telescopio
/ˌtɛ.lesˈkɔ.pjo/masculine
The English word 'telescope' is telescopio in Italian. Wiktionary also lists cannocchiale.
Meaning: optical instrument that magnifies (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| telescopio | /ˌtɛ.lesˈkɔ.pjo/ | masculine |
| cannocchiale | /kan.nokˈkja.le/ | masculine |
Both telescopio and cannocchiale refer to an optical instrument that magnifies. Additionally, Lunetta can be used informally to denote a small or handheld telescope.
Which one should you use?
cannocchiale is often used for smaller, handheld telescopes or spyglasses and can also refer to binoculars in certain contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of telescopio is telescopi, and the plural of cannocchiale is cannocchiali.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌtɛ.lesˈkɔ.pjo/. It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word lunetta is a charmingly informal way to refer to a small telescope, but it also literally translates to 'little moon'.
- The term telescopio was actually championed and popularized by the famous scientist Galileo Galilei in the early 17th century.
- The word cannocchiale is built from the words for 'reed' or 'tube' and 'eye-glass'. It literally describes the object as a 'tubular eyeglass'.
Examples in context
- Io ho un telescopio.I have a telescope.This sentence is useful for expressing possession of a telescopio.Tatoeba #6668403 by Guybrush88, translation #6667058 by CK
- Io voglio un telescopio.I want a telescope.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire for a telescopio.Tatoeba #5903004 by Guybrush88, translation #5902952 by CK
- Tom vuole un telescopio.Tom wants a telescope.This sentence is useful for expressing what someone else wants, such as a telescopio.Tatoeba #6080592 by Guybrush88, translation #2882026 by Hybrid
- Ho appena acquistato un nuovo telescopio per osservare le stelle.I just bought a new telescope to observe the stars.
- Mio nonno mi ha regalato un binocolo che si può usare anche come telescopio.My grandfather gave me binoculars that can also be used as a telescope.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Francesco are in their garden at night.
- MartinaFrancesco, dov'è il telescopio?Francesco, where is the telescope?
- FrancescoÈ qui, nell'armadio.It is here, in the cupboard.
- MartinaOttimo, voglio guardare la Luna.Great, I want to look at the Moon.
- FrancescoSì, usalo subito!Yes, use it right away!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “telescope” translations and entries telescopio, cannocchiale, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cannocchiale, telescopio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
