alfabeto fonetico
The English phrase 'phonetic alphabet' is translated into Italian as alfabeto fonetico.
This term refers to a writing system. When referring specifically to the military phonetic alphabet in a formal context, you should use alfabeto fonetico militare.
Meaning: writing system (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of alfabeto (alphabet) and fonetico (phonetic).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because alfabeto begins with a vowel, the definite article lo elides to l’ when used in the singular, resulting in l'alfabeto fonetico. The plural form of alfabeto fonetico is alfabeti fonetici.
Did you know?
- While the alfabeto fonetico militare is used for official communications, Italians often use a localized version for casual phone calls, substituting standard NATO words with common Italian names or cities.
- The word alfabeto hides a hidden history of ancient imagery. Its roots trace back to Phoenician pictograms where the first letter represented an 'ox' and the second represented a 'house'.
- In a technical linguistic context, an Italian would distinguish alfabeto fonetico from alfabeto fonologico, the latter referring to abstract mental sounds rather than physical speech.
Examples in context
- Sa leggere l'alfabeto fonetico?Can you read the phonetic alphabet?This sentence is useful for asking about the ability to read alfabeto fonetico.Tatoeba #13326404 by Guybrush88, translation #9957692 by sundown
- Tom sa leggere l'Alfabeto Fonetico Internazionale.Tom can read the International Phonetic Alphabet.This sentence is useful for stating that Tom can read the alfabeto fonetico.Tatoeba #13326424 by Guybrush88, translation #5677053 by zumley
- L'Alfabeto Fonetico Internazionale fu creato nel 1888.The International Phonetic Alphabet was created in 1888.This sentence is useful for noting when the alfabeto fonetico was created.Tatoeba #13326590 by Guybrush88, translation #6907629 by swolesuki
- A come AmoreA as in Amore (love)
- B come BellaB as in Bella (beautiful)
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are studying linguistics in a library.
- MartinaLorenzo, sai usare l'alfabeto fonetico?Lorenzo, do you know how to use the phonetic alphabet?
- LorenzoNo, l'alfabeto fonetico è troppo difficile per me.No, the phonetic alphabet is too difficult for me.
- MartinaPosso aiutarti a imparare i simboli.I can help you learn the symbols.
- LorenzoGrazie, Martina, sarebbe fantastico!Thanks, Martina, that would be fantastic!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alfabeto, fonetico, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
