lumache
The English phrase "snails" is translated into Italian as lumache.
The word refers to small mollusks with a spiral shell on their backs. It can be used to describe the biological animals or the food item made from them.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is lumaca. The plural form lumache is used for both the biological animals and the food item. Because the word is a feminine noun, the feminine plural definite article used is le (as in le lumache).
Did you know?
- The word lumaca can be used in a very specific architectural context to describe a 'lumaca' staircase. This is a spiral staircase that winds upwards, mimicking the shape of a snail's shell.
- While 'snails' are common in some cuisines, in Italy they are traditionally associated with 'cucina povera' or peasant cooking, especially in the south.
- While lumache are eaten in Italy, they are often viewed as a seasonal delicacy tied to the rainy spring months. In some rural traditions, they are gathered specifically after the first heavy rains of the season.
Examples in context
- Le lumache sono lente.Snails are slow.This sentence is useful for describing the speed of lumache.Tatoeba #6851467 by Guybrush88, translation #6850858 by Hybrid
- Spesso la paella include lumache.Paella often includes snails.This sentence shows that lumache can be an ingredient in certain dishes.Tatoeba #713988 by Guybrush88, translation #712486 by papabear
- Le lumache si muovono lentamente.Snails move slowly.This sentence describes the movement of lumache.Tatoeba #1551271 by Guybrush88, translation #1549770 by Spamster
- Mi piace assaggiare le chiocciole in un ristorante elegante.I enjoy tasting snails in a fancy restaurant.
- Mia nonna prepara le lumache con l'aglio e prezzemolo.My grandmother cooks snails with garlic and parsley.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara and Francesco are looking at a garden.
- ChiaraGuarda, ci sono delle lumache sul fiore!Look, there are some snails on the flower!
- FrancescoSì, le lumache sono bellissime.Yes, the snails are very beautiful.
- ChiaraFrancesco, non calpestare le lumache!Francesco, don't step on the snails!
- FrancescoScusa, farò molta attenzione.Sorry, I will be very careful.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
