verde salvia
/ˈver.de ˈsal.vja/word by word
The English phrase "sage green" is translated into Italian as verde salvia.
verde salvia is an adjective used to describe a color that is a greyish green, similar to the color of the sage plant.
Meaning: of a greyish green colour, like that of sage (adj)
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'sage' to mean a wise person, the Italian word salvia refers strictly to the plant or its color and cannot be used to describe a wise person.
- The word salvia shares its roots with the Latin 'salvus', meaning 'healthy' or 'safe', because the sage plant was historically believed to have healing properties.
- If an Italian describes a face as verde, they are not talking about verde salvia but are suggesting the person looks nauseous or envious.
Examples in context
- Mi piacerebbe dipingere la parete di un colore verde salvia, che sembri rinfrescante e tranquillo.I would like to paint the wall a sage green color, which looks refreshing and peaceful.
- una parete verde salviaA sage green wall
- Ho comprato un maglione verde salvia.I bought a sage green sweater.
- Il divano è di un bellissimo verde salvia.The sofa is a beautiful sage green.
- Preferisco le pareti verde salvia per la camera.I prefer sage green walls for the bedroom.
Example conversation
Matteo and Sofia are looking at paint samples for their new living room.
- MatteoTi piace questo verde salvia?Do you like this sage green?
- SofiaSì, è molto elegante, Matteo.Yes, it is very elegant, Matteo.
- MatteoAllora lo prendiamo per il soggiorno.Then let's get it for the living room.
- SofiaOttima idea, starà benissimo.Great idea, it will look wonderful.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (verde, salvia) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries salvia, verde, CC BY-SA 4.0.
