staffetta
/stafˈfet.ta/
The English verb 'relay' (to pass on or transfer information) can be translated into Italian as staffetta.
The word staffetta is used to describe both the act of a relay race and the concept of passing information or tasks from one person to another in a sequence. To express the action of performing a relay (either in sports or as a metaphor for passing information), Italians often use the verb 'fare' (to do) with the noun staffetta.
Meaning: to pass on or transfer (information) (verb)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable: /stafˈfet.ta/.
Did you know?
- During the Italian Resistance in World War II, staffette were courageous female couriers who relayed secret messages and weapons between partisan groups.
- The word staffetta comes from staffa, meaning 'stirrup'. It evokes the image of ancient messengers switching horses to maintain a fast pace across long distances.
- In Italy, staffetta can refer to a specific type of 'relay' government, where a political leader rotates positions or shares power with a successor in a planned sequence.
Examples in context
- Effettua il passaggio della comunicazione alla prossima stazione.Perform the relay of the communication to the next station.
Example conversation
Francesco and Chiara are coordinating a communication plan at work.
- FrancescoChiara, come passiamo i dati al team?Chiara, how do we pass the data to the team?
- ChiaraPossiamo fare a staffetta le notizie via email.We can relay the news via email.
- FrancescoÈ il modo più veloce per informarli.It is the fastest way to inform them.
- ChiaraSì, mando subito la prima comunicazione.Yes, I will send the first communication right away.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry staffetta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries staffetta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
