📏

How to Say ‘Tape measure’ in Italian

Il metro a nastro

eel MEH-troh ah NAHS-troh

[eel MEH-troh ah NAHS-troh]

💬 Usage Tip: Il metro means both the unit "meter" and a measuring tool, so il metro a nastro is literally a "ribbon meter". Italians often just say il metro for the tape measure.

Phrase Breakdown

Il metro

eel MEH-troh

The measuring tape / the meter

'Metro' can mean a meter or a measuring tool. Keep the article 'il' attached: 'il-MÈ-tro'.

Example

Dov'è il metro?

Where's the measuring tape?

Words in this phrase

[eel]

the

Masculine singular definite article used before a masculine singular noun.

Example

Nella frase Il tempo personale, Il introduce il concetto di tempo privato.

In the phrase 'Il tempo personale,' 'Il' introduces the concept of private time.

metro

[MEH-troh]

meter; measuring tool

Masculine noun; a unit of length, or a tool for measuring.

Example

Prendi il metro per misurare il tavolo.

Take the measuring tape to measure the table.

a nastro

ah NAHS-troh

tape (-style)

'A nastro' describes the tape type. 'Il metro a nastro' is a tape measure. Say 'a-NA-stro'.

Example

Uso un metro a nastro.

I use a tape measure.

Words in this phrase

[ah]

with (made of / type)

Preposition here describing the type or form of an object.

Example

Ho una barca a vela.

I have a sailing boat.

nastro

[NAHS-troh]

tape, ribbon

Masculine noun; a long thin strip of material.

Example

Il regalo ha un nastro rosso.

The gift has a red ribbon.

Guides for Italian learners

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