raggi X
The English phrase "x-ray" is translated into Italian as raggi X.
While raggi X refers to the rays, the actual medical photograph or the procedure itself is called a radiografia. When you want to say you are having or taking an x-ray, it is common to use the verb fare with radiografia, forming the phrase fare una radiografia. Related terms include the verb radiografare (to take a radiograph) and the adjective radiografico (relating to x-rays).
Meaning: photograph made with X-rays (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase raggi X literally means "X rays", where raggi is the plural of raggio (ray).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to a single medical image, you should use the noun phrase una radiografia.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use raggi X to mean a single medical image. However, raggi X refers to the physical rays, while radiografia refers to the resulting photograph.
Did you know?
- The term raggio is a polysemous word in Italian, as it refers to both a 'ray' of light and the 'spoke' of a bicycle wheel.
- In Italian mathematics, the symbol × used for multiplication is pronounced as per, rather than being called an 'x'.
- The word radiografia is a compound of the Latin radius meaning 'ray' and the Greek graphia meaning 'writing'.
Examples in context
- Mi servirebbe una radiografia del mio piede.I would need an x-ray of my foot.
- Hai fatto una lastra?Have you had an x-ray?
- Mi scuso, ma ho bisogno di una radiografia della mia schiena.I'm sorry, but I need an x-ray of my back.
- Certamente, le organizzeremo una radiografia.Certainly, we will arrange an x-ray for you.
- Ho fatto una lastra del mio polso oggi.I had an x-ray of my wrist today.
- Devo fare i raggi X per il braccio.I need to get x-rays for my arm.
- I risultati dei raggi X sono arrivati.The x-ray results have arrived.
- Il dottore guarda i raggi X.The doctor is looking at the x-rays.
Example conversation
Sofia and Francesco are talking at the hospital.
- SofiaHai già fatto i raggi X?Have you already had the x-rays done?
- FrancescoSì, li ho fatti stamattina.Yes, I had them done this morning.
- SofiaE come va il tuo braccio?And how is your arm?
- FrancescoSto aspettando i risultati.I am waiting for the results.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry raggi X, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries x, CC BY-SA 4.0.
