pila
/ˈpi.la/feminine
The English word stack translates to Italian as pila. Wiktionary also lists bica and balla di fieno.
Meaning: pile of identical objects (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pila | /ˈpi.la/ | feminine |
| bica | /ˈbi.ka/ | feminine |
| balla di fieno | feminine |
pila is used to refer to a general pile or stack of objects. If you wish to describe the action of placing objects or material into a stack, you can use the verbs accatastare or impilare. The verb impilare is the most direct way to express the action of stacking objects on top of one another.
Which one should you use?
Use pila for a general stack or pile of objects, whereas balla di fieno is used specifically for a bale of hay.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈpi.la/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- In everyday Italian, if you ask for a pila, you might actually receive a 'battery' rather than a stack of items.
- The word pila is a linguistic chameleon, sharing its origin with both a 'pillar' and the 'mortar' used by masons to bind stones.
- While pila is the standard term for a stack, if you are in Northern Italy you might hear the word bica instead.
Examples in context
- Tom diede a Mary una pila di soldi.Tom gave Mary a stack of money.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe a stack of money using pila.Tatoeba #10662195 by Guybrush88, translation #5732799 by CM
- Una pila di documentiA stack of documents
- Una pila di libriA stack of books
- Un mucchio di fogliA stack of papers
- Ho messo una pila di libri sul tavolo.I put a stack of books on the table.
- Mamma ha portato un mucchio di piatti da lavare.Mom brought a stack of dishes to wash.
- Ho comprato una pila di regali per i miei amici.I bought a stack of gifts for my friends.
- C'è una pila di libri sul tavolo.There is a pile of books on the table.
- Ho spostato la pila di documenti.I moved the stack of documents.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Alessandro are tidying up a study room.
- SofiaAlessandro, puoi aiutarmi con questa pila di riviste?Alessandro, can you help me with this pile of magazines?
- AlessandroCerto, dove devo metterle?Sure, where should I put them?
- SofiaMetti la pila sullo scaffale in alto.Put the stack on the top shelf.
- AlessandroVa bene, lo faccio subito.Okay, I'll do it right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stack” translations and entries pila, bica, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries balla, bica, di, fieno, pila, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
