polvere
/ˈpol.ve.re/masculine
The English word powder is translated into Italian as polvere.
The term polvere refers to fine particles of any dry substance, such as powder or dust. In technical contexts, the phrase polvere fine is used to mean fine powder. You can also use the verb incipriarsi to describe the action of using powder on the hair or skin.
Meaning: fine particles of any dry substance (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Although the word is often labeled as masculine, the noun polvere is actually feminine in Italian.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈpol.ve.re/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The Latin ancestor of polvere was 'pulvis', which is the origin of the English word 'pulverize'.
- In Italian literature and poetry, polvere is frequently used as a metaphor for mortality and the transient nature of human life, echoing the phrase 'ashes to ashes'.
- The term polvere da sparo literally translates to 'shooting powder' and is the standard Italian term for 'gunpowder'.
Examples in context
- La polvere è solubile in acqua.The powder is soluble in water.This sentence shows how to describe the solubility of polvere in water.Tatoeba #1913959 by Guybrush88, translation #574242 by FeuDRenais2
- Il tavolo è coperto di polvere.The table is covered with powder.This sentence illustrates how a surface can be covered with polvere.Tatoeba #7809418 by Guybrush88, translation #7785176 by sharris123
- Odio il gesso, ti lascia della polvere sulle mani.I hate chalk. It leaves powder on your hands.This sentence describes how chalk leaves polvere on the hands.Tatoeba #8382955 by Guybrush88, translation #781575 by Zifre
- Il dottore ha prescritto una polvere per il trattamento della pelle.The doctor prescribed a powder for the skin treatment.
- La polvere fine utilizzata nella preparazione dei materiali è altamente reattiva.The fine powder used in material preparation is highly reactive.
- Devi applicare la polverina per rendere il tuo trucco opaco.You need to apply the powder to make your makeup matte.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Giulia are cleaning their apartment together.
- LorenzoC'è troppa polvere su questo scaffale.There is too much dust on this shelf.
- GiuliaHai ragione, prendi subito lo straccio.You are right, grab the cloth right away.
- LorenzoPreferisco usare l'aspirapolvere per la polvere.I prefer using the vacuum for the dust.
- GiuliaVa bene, Lorenzo, pulisci tutto tu.Alright, Lorenzo, you clean everything.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “powder” translations and entries polvere, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries polvere, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
