capotreno
The English phrase "train conductor" is translated into Italian as capotreno.
In modern Italian railway contexts, capotreno is the standard term for the person responsible for the train's operation and passenger safety.
What does it mean word for word?
The word capotreno is a compound of capo, meaning head or boss and treno, meaning train.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of capotreno is capotreni.
Did you know?
- If you need assistance with a ticket while waiting at an Italian station, you should look for the capostazione rather than a capotreno.
- The term capotreno is part of a broader linguistic pattern where capo creates titles of authority, such as capofamiglia for the head of a household.
- While the capotreno manages the passengers, the person who physically operates the locomotive is the macchinista, a word that literally translates to 'machinist'.
Examples in context
- Ho bisogno di parlare con il capotreno.I need to speak with the train conductor.
- Sai quando passa il bigliettaio?Do you know when the ticket inspector comes around?
- Ho appena visto il controllore.I just saw the train conductor.
- Il capotreno è molto gentile.The train conductor is very kind.
- Ho chiesto informazioni al capotreno.I asked the train conductor for information.
- Il capotreno ha annunciato il ritardo.The train conductor announced the delay.
Example conversation
Martina and Alessandro are on a train and cannot find their seats.
- MartinaNon trovo il mio posto, Alessandro.I can't find my seat, Alessandro.
- AlessandroCerchiamo subito il capotreno per chiedere aiuto.Let's look for the train conductor immediately to ask for help.
- MartinaSì, credo che sia nel vagone precedente.Yes, I think he is in the previous carriage.
- AlessandroAndiamo a parlargli allora.Let's go talk to him then.
