timone
/tiˈmo.ne/masculine
The English word 'rudder' is translated into Italian as timone. Wiktionary also lists timone orizzontale.
Meaning: underwater vane used to steer a vessel (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| timone | /tiˈmo.ne/ | masculine |
| timone orizzontale | masculine |
The noun timone refers to the underwater vane used to steer a vessel. You can also use the expression tenere il timone, which means to hold the rudder or to steer. This expression is used both literally for navigating a boat and figuratively to mean being in charge or in control of a situation. Additionally, the noun can be turned into the verb timonare, which means to steer or to act as a helmsman.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /tiˈmo.ne/.
Did you know?
- While timone is the rudder, the person steering the vessel is called a timoniere, a word that shares its root with the Greek 'kybernetes', the origin of the English word 'cybernetics'.
- The word timone is used in the Italian idiom perdere il timone, which describes someone who has lost their way or their mental composure, not just a boat.
- Italian sailors may use timone to refer to the entire steering mechanism, including the wheel, whereas in English 'rudder' refers specifically to the blade underwater.
Examples in context
- Il capitano del vascello manovra il timone con abilità.The captain of the ship skillfully maneuvers the rudder.
- Il timone è rotto.The rudder is broken.
- Devi girare il timone a destra.You must turn the rudder to the right.
- Il timone della barca è molto grande.The boat's rudder is very large.
Example conversation
A man and a woman are checking a small boat before heading out.
- SofiaAlessandro, controlla il timone, per favore.Alessandro, check the rudder, please.
- AlessandroSì, Sofia, sembra funzionare bene.Yes, Sofia, it seems to work well.
- SofiaHai visto se è libero?Did you see if it is free?
- AlessandroSì, è perfettamente libero.Yes, it is perfectly free.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rudder” translations and entries timone, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
