pub
/ˈpab/
The English phrase "public house" is translated into Italian as pub.
The term pub has been adopted by the Italian language to refer to an establishment that offers drinks and sometimes serves food.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈpab/.
Did you know?
- If you ask for a 'public house' translated literally as casa pubblica, Italians will likely misunderstand you, as the phrase can historically refer to a brothel.
- In Italy, a pub is often associated with 'happy hour', which is called aperitivo and typically involves a drink accompanied by free small snacks.
- While Italians use pub for British-style establishments, a traditional Italian bar is actually the most common place to go for a quick drink and a coffee.
Examples in context
- Andiamo in un pub stasera.Let's go to a pub tonight.
- C'è un pub molto carino qui vicino.There is a very nice pub nearby.
- Preferisci un bar o un pub?Do you prefer a bar or a pub?
Example conversation
Chiara and Francesco are deciding where to spend their Friday evening.
- ChiaraFrancesco, hai voglia di uscire?Francesco, do you feel like going out?
- FrancescoSì, dove preferisci andare?Yes, where do you prefer to go?
- ChiaraPossiamo andare in quel nuovo pub.We can go to that new pub.
- FrancescoOttima idea, andiamo!Great idea, let's go!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pub, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
