senso unico
/ˈsɛn.so ˈu.ni.ko/word by word
The English phrase "one way" is translated into Italian as senso unico.
senso unico is the standard term used for traffic signs or streets that are designated as one-way streets.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'single sense' or 'one direction', where senso means sense/direction and unico means single/only.
Did you know?
- If a driver ignores a senso unico sign, they are often accused of 'andare contromano', a phrase that literally means 'to go against hand'.
- Italian has no single word for the English concept of a 'one-way ticket'. Instead, they use biglietto di sola andata, which literally translates to a 'ticket of only going'.
- The word senso is used for both the physical direction of a street and the five human senses. This means a phrase like senso dell'orientamento describes one's 'sense of direction'.
Examples in context
- La strada in città è unidirezionale verso il centro.The street in the city is one way towards the center.
- La via principale è a senso unico.The main road is one way.
- Questa strada è a senso unico.This street is one way.
- Attenzione, questo è un senso unico.Watch out, this is a one-way street.
- Non girare qui, è senso unico.Don't turn here, it's one way.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Martina are driving in a city center.
- AlessandroMartina, non possiamo girare in questa via.Martina, we cannot turn into this street.
- MartinaPerché, Alessandro?Why, Alessandro?
- AlessandroPerché è un senso unico.Because it is a one-way street.
- MartinaHai ragione, scusa.You are right, sorry.
