astronave
/as.troˈna.ve/
The English word starship is translated into Italian as astronave.
astronave refers to a spacecraft capable of traveling to other stars.
Meaning: a spacecraft capable of traveling to other stars (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of astro, meaning star or celestial body and nave, meaning ship.
How does it change in a sentence?
astronave is a feminine noun. Its plural form is astronavi.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /as.troˈna.ve/. It has four syllables, with the stress on the third syllable.
Did you know?
- The root astro is found in astrologia and astronomia, but it also appears in the common Italian word disastro, which originally meant a 'bad star' or an ill-omened celestial alignment.
- In Italian, the term spazio describes both the physical vacuum of the universe and the concept of 'space' in a room, meaning an astronave travels through a word that also describes a kitchen.
- While astronave is the standard term, older Italian pulp sci-fi sometimes used razzo for any space vessel, literally calling them 'rockets' regardless of their size or destination.
Examples in context
- L'astronave si sta preparando per il lancioThe starship is preparing for launch
- L'equipaggio ha attraversato l'universo a bordo del vascello stellareThe crew traveled across the universe aboard the star vessel
- Hanno costruito una nave spaziale per esplorare nuovi mondiThey built a starship for exploring new worlds
- Il velivolo spaziale atterra sul pianeta sconosciutoThe spaceship lands on the unknown planet
- L'astronave è pronta per il lancio.The starship is ready for launch.
- Sognavo di guidare un'astronave.I dreamed of piloting a starship.
Example conversation
Matteo and Sofia are watching a science fiction movie.
- MatteoGuarda che bella astronave!Look at what a beautiful starship!
- SofiaSì, è incredibile come vola.Yes, it's incredible how it flies.
- MatteoPensi che un'astronave così esista davvero?Do you think a starship like that actually exists?
- SofiaForse un giorno lo scopriremo, Matteo.Maybe one day we will find out, Matteo.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry astronave, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
