gabbiano
The Italian word for seagull is gabbiano.
The term refers to a medium to large seabird characterized by long wings and a white or grey body.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Liguria region, specifically in Genoa, the term gronchio is used to describe seagulls.
How does it change in a sentence?
gabbiano is a masculine noun. The plural form of gabbiano is gabbiani.
Did you know?
- The word gabbiano is the title of one of Italy's most famous pop songs, released in 1965 by Gino Paoli, which uses the bird as a symbol of longing and loneliness.
- The word gabbiano is derived from the Latin gāvia, which is also the ancestor of the Spanish word gaviota.
- While English speakers often use 'seagull' for many shorebirds, Italians distinguish the gabbiano from the sternella, which is a tern.
Examples in context
- Io sono un gabbiano.I am a seagull.This sentence is useful for identifying yourself as a gabbiano.Tatoeba #1814220 by Guybrush88, translation #437520 by Clavain
- Questo uccello si chiama gabbiano.This bird is called a seagull.This sentence is useful for stating the name of the bird using gabbiano.Tatoeba #1814214 by Guybrush88, translation #1814217 by AlanF_US
- Un gabbiano ha rubato il mio hamburger!A seagull stole my hamburger!This sentence is useful for describing an action involving a gabbiano.Tatoeba #11798609 by Guybrush88, translation #11024505 by mollydot
- Ho visto un gabbiano volare sopra il mare.I saw a seagull flying over the sea.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Martina are walking along a beach.
- MatteoGuarda quel gabbiano sopra la scogliera.Look at that seagull above the cliff.
- MartinaÈ bellissimo, ma fa molto rumore.It is beautiful, but it makes a lot of noise.
- MatteoSì, il gabbiano vola molto in alto.Yes, the seagull flies very high.
- MartinaSperiamo che non si avvicini al nostro cibo.Let's hope it doesn't come near our food.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gabbiano, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
