Vespa
/ˈvɛs.pa/
Vespa is the Italian name for a brand of Italian motor scooters.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Vespa literally means wasp in Italian.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. It is pronounced /ˈvɛs.pa/.
Did you know?
- In Italy, the word vespa is used as a generic term for any scooter, regardless of whether it is actually made by the Vespa brand.
- The Piaggio company also produces a three-wheeled vehicle called Ape, which means 'bee'.
- While vespa means 'wasp', the word comes from the Latin vespa, which is also the ancestor of the English word 'vespine'.
Examples in context
- Mi piace molto la mia Vespa rossa nuova!I really like my new red Vespa!
- Ogni mattina vado al lavoro in Vespa.Every morning, I go to work on my Vespa.
- Ho comprato una Vespa nuova.I bought a new Vespa.
- La tua Vespa è molto bella.Your Vespa is very beautiful.
- Preferisco guidare una Vespa in città.I prefer riding a Vespa in the city.
Example conversation
Giulia and Francesco are standing in a sunny street in Rome.
- GiuliaChe bella la tua Vespa, Francesco!Your Vespa is beautiful, Francesco!
- FrancescoGrazie, Giulia. È un modello classico.Thanks, Giulia. It is a classic model.
- GiuliaPosso provarla un momento?Can I try it for a moment?
- FrancescoCerto, ma fai molta attenzione.Sure, but be very careful.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry vespa.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Vespa, vespa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
