presa
/ˈpre.za/
The Italian word for socket is presa.
presa refers to an electrical opening, such as a socket in a wall. To be more specific and specify an electrical power socket, you can use the phrase presa di corrente.
Meaning: electrical opening (noun)
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between the two parts of a connection: presa refers to the socket (the female part in the wall), while spina refers to the plug (the male part on the cord).
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of presa is prese.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈpre.za/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- While presa is the socket, spina means 'plug' but also literally means 'thorn'. This creates a linguistic contrast between a 'thorn' and a 'grasp' in a simple electrical connection.
- In Italian, presa can mean a 'decision' or 'resolution' when used in the phrase presa di posizione, meaning 'taking a stand'.
- In Italian photography, the 'shot' or the act of taking a picture is called presa, as in presa dal basso for a low-angle shot.
Examples in context
- Mi serve una presa.I need a socket.This sentence shows how to express that you need a presa.Tatoeba #10896966 by Guybrush88, translation #4332964 by AlanF_US
- Sto cercando una presa.I'm looking for a socket.This sentence is useful for saying you are looking for a presa.Tatoeba #10896967 by Guybrush88, translation #8470890 by Luiaard
- presa elettricaSocketThis phrase is used to specifically name an electrical socket using presa.
- Nel mio ufficio, ho bisogno di una presa di corrente aggiuntiva.In my office, I need an additional socket.
- L'hotel dovrebbe fornire almeno due prese di corrente in ogni camera.The hotel should provide at least two sockets in each room.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
In a living room, Martina is trying to charge her phone.
- MartinaFrancesco, c'è una presa vicino al divano?Francesco, is there a socket near the sofa?
- FrancescoSì, è proprio dietro quella poltrona.Yes, it is right behind that armchair.
- MartinaOttimo, grazie mille!Great, thanks a lot!
- FrancescoPrego, Martina.You're welcome, Martina.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry presa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
