sterno
The English word sternum is translated into Italian as sterno.
In colloquial speech, you might hear the phrase osso del petto to mean chest bone.
Did you know?
- Ancient Greeks used the word στέρνον not just for the bone but as a poetic synonym for 'heart' and 'soul'.
- In Italian, the 'sternal notch' is called the incavatura sternale, using a word for 'hollow' that also describes a physical dip in a landscape.
- Italian writers sometimes use references to the sterno in literature to symbolize a shield or a physical barrier protecting the heart.
Examples in context
- Mi fa male l'osso del petto.My sternum hurts.
- Sento un dolore forte sullo sterno.I feel a sharp pain on my sternum.
- L'impatto ha colpito direttamente lo sterno.The impact hit the sternum directly.
Example conversation
Chiara is describing an injury to Francesco.
- ChiaraMi fa male qui, sullo sterno.It hurts here, on my sternum.
- FrancescoCosa ti è successo, Chiara?What happened to you, Chiara?
- ChiaraSono caduta mentre facevo sport.I fell while I was playing sports.
- FrancescoAndiamo subito a farti visitare.Let's go get you examined right away.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sterno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
