distributore automatico
masculine
The English phrase 'vending machine' is translated into Italian as distributore automatico.
A distributore automatico is a machine that dispenses merchandise. In Italy, the most common type of vending machine encountered is the distributore automatico di caffè, which is a coffee vending machine.
Meaning: machine that dispenses merchandise (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase distributore automatico literally translates to 'automatic distributor'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form is distributori automatici.
Did you know?
- While 'distributore automatico' is the formal term, many Italians colloquially refer to them simply as 'la macchinetta', using a diminutive to sound more casual.
- In Italian, the word 'distributore' can also refer to a petrol station, specifically 'distributore di benzina', which might cause confusion if context is lacking.
- In Italy, you will often find 'distributori automatici' for playing lotteries, known as 'distributori di Lotto' or 'Superenalotto', in newsstands.
Examples in context
- Questo distributore automatico non sta funzionando.This vending machine isn't working.This sentence is useful for stating that a distributore automatico is not working.Tatoeba #7829669 by Guybrush88, translation #58870 by CK
- C'è un distributore automatico di merendine in corridoio.There's a snack vending machine in the hallway.This sentence is useful for noting the location of a distributore automatico for snacks.Tatoeba #13849439 by Nuel, translation #13849438 by Nuel
- Scusa, sai dove posso trovare un distributore automatico di snack?Excuse me, do you know where I can find a snack vending machine?
- Mi scusi, c'è un distributore automatico di bevande nelle vicinanze?Excuse me, is there a beverage vending machine nearby?
- È incredibile quanti snack ci sono in questa macchina!It's amazing how many snacks are in this machine!
- Dov'è il distributore automatico del caffè?Where is the coffee vending machine?
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Martina are at a train station.
- LorenzoHo fame, cerchiamo un distributore automatico?I'm hungry, shall we look for a vending machine?
- MartinaSì, ne vedo uno proprio lì.Yes, I see one right there.
- LorenzoSpero che accetti le carte di credito.I hope it accepts credit cards.
- MartinaDi solito questi distributori automatici le accettano.Usually these vending machines accept them.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “vending machine” translations and entries distributore automatico, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
