programma televisivo
The English phrase "tv show" is translated into Italian as programma televisivo.
programma televisivo refers to a program or a series of episodes broadcast on a television.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of programma (program) and televisivo (television-related).
Which one should you use?
While programma televisivo is a general term for any broadcast, serie TV is specifically used for scripted series with episodic continuity. Additionally, you may hear the informal term Serie as a shortening of serie TV to mean a TV show or TV series.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In casual conversation, Italians often use the English loanword show to refer to a television program or entertainment program. The term Serie is also considered an informal shortening of serie TV.
Did you know?
- In Italian, when talking about the 'broadcast' or 'airing' of a programma televisivo, you would use the verb andare in onda, which literally translates to 'to go on the wave'.
- When referring to a 'TV schedule', Italians use the term palinsesto, a word that doesn't have a direct English equivalent in the context of television programming.
- The word programma comes from the Ancient Greek word prógramma, which originally meant something 'written before' or a 'pre-written announcement'.
Examples in context
- Questo programma televisivo è indirizzato ai bambini.This TV show is aimed at children.This sentence is useful for seeing how to say that a programma televisivo is aimed at children.Tatoeba #710712 by Guybrush88, translation #60835 by CK
- Con mio rammarico, il mio programma televisivo preferito è andato fuori onda il mese scorso.To my regret, my favorite TV show went off the air last month.This sentence shows how to express that a favorite programma televisivo went off the air.Tatoeba #3138657 by Guybrush88, translation #245277 by CM
- Di cosa parla questo programma televisivo?What is this TV show about?This sentence demonstrates how to ask what a programma televisivo is about.Tatoeba #10801832 by carlosalberto, translation #10801809 by carlosalberto
- Che telefilm stai guardando?What TV show are you watching?
- Mi piacciono le serie americane.I like American TV shows.
- Mi piace guardare telefilm comiciI enjoy watching comedy TV shows
- Qual è la tua serie preferita?What is your favorite TV show?
- Ti consiglio questa serie TV, penso che ti piaceràI recommend this TV show, I think you'll like it
Example conversation
Chiara and Alessandro are sitting on the sofa at home.
- ChiaraQual è il tuo programma televisivo preferito?What is your favorite tv show?
- AlessandroMi piace molto questo programma televisivo.I really like this tv show.
- ChiaraAlessandro, lo guardiamo insieme?Alessandro, shall we watch it together?
- AlessandroSì, volentieri!Yes, gladly!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries programma, televisivo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
