caposquadra
/ˌka.posˈkwa.dra/
The Italian phrase for team leader is caposquadra.
caposquadra refers to a person in charge of a small group of workers. It is a term commonly used in industrial, construction or technical settings to denote a foreman or a supervisor of a small work crew.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of capo, meaning head or chief and squadra, meaning squad or team.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of caposquadra is caposquadre.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of caposquadra is /ˌka.posˈkwa.dra/. It has four syllables, with the stress on the third syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian, a squadra is also the word for a carpenter's square or a drafting square used in geometry.
- The term capo is derived from the Latin word 'caput', which also gives English its words like 'captain' and 'capital'.
- While caposquadra is a professional title, the word capo is used in Italian slang to describe a bossy person or a 'big shot' in a way that can be slightly mocking.
Examples in context
- Buongiorno, Capo Squadra! Lei potrebbe darmi indicazioni sul progetto?Good morning, Team Leader! Could you give me directions on the project?
- Ciao, Capo Squadra! Mi dai un consiglio sul progetto?Hi, Team Leader! Can you give me some advice on the project?
- Gentile Capo Squadra, La contatterò per discutere dell'avanzamento del progetto.Dear Team Leader, I will contact you to discuss the progress of the project.
- Il caposquadra ha dato nuovi ordini.The team leader gave new orders.
- Cerchiamo un caposquadra esperto per il cantiere.We are looking for an experienced team leader for the construction site.
- Ho parlato con il caposquadra stamattina.I spoke with the team leader this morning.
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Martina are at a construction site.
- LorenzoMartina, dove si trova il caposquadra?Martina, where is the team leader?
- MartinaÈ nell'ufficio tecnico con i disegni.He is in the technical office with the drawings.
- LorenzoDevo consegnare questo rapporto al caposquadra.I have to deliver this report to the team leader.
- MartinaVa bene, accompagno io Lorenzo nell'ufficio.All right, I will accompany Lorenzo to the office.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry caposquadra, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caposquadra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
