pietra pomice
/ˈpjɛ.tra ˈpɔ.mi.t͡ʃe/word by word
The English phrase "pumice stone" is translated into Italian as pietra pomice.
pietra pomice is used to refer to a piece of pumice or to the material itself as a collective noun.
Meaning: piece of pumice or collective noun (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is typically used in the singular to refer to the material or a single piece, but it can be used in the plural as pietre pomice to refer to multiple stones.
How do you pronounce it?
The word consists of 5 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable. The pronunciation is /ˈpjɛ.tra ˈpɔ.mi.tʃe/.
Did you know?
- The word pietra comes from the Ancient Greek word pétra, which is the same root used for the English name 'Peter'.
- Italian uses pietra for a piece of stone and roccia for a geological rock formation.
- While pietra pomice is used for skincare, Italians use the word pietra in the expression scrivere nella pietra to describe something permanent and unchangeable.
Examples in context
- Ah, avresti dovuto portare una pietra pomice per levigare i talloni!Ah, you should have brought a pumice stone to smooth your heels!
- Ho comprato una pietra pomice nuova.I bought a new pumice stone.
- Usa la pietra pomice per i piedi.Use the pumice stone for your feet.
Example conversation
Chiara and Matteo are talking in the bathroom.
- MatteoChiara, dove hai messo la pietra pomice?Chiara, where did you put the pumice stone?
- ChiaraÈ nel cassetto sotto il lavandino, Matteo.It is in the drawer under the sink, Matteo.
- MatteoGrazie, non riuscivo a trovarla.Thanks, I couldn't find it.
- ChiaraPrego, usala pure.You're welcome, feel free to use it.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (pietra, pomice) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pietra, pomice, CC BY-SA 4.0.
