When you're first learning Italian, it's really useful to learn everyday words. One important word is ascensore. This means 'elevator' or 'lift' in English.
You'll hear this word a lot in hotels, apartment buildings, and shopping centers. It's pronounced 'ah-shen-SO-reh'. Remember that in Italian, nouns have a gender, and ascensore is masculine.
Ascensore is the Italian word for 'elevator' or 'lift'. It's a common noun you'll encounter in everyday situations, especially in buildings with multiple floors.
You'll hear it often in hotels, apartment buildings, and public places like shopping malls or train stations.
Understanding this word is practical for navigating Italian cities and buildings, as you might need to ask for directions to an elevator or understand signs indicating where they are located.
It's pronounced ah-shen-SOH-reh, with the stress on the third syllable.
When you reach a C1 level in Italian, your vocabulary expands significantly, allowing for nuanced communication. While 'ascensore' is a common A2 word for 'elevator,' at C1, you might encounter more specific terms or phrases related to its function or maintenance. For example, you could describe different types of elevators, discuss the mechanics of how an ascensore panoramico (panoramic elevator) works, or talk about safety regulations for impianti di ascensori (elevator systems). You'd also be comfortable using 'ascensore' metaphorically, perhaps describing a rapid rise or fall in a situation, similar to how one might say 'a fast track' or 'a downward spiral' in English. The C1 level allows for this deeper, more abstract understanding and application of common words.
At a C2 level, understanding 'ascensore' goes beyond just its basic definition. You should be familiar with common phrases and situations where this word is used idiomatically or within a broader context. For instance, you might encounter discussions about the historical development of elevators, their societal impact, or even their role in architecture and urban planning.
Furthermore, you should be able to discuss complex scenarios involving elevators, such as safety regulations, accessibility issues, or technical specifications, using appropriate and precise Italian vocabulary. This includes understanding specialized terms related to elevator mechanics or building codes. The focus shifts from merely recognizing the word to being able to articulate sophisticated ideas and engage in nuanced conversations about it.
§ What does it mean and when do people use it?
- DEFINITION
- A platform or cage for moving people up and down floors in a building.
The Italian word for 'elevator' or 'lift' is ascensore. It's a masculine noun, so you'll always use 'l'ascensore' (the elevator) or 'un ascensore' (an elevator). This is a very practical word to know, especially if you're traveling in Italy. Many buildings, especially older ones, might have stairs, but modern hotels, apartment buildings, and public spaces will definitely have an ascensore.
You'll use ascensore whenever you need to talk about going up or down in a building without using stairs. Think about when you're carrying luggage, have mobility issues, or just want to save your energy for exploring. In Italy, sometimes elevators are quite small, and in very old buildings, they might even have a door you need to open manually inside the cabin before the main door closes.
Prendiamo l'ascensore al terzo piano. (Let's take the elevator to the third floor.)
It's a straightforward word, and its usage is quite similar to 'elevator' or 'lift' in English. You'll hear it in hotels, shopping centers, train stations, and multi-story car parks. If you're asking for directions to an elevator, you might hear phrases like "Dov'è l'ascensore?" (Where is the elevator?).
C'è un ascensore in questo edificio? (Is there an elevator in this building?)
When you're in an Italian building, you might see signs pointing to 'Ascensore' or an arrow indicating its location. It's a common feature in most modern constructions. Don't be surprised if you have to press a button and wait a little longer than you might be used to in other countries; Italian elevators sometimes have a more leisurely pace!
Context 1: Hotel stays
You'll frequently use 'ascensore' when discussing hotel rooms on higher floors. For example, if your room is on the fifth floor, you'll definitely be looking for l'ascensore.Context 2: Shopping in multi-story stores
Large department stores in Italy will have escalators (scale mobili) but also 'ascensori' for convenience, especially if you're carrying shopping bags.Context 3: Visiting friends or family in apartment buildings
If your friends live on a higher floor in an apartment block, you'll be using their 'ascensore'. It's polite to offer to take the stairs if it's only one or two floors, but for anything more, 'l'ascensore' is the way to go.
Understanding 'ascensore' is key to navigating Italian buildings with ease. It's a fundamental word for daily life and travel. Don't hesitate to use it!
§ Understanding 'Ascensore'
The Italian word for 'elevator' or 'lift' is ascensore. It's a masculine noun, so you'll always use masculine articles and adjectives with it.
- Italian Word
- ascensore (masculine noun)
- Definition
- A platform or cage for moving people up and down within a building; an elevator or lift.
§ How to use 'Ascensore' in a Sentence
Using 'ascensore' is straightforward once you know its gender and how it interacts with common verbs and prepositions. Here are some practical examples:
Often, you'll hear and use 'ascensore' with verbs indicating movement or location.
