How to Say ‘It's called the "nazzicata".’ in Italian
Si chiama "nazzicata".
see KYAH-mah nat-tsee-KAH-tah
[see KYAH-mah nat-tsee-KAH-tah]
🇮🇹 In Italy: The nazzicata is a swaying, rocking step that bearers use to carry the statues in Taranto's Holy Week processions. It's so slow that the procession can take many hours to cover a short distance. Locals are usually proud to explain it.
Phrase Breakdown
Si chiama
see KYAH-mah
It's called
This comes from 'chiamarsi' (to be called). 'Chi' is pronounced 'kee': KYA-ma.
Come si chiama?
What is it called?
Words in this phrase
Si
[see]
reflexive
Referring back to the subject.
Mai ci si arrende.
One never gives up on themselves.
chiama
[KYAH-mah]
calls (himself) / is called
Third-person form of 'chiamare'; with 'si' it gives someone's name.
Il cane si chiama Bobi.
The dog is called Bobi.
"nazzicata".
nat-tsee-KAH-tah
"nazzicata" (the rocking step)
This southern dialect word comes from 'naca' (cradle) and describes a swaying, rocking walk. Say the 'zz' as 'ts': nats-tsi-KA-ta.
La nazzicata è lenta.
The nazzicata is slow.
Words in this phrase
nazzicata
[nat-tsee-KAH-tah]
nazzicata (swaying step)
Dialect word for the slow rocking walk of processions in Taranto.
La nazzicata dura tutta la notte.
The nazzicata lasts all night.
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