbi.Sofia, read this part about microbes.
- SofiaCerto, Alessandro, è molto interessante.Sure, Alessandro, it is very interesting.
- AlessandroSapevi che i microbi sono ovunque?Did you know that microbes are everywhere?
- SofiaSì, è un argomento affascinante.Yes, it is a fascinating topic.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
