punto zero
/ˈpun.to ˈd͡zɛ.ro/word by word
The English phrase "zero point" is translated into Italian as punto zero.
Did you know?
- When talking about decimals, Italians do not say punto but instead use virgola, which means 'comma'. To say 'zero point five', an Italian says zero virgola cinque.
- In Italian, punto is used for both a geometric 'point' and a 'stitch' in sewing. This reflects the word's origin in the Latin punctum, referring to a small hole or prick.
- The word zero is a linguistic doublet of the Italian word cifra, which means 'digit' or 'figure'. Both words trace their origins back to the Arabic word ṣifr, meaning 'nothing'.
Examples in context
- Quando hai completato il pagamento, l'importo sarà 50 Euro, zero virgola zero centesimi.When you complete the payment, the amount will be 50 Euros, zero point zero cents.
Example conversation
Matteo and Giulia are discussing a failed project.
- MatteoNon abbiamo fatto progressi, Giulia.We haven't made any progress, Giulia.
- GiuliaSì, siamo di nuovo a punto zero.Yes, we are back at zero point again.
- MatteoCosa possiamo fare adesso?What can we do now?
- GiuliaProviamo a cambiare strategia.Let's try to change strategy.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (punto, zero) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries punto, zero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
