vigile urbano
The English phrase 'traffic warden' is translated into Italian as vigile urbano.
vigile urbano refers to a person who monitors parking. In casual conversation, people often simply refer to them as il vigile.
Meaning: person who monitors parking (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form changes both the noun and the adjective to vigili urbani.
Did you know?
- The word vigile comes from the Latin vigilem, which referred to the firefighters and night watchmen of ancient Rome.
- In Italy, vigili urbani are municipal police officers with broader powers than English-speaking 'traffic wardens', including managing local security and administrative tasks.
- The adjective urbano in the phrase vigile urbano does not mean 'urban' in the sense of 'sophisticated' or 'polite' as it often does in English. It strictly indicates that the official belongs to the 'urbs', or the city.
Examples in context
- Ho visto un vigile oggi al semaforo.I saw a traffic warden at the traffic light today.
- Il vigile urbano controlla le auto parcheggiate.The traffic warden is checking the parked cars.
- Ho visto un vigile urbano in centro.I saw a traffic warden downtown.
- Il vigile urbano mi ha fatto una multa.The traffic warden gave me a fine.
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Martina are walking in a busy city street.
- LorenzoGuarda, c'è un vigile urbano lì vicino.Look, there is a traffic warden nearby.
- MartinaSpero che non scriva verbali oggi.I hope he doesn't write any tickets today.
- LorenzoPerché, hai parcheggiato male la tua auto?Why, did you park your car badly?
- MartinaNo, ma ho paura di un errore.No, but I am afraid of making a mistake.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries urbano, vigile, CC BY-SA 4.0.
