libro di testo
/ˈli.bro di ˈtɛs.to/word by wordmasculine
The English phrase "textbook" is translated into Italian as libro di testo.
libro di testo is the formal term used to refer to a formal manual of instruction.
Meaning: formal manual of instruction (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, libro di testo translates to "book of text".
Which one should you use?
While libro di testo refers to the physical educational book, the adjective da manuale is used to describe something that is "textbook" in the sense of being typical or standard, such as a textbook example.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To pluralize libro di testo into libri di testo, only the noun libro changes to libri, while the phrase di testo remains singular.
Did you know?
- The word testo can also refer to a traditional flatbread in some Italian regions, deriving from the Latin word for an 'earthenware pot'.
- In Italian, the word testo originally comes from the Latin word for 'woven', meaning that a text is something that has been 'woven' together.
- In Italian, there is a distinction between a libro di testo and a manuale. A manuale is often seen as a more concise, practical guide, whereas a libro di testo is a comprehensive academic work.
Examples in context
- Chiuse il suo libro di testo.He closed his textbook.This sentence shows the action of closing a libro di testo.Tatoeba #8949315 by Guybrush88, translation #7384744 by CH
- Questo libro di testo è buono.This textbook is good.This sentence is useful for describing the quality of a libro di testo.Tatoeba #906089 by Guybrush88, translation #59677 by CK
- Che libro di testo sta usando?Which textbook are you using?This sentence is useful for asking which libro di testo someone is using.Tatoeba #5345480 by Guybrush88, translation #5162235 by AlanF_US
- Ho bisogno di comprare un nuovo libro di testo per la classe di matematica.I need to buy a new textbook for the math class.
- Ho dimenticato il mio libro a casa. Puoi prestarmi il tuo?I forgot my textbook at home. Can you lend me yours?
- Ho comprato un nuovo manuale di storia dell'arte.I bought a new art history textbook.
- 49 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Giulia are studying in the library.
- FrancescoGiulia, hai portato il tuo libro di testo?Giulia, did you bring your textbook?
- GiuliaSì, l'ho preso stamattina.Yes, I picked it up this morning.
- FrancescoOttimo, iniziamo a studiare insieme.Great, let's start studying together.
- GiuliaSì, sono pronta, Francesco.Yes, I am ready, Francesco.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “textbook” translations and entries libro di testo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (libro, di, testo) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries di, libro, testo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