- Prendere l'ascensore (To take the elevator)
- Andare in ascensore (To go by elevator/in the elevator)
- Aspettare l'ascensore (To wait for the elevator)
- Essere in ascensore (To be in the elevator)
Dobbiamo prendere l'ascensore per andare all'ultimo piano. (We must take the elevator to go to the top floor.)
Preferisco andare in ascensore, non mi piacciono le scale. (I prefer to go by elevator, I don't like stairs.)
Stiamo aspettando l'ascensore al terzo piano. (We are waiting for the elevator on the third floor.)
Scusa, non posso parlare, sono in ascensore. (Sorry, I can't talk, I'm in the elevator.)
§ Prepositions with 'Ascensore'
The most common preposition you'll use with 'ascensore' is in, meaning 'in' or 'by'.
- in ascensore (in the elevator, by elevator)
You might also see 'con' (with) in some contexts, but 'in' is more natural for the mode of transport.
Saliamo in ascensore, per favore. (Let's go up in the elevator, please.)
È più veloce andare in ascensore che fare le scale. (It's faster to go by elevator than to take the stairs.)
Less commonly, but still possible, you might see 'a' if you're referring to an elevator's specific location, though 'in' remains prevalent.
§ Common Phrases with 'Ascensore'
Here are some useful phrases you'll encounter or use when talking about elevators:
- Dov'è l'ascensore? (Where is the elevator?)
- L'ascensore è guasto. (The elevator is out of order/broken.)
- Prendiamo l'ascensore o le scale? (Shall we take the elevator or the stairs?)
- C'è un ascensore in questo edificio? (Is there an elevator in this building?)
- L'ascensore è arrivato. (The elevator has arrived.)
Scusi, dov'è l'ascensore? (Excuse me, where is the elevator?)
Attenzione, l'ascensore è guasto oggi. (Caution, the elevator is out of order today.)
Per il quinto piano, prendiamo l'ascensore o le scale? (For the fifth floor, shall we take the elevator or the stairs?)
How Formal Is It?
"L'elevatore è fuori servizio per manutenzione. (The elevator is out of service for maintenance.)"
"Prendiamo l'ascensore per arrivare al terzo piano. (Let's take the elevator to get to the third floor.)"
"Dobbiamo prendere l'ascensore, non ho voglia di fare le scale. (We have to take the elevator, I don't feel like taking the stairs.)"
"Andiamo sull'ascensore, su e giù! (Let's go on the elevator, up and down!)"
"Usa il montacarichi se hai molte borse. (Use the freight elevator if you have many bags.)"
Nivel de dificultad
Short, common word.
Straightforward spelling.
Pronunciation is phonetic once you know Italian sounds.
Common enough to hear frequently.
Qué aprender después
Requisitos previos
Aprende después
Avanzado
Ejemplos por nivel
Prendiamo l'ascensore.
Let's take the elevator.
Dov'è l'ascensore?
Where is the elevator?
L'ascensore è lento.
The elevator is slow.
Aspetto l'ascensore.
I'm waiting for the elevator.
L'ascensore è qui.
The elevator is here.
Non c'è un ascensore.
There is no elevator.
L'ascensore è al terzo piano.
The elevator is on the third floor.
Usa l'ascensore.
Use the elevator.
Prendiamo l'ascensore per il terzo piano.
Let's take the elevator to the third floor.
Literally: We take the elevator to the third floor. 'Prendere' is the verb 'to take'.
L'ascensore è rotto, dobbiamo usare le scale.
The elevator is broken, we have to use the stairs.
Literally: The elevator is broken. 'Essere rotto' means 'to be broken'.
C'è un ascensore in questo edificio?
Is there an elevator in this building?
Literally: There is an elevator in this building? 'C'è' means 'there is'.
Aspettiamo l'ascensore al piano terra.
We are waiting for the elevator on the ground floor.
Literally: We wait the elevator at the ground floor. 'Aspettare' is the verb 'to wait'.
L'ascensore è molto lento.
The elevator is very slow.
Literally: The elevator is very slow. 'Lento' means 'slow'.
Ho paura di prendere l'ascensore.
I'm afraid to take the elevator.
Literally: I have fear of taking the elevator. 'Avere paura di' means 'to be afraid of'.
Dove si trova il pulsante per chiamare l'ascensore?
Where is the button to call the elevator?
Literally: Where is found the button for to call the elevator? 'Chiamare' means 'to call'.
L'ascensore si è bloccato tra due piani.
The elevator got stuck between two floors.
Literally: The elevator itself has blocked between two floors. 'Bloccarsi' means 'to get stuck'.
Ho preso l'ascensore fino all'ultimo piano per godermi il panorama mozzafiato sulla città.
I took the elevator to the top floor to enjoy the breathtaking view of the city.
Ascensore is masculine, so 'l'ascensore' (the elevator) is used.
L'ascensore è fuori servizio, dobbiamo salire le scale.
