petrolio
/peˈtrɔ.ljo/
The Italian word for petroleum is petrolio.
petrolio is used to refer to the substance petroleum.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable. It is pronounced /peˈtrɔ.ljo/.
Did you know?
- While 'petrolio' refers to the raw substance, an Italian speaker would never use it to mean 'petrol' at a gas station. Instead, they would use terms like 'benzina' for gasoline or 'gasolio' for diesel.
- The word petrolio is closely linked to pietra, which means 'stone', reflecting the ancient belief that these oils were associated with rocky depths.
- While petrolio is the general term, the Italian phrase oro nero or 'black gold' is frequently used in news and politics to describe the strategic value of oil.
Examples in context
- Il petrolio è stato importante fin dai tempi antichi.Petroleum has been important since ancient times.This sentence shows how to describe the historical importance of petrolio.Tatoeba #8356484 by Guybrush88, translation #807658 by Source_VOA
- I prodotti petrolchimici sono dei prodotti chimici derivati dal petrolio.Petrochemicals are chemical products derived from petroleum.This sentence explains that petrochemicals are chemicals derived from petrolio.Tatoeba #3580358 by Guybrush88, translation #1298207 by Eldad
- Il petrolio è una risorsa fondamentale per l'economia mondiale.Petroleum is a fundamental resource for the global economy.
- L'azienda si occupa dell'estrazione e della raffinazione del petrolio.The company is involved in petroleum extraction and refining.
- Quanto costa l'olio al barile oggi?How much does petroleum cost per barrel today?
- Il prezzo del petrolio è salito oggi.The price of petroleum rose today.
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Giulia are discussing a news report about the economy.
- LorenzoHai letto che il costo del petrolio è aumentato?Did you read that the cost of petroleum has increased?
- GiuliaSì, Lorenzo, è una notizia preoccupante.Yes, Lorenzo, it is worrying news.
- LorenzoTutti i prezzi saliranno a causa del petrolio.All prices will rise because of petroleum.
- GiuliaSpero che la situazione migliori presto.I hope the situation improves soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry petrolio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
