sturalavandino
The English phrase "toilet plunger" can be translated into Italian as sturalavandino.
While it can be used to describe tools for clearing blockages in drains, it is most commonly used for items intended specifically for sinks.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between the functional name and the descriptive name of the tool. sturalavandino refers to the tool by its function as a sink unblocker, whereas ventosa refers to the tool by its physical shape, meaning "suction cup" or "plunger". Because of this, a plunger specifically intended for a toilet is often called a ventosa.
Did you know?
- The term lavandino refers specifically to a washbasin. For a kitchen sink, Italians use lavello, meaning you might hear the term sturalavello in a kitchen context.
- The term ventosa is also the word used for a suction cup used to hang things on walls, showing how the tool's shape defines its name.
- In Italian, the act of unclogging a drain is called sturare, which shares a root with the word for a 'plug' or 'stopper'.
Examples in context
- Mi scusi, dove posso trovare una ventosa per WC?Excuse me, where can I find a toilet plunger?
- Ho bisogno di uno sturalavandino.I need a plunger.
- Dove hai messo lo sturalavandino?Where did you put the plunger?
- Lo sturalavandino è sotto il lavello.The plunger is under the sink.
Example conversation
Francesco and Sofia are in the bathroom dealing with a clogged sink.
- FrancescoSofia, il lavandino è bloccato!Sofia, the sink is clogged!
- SofiaHai provato a usare lo sturalavandino?Did you try using the plunger?
- FrancescoNo, non so dove sia.No, I don't know where it is.
- SofiaÈ nel mobiletto sotto il lavabo.It's in the cabinet under the sink.
