Senza alcol
/ˈsɛn.t͡sa ˈal.kol/word by word
The English phrase "no alcohol" is translated into Italian as Senza alcol.
This phrase is used to describe a drink or a product that does not contain any alcohol.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the preposition senza (without) and the noun alcol (alcohol).
How does it change in a sentence?
In this specific phrase, the masculine singular noun alcol does not require an article.
How do you pronounce it?
The first of four syllables is stressed.
Did you know?
- The word alcol shares a surprising ancestry with 'kohl', the ancient Arabic powder used as eyeliner. It traces back to the Arabic word al-kuḥl, which originally referred to a fine, sublimated powder.
- In Italian, the word analcolico is an adjective that describes both a drink and the person drinking it, though using it for a person is a humorous way to say someone is a teetotaler.
- If you order a drink senza alcol at a traditional cafe, the waiter might ask if you want a Crodino, a popular non-alcoholic aperitif that is a cultural staple in Italy.
Examples in context
- No, grazie, preferirei non bere alcolici.No, thank you, I prefer not to drink alcohol.
- Grazie, ma non bevo.Thank you, but I don't drink.
- Mi scuso, ma oggi ho deciso di non bere.I'm sorry, but today I've decided not to drink.
- Vorrei un cocktail senza alcol, per favore.I would like a cocktail without alcohol, please.
- Questo succo di frutta è senza alcol.This fruit juice is alcohol-free.
- Cerco un dessert senza alcol per la cena.I am looking for an alcohol-free dessert for dinner.
Example conversation
Giulia and Francesco are ordering drinks at a bar.
- GiuliaCosa vuoi bere, Francesco?What do you want to drink, Francesco?
- FrancescoPrendo uno spritz senza alcol.I'll have a spritz with no alcohol.
- GiuliaAnche io ne vorrei uno.I would like one too.
- FrancescoOttima idea, Giulia!Great idea, Giulia!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (senza, alcol) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alcol, senza, CC BY-SA 4.0.
