sotto ghiaccio
/ˈsot.to ˈɡjat.t͡ʃo/word by word
The English phrase "on ice" is translated into Italian as sotto ghiaccio.
This prepositional phrase is used to describe something that is not being used or is temporarily unavailable or suspended.
Meaning: not being used, temporarily unavailable or suspended (prep_phrase)
How do you pronounce it?
The phrase consists of 4 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. It is pronounced /ˈsot.to ˈɡjat.tʃo/.
When do people say it?
Note that while this phrase describes something suspended, the English term 'on the rocks', referring to a drink served with ice, is widely understood by Italian speakers in its English form.
Did you know?
- The phrase uses the preposition sotto, meaning 'under'. Unlike the English 'on ice', the Italian mental image is of something trapped beneath a frozen layer.
- In Sicilian, the word for ice is chiatru. This regional variation sounds completely different from the standard Italian ghiaccio used in this phrase.
- While an Italian might say a project is sotto ghiaccio, they would never use this phrase to describe a drink with ice, which would instead be called con ghiaccio.
Examples in context
- La limonata è servita sul ghiaccio.The lemonade is served on ice.
- Gli atleti pattinano sul ghiaccio.The athletes skate on ice.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Chiara are discussing a work project at the office.
- AlessandroHai novità sulla nostra proposta?Do you have any news about our proposal?
- ChiaraSì, purtroppo il piano è sotto ghiaccio.Yes, unfortunately the plan is on ice.
- AlessandroPer quale motivo l'hanno sospeso?For what reason did they suspend it?
- ChiaraManca il budget per quest'anno.The budget for this year is missing.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (sotto, ghiaccio) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ghiaccio, sotto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
