How to Say ‘The stairs are still a torment’ in Italian
Le scale sono ancora un tormento
leh SKAH-leh SOH-noh ahn-KOH-rah oon tor-MEN-toh
[leh SKAH-leh SOH-noh ahn-KOH-rah oon tor-MEN-toh]
Phrase Breakdown
Le scale
leh SKAH-leh
The stairs
'Scale' is plural and pronounced SKAH-leh.
Le scale sono ripide.
The stairs are steep.
Words in this phrase
Le
[leh]
the
Plural feminine definite article, used before plural feminine nouns.
Nella frase Le persone si aiutano, Le introduce il gruppo di colleghi.
In the phrase 'Le persone si aiutano,' 'Le' introduces the group of colleagues.
scale
[SKAH-leh]
stairs
Plural of 'scala', steps going up or down.
Salgo le scale a piedi.
I walk up the stairs.
sono ancora un tormento
SOH-noh ahn-KOH-rah oon tor-MEN-toh
are still a torment
'Ancora' means still and is stressed on the first syllable: AHN-koh-rah. 'Tormento' means ordeal or torment.
Il traffico è ancora un tormento.
The traffic is still a nightmare.
Words in this phrase
sono
[SOH-noh]
they are
Plural verb form used to describe plural nouns like mushrooms.
Sono piccoli ma molto saporiti i finferli.
They are small but very tasty, the chanterelles.
ancora
[ahn-KOH-rah]
still; yet
An adverb meaning something continues or has not finished yet.
In "È ancora lunga", "ancora" fa capire che non è finita.
In "È ancora lunga", "ancora" makes it clear that it is not over.
un
[oon]
a
Indefinite article used before a masculine singular noun.
In Un buon equilibrio, Un introduce l'idea di un balance positivo.
In 'Un buon equilibrio,' 'Un' introduces the idea of a positive balance.
tormento
[tor-MEN-toh]
torment / ordeal
Something painful or very annoying.
Questo rumore è un tormento.
This noise is torture.
Guides for Italian learners
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Lessons for Your Situation
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Spent the summer in Tuscany researching Italian cuisine. Being able to chat with nonnas at the market about recipes? Absolutely priceless.”
Grace P., 34, Food Writer
“Working on a project in Milan and needed professional Italian fast. The business roleplays gave me the confidence to present to clients within a month.”
Daniel F., 45, Architect
“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”
Alex M., 42, Software Engineer