benzina senza piombo
/benˈd͡zi.na ˈsɛn.t͡sa ˈpjom.bo/word by word
The English phrase 'unleaded petrol' is translated into Italian as benzina senza piombo.
This phrase is used to specify the type of fuel at a petrol station, though in modern practice, almost all petrol sold in Italy is unleaded.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of benzina (petrol), senza (without) and piombo (lead).
How does it change in a sentence?
In Italian, the adjective 'unleaded' is expressed by the prepositional phrase senza piombo (without lead).
How do you pronounce it?
It consists of 7 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word piombo comes from the Latin plumbum, making it a linguistic relative of the English word 'plumbing'.
- While English speakers often use 'gas' or 'petrol', an Italian speaker at a station might simply ask for la benzina and be understood. Because leaded fuel has been banned for decades, the 'unleaded' part is often implied.
- If you are looking for the fuel at a station, you might see the word pompa on signs. This refers to the 'pump' rather than the liquid itself, a common way to identify services in Italy.
Examples in context
- Devo cercare la benzina senza piombo.I need to look for unleaded petrol.
- Questa benzina senza piombo costa troppo.This unleaded petrol is too expensive.
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Sofia are at a gas station.
- LorenzoSofia, che carburante dobbiamo mettere?Sofia, what fuel do we need to put in?
- SofiaDobbiamo fare benzina senza piombo, Lorenzo.We need to get unleaded petrol, Lorenzo.
- LorenzoVa bene, vado alla pompa verde.All right, I'm going to the green pump.
- SofiaSì, quella è quella giusta.Yes, that is the right one.
