fenice
/feˈni.t͡ʃe/
The English phrase phoenix translates to the Italian fenice when referring to the capital city of Arizona, United States.
In Italian, fenice is the noun used for the city of Phoenix. When you are referring to the mythical creature or the city in a specific context, it is often preceded by the feminine definite article la, forming la Fenice.
Meaning: capital city of Arizona, United States (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /feˈni.tʃe/.
Did you know?
- The Teatro La Fenice earned its name because it was rebuilt from the ashes after being destroyed by fire multiple times.
- While fenice refers to the mythical bird, the Italian word for a 'firebird' in a general fairy-tale sense is often uccello di fuoco.
- In many Italian contexts, especially when discussing art or opera, la Fenice refers to the famous historic opera house in Venice rather than the mythical bird or the American city.
Examples in context
- La fenice è un simbolo di rinascita e speranzaThe phoenix is a symbol of rebirth and hope
- Mi piace pensare all'uccello di fuoco come un portatore di nuovi iniziI like to think of the bird of fire as a bringer of new beginnings
Example conversation
Alessandro and Martina are discussing a future trip to the USA.
- AlessandroVuoi andare a Fenice con me?Do you want to go to Phoenix with me?
- MartinaSì, mi piacerebbe molto visitarla.Yes, I would really like to visit it.
- AlessandroAllora prenotiamo i voli per Fenice.Then let's book the flights to Phoenix.
- MartinaPerfetto, cerco subito gli orari.Perfect, I'll look for the schedules right away.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry fenice, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
