righello
/riˈɡɛl.lo/masculine
The English phrase 'ruler' (as a measuring or drawing device) is translated into Italian as righello.
For a monarch or someone with supreme authority, the formal term Sovrano is used.
Meaning: measuring or drawing device (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word righello is a diminutive of regola (rule), formed by adding the suffix -ello (little) to signify 'little rule'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word righello is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /riˈɡɛl.lo/. It has three syllables, and the stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- In many Italian schools, a student might be told to 'stare in riga', which literally means 'to stay in line'. This is a common idiom used to tell someone to behave or follow the rules.
- The word riga is also used to describe a 'line' of text in a book or a 'part' in a hairstyle.
- The word righello comes from riga, which means 'line', combined with the diminutive suffix -ello.
Examples in context
- Mi serve un righello.I need a ruler.This sentence is useful for expressing a need for a righello.Tatoeba #2622532 by Guybrush88, translation #2622486 by Eldad
- Prese in prestito il righello.She borrowed the ruler.This sentence is useful for describing the action of borrowing a righello.Tatoeba #3528546 by Guybrush88, translation #2875194 by Amastan
- Posso prendere in prestito un righello?May I borrow a ruler?This sentence is useful for asking permission to borrow a righello.Tatoeba #3269306 by Guybrush88, translation #3269293 by CK
- Il sovrano di quel paese ha preso decisioni importanti.The sovereign of that country has made significant decisions.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Chiara are studying together at a desk.
- MatteoChiara, hai un righello?Chiara, do you have a ruler?
- ChiaraSì, eccolo qui.Yes, here it is.
- MatteoGrazie, mi serve per questo disegno.Thanks, I need it for this drawing.
- ChiaraPrendilo pure, Matteo.Go ahead and take it, Matteo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ruler” translations and entries righello, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries righello, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
