mercurio
/merˈku.rjo/
The English word quicksilver translates to mercurio in Italian.
The term refers to the chemical element mercury. While mercurio is the standard name, the descriptive phrase argento vivo can be used to emphasize the element's silvery, liquid appearance or to metaphorically describe a person who is energetic, fickle or difficult to pin down.
Meaning: mercury (noun)
Which one should you use?
mercurio is the standard scientific and chemical name for the element. In contrast, argento vivo is a more descriptive, poetic or archaic term used to highlight its liquid, silvery appearance.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /merˈku.rjo/.
Did you know?
- The term argento vivo reflects an ancient alchemical belief that mercury was a combination of liquid silver and a 'living' spirit. This is why the word vivo meaning 'alive' is used instead of just 'bright'.
- In Italian, the word mercurio describes the element, the planet and the Roman messenger god without any change in spelling or pronunciation.
- In Italian, the phrase argento vivo can be used to describe a child who is constantly moving and impossible to keep still.
Examples in context
- Il mercurio è conosciuto anche come argento vivo.Mercury is also known as quicksilver.This sentence shows that mercury is also known as argento vivo.Tatoeba #11606747 by Guybrush88, translation #11576518 by shekitten
- Il mercurio, sempre liquido, corrode i metalli.Quicksilver, always liquid, corrodes metals.This sentence illustrates that mercurio is always liquid and corrodes metals.Tatoeba #12016345 by carlosalberto, translation #7305728 by jimkillock
- Il chimico ha utilizzato argento vivo nel suo esperimento scientifico.The chemist used quicksilver in his scientific experiment.
- Il mercurio è un elemento molto pesante.Mercury is a very heavy element.
Example conversation
Matteo and Sofia are looking at an old science textbook in a library.
- MatteoGuarda, questo vecchio termometro contiene del mercurio.Look, this old thermometer contains mercury.
- SofiaÈ pericoloso se si rompe, Matteo.It is dangerous if it breaks, Matteo.
- MatteoHai ragione, dobbiamo stare attenti.You are right, we must be careful.
- SofiaSì, meglio non toccarlo affatto.Yes, better not to touch it at all.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mercurio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
