ultimo piano
/ˈul.ti.mo ˈpja.no/word by word
The English phrase "top floor" is translated into Italian as ultimo piano.
ultimo piano is the standard way to refer to the highest level of a building. While the word for "top" can sometimes be translated as superiore, you should use ultimo piano to denote the top floor.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ultimo, meaning "last" and piano, meaning "floor" or "level".
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to say "on the top floor", the preposition a combines with the definite article l' to form all'ultimo piano.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈul.ti.mo ˈpja.no/. It has 5 syllables and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
When do people say it?
In certain contexts, such as among hotel staff, you might hear the term piano più alto to refer to the top floor.
Did you know?
- The word piano is a polysemous term that can also mean 'slowly' or 'quietly' when used as an adverb, such as in the musical direction 'piano'.
- In Italy, the ultimo piano is often more expensive and coveted than lower floors because it may feature an altana, a traditional wooden rooftop terrace used for lounging and drying clothes.
- If the ultimo piano has slanted ceilings tucked directly under the roof, an Italian will often call it the mansarda instead of using the general term.
Examples in context
- C'è un ristorante all'ultimo piano.There is a restaurant on the top floor.This sentence shows how to use ultimo piano to state that a restaurant is located there.Tatoeba #6571276 by Guybrush88, translation #244068 by CK
- Lui esce dall'ascensore all'ultimo piano e si arrampica sul tetto.He exits the elevator on the top floor and climbs onto the roof.This sentence describes someone exiting an elevator at the ultimo piano.Tatoeba #6045847 by dnnywld, translation #12182421 by gcaplan
- Il mio appartamento è all'ultimo piano.My apartment is on the top floor.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Alessandro are in an elevator.
- SofiaDove andiamo, Alessandro?Where are we going, Alessandro?
- AlessandroAndiamo all'ultimo piano.We are going to the top floor.
- SofiaC'è una terrazza lì?Is there a terrace there?
- AlessandroSì, Sofia, c'è una vista bellissima.Yes, Sofia, there is a beautiful view.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (ultimo, piano) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
