sfera
/ˈsfɛ.ra/
The English word orb is translated into Italian as sfera.
sfera refers to a spherical body. It is commonly used in scientific contexts or when referring to celestial bodies.
Meaning: spherical body (noun)
Which one should you use?
While sfera is used for a formal or scientific orb, the term palla can also be used to refer to an orb in an informal sense, though it primarily means ball.
How does it change in a sentence?
sfera is a feminine noun. The plural form is sfere. If you wish to use an adjective to describe something as spherical, use sferico.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈsfɛ.ra/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- While sfera is the formal term for an orb, the word palla can be used in the idiom palla di fuoco to describe a fireball or a comet.
- The term sfera is used in the phrase sfera di cristallo, which refers to a crystal ball used by fortune tellers.
- The Italian word sfera can also mean 'sphere' in a figurative sense, such as referring to a 'sphere of influence' or a person's 'sphere of competence'.
Examples in context
- Il Sole è una sfera di gas incandescenti.The Sun is an orb of incandescent gases.
- La sfera di vetro è rotta.The glass sphere is broken.
- Ho comprato una sfera decorativa.I bought a decorative sphere.
- Il bambino gioca con una sfera di gomma.The child is playing with a rubber sphere.
Example conversation
Sofia and Alessandro are looking at a modern sculpture in a gallery.
- SofiaGuarda quella sfera d'acciaio!Look at that steel sphere!
- AlessandroÈ davvero imponente, Sofia.It is really imposing, Sofia.
- SofiaMi piace come riflette la luce.I like how it reflects the light.
- AlessandroSì, è un'opera molto moderna.Yes, it is a very modern work.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sfera, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