The elevator is out of order, we have to take the stairs.
Fuori servizio means 'out of order' and is a common phrase to describe broken machinery.
Per raggiungere la cima della torre, abbiamo dovuto aspettare a lungo l'ascensore.
To reach the top of the tower, we had to wait a long time for the elevator.
Aspettare a lungo means 'to wait a long time'.
C'è un ascensore panoramico che offre una vista spettacolare durante la salita.
There's a panoramic elevator that offers a spectacular view during the ascent.
Panoramico is an adjective that describes the type of elevator.
Il rumore dell'ascensore mi ha svegliato nel cuore della notte.
The noise of the elevator woke me up in the middle of the night.
Nel cuore della notte is an idiom meaning 'in the middle of the night'.
Se hai bagagli pesanti, ti consiglio di usare l'ascensore.
If you have heavy luggage, I advise you to use the elevator.
Ti consiglio di + infinitive means 'I advise you to + verb'.
L'ascensore si è bloccato tra due piani, è stata un'esperienza spaventosa.
The elevator got stuck between two floors, it was a scary experience.
Si è bloccato is the past tense of 'bloccarsi' (to get stuck).
Hanno installato un nuovo ascensore con maggiore capacità nel palazzo.
They installed a new elevator with greater capacity in the building.
Maggiore capacità means 'greater capacity'.
Patrones gramaticales
Patrones de oraciones
Dov'è l'ascensore?
Scusi, dov'è l'ascensore per favore?
Prendiamo l'ascensore.
Andiamo al quinto piano, prendiamo l'ascensore.
L'ascensore è [aggettivo].
L'ascensore è lento, ma funziona.
Aspetto l'ascensore.
Aspetto l'ascensore per salire.
C'è un ascensore che va al [piano]?
C'è un ascensore che va direttamente all'ultimo piano?
Ho preso l'ascensore per [motivo].
Ho preso l'ascensore per evitare le scale.
L'ascensore era [descrizione] e [sensazione].
L'ascensore era un po' vecchio e mi sentivo un po' a disagio.
Preferirei prendere le scale piuttosto che l'ascensore, se possibile.
Preferirei prendere le scale piuttosto che l'ascensore, se possibile, per fare un po' di esercizio.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasThink of it as ascending, which is similar to moving upwards. So, ascensore helps you ascend!
Ascensore is a masculine noun. So you'd say 'l'ascensore' (the elevator) or 'un ascensore' (an elevator).
Yes, ascensore can be used for both people and goods. If it's specifically for goods, you might hear 'montacarichi', but ascensore is generally understood.
You can say 'Prendere l'ascensore'. For example, 'Prendiamo l'ascensore per salire al terzo piano' (Let's take the elevator to go up to the third floor).
A common phrase is 'salire in ascensore' (to go up in the elevator) or 'scendere in ascensore' (to go down in the elevator).
The plural of ascensore is 'ascensori'. For example, 'Ci sono due ascensori in questo edificio' (There are two elevators in this building).
Yes, ascensore is the standard term used throughout Italy.
You can ask, 'Dov'è l'ascensore?' (Where is the elevator?).
In some very specific technical contexts, it might refer to an 'elevator' on an aircraft, but for everyday language, it strictly means an elevator or lift in a building.
No, ascensore is the standard and widely accepted term, suitable for both formal and informal situations.
Ponte a prueba 54 preguntas
Per salire, prendiamo l'______.
In this context, 'ascensore' (elevator) is the correct word for going up.
Dove si trova l'______?
We are asking for the location of the elevator.
Il mio appartamento è al quinto piano, uso l'______.
To reach a high floor, you would use an elevator.
C'è un nuovo ______ nel palazzo.
A new elevator can be installed in a building.
Aspetto l'______ al piano terra.
You wait for the elevator on a specific floor.
L'______ è piccolo ma veloce.
An elevator can be described as small and fast.
Write a short sentence saying you need to take the elevator.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Devo prendere l'ascensore.
Write a sentence asking if the elevator works.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
L'ascensore funziona?
Write a sentence about waiting for the elevator.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Aspetto l'ascensore.
Cosa prende la persona per andare al piano terra?
Read this passage:
Sono al terzo piano. Voglio andare al piano terra. Non voglio fare le scale. Prendo l'ascensore.
Cosa prende la persona per andare al piano terra?
The passage says 'Prendo l'ascensore' (I take the elevator) to go to the ground floor.
The passage says 'Prendo l'ascensore' (I take the elevator) to go to the ground floor.
Perché la persona usa l'ascensore?
Read this passage:
La mia casa ha molti piani. Non mi piace camminare molto. Per questo, uso sempre l'ascensore.
Perché la persona usa l'ascensore?
The passage states 'Non mi piace camminare molto' (I don't like walking much) as the reason.
The passage states 'Non mi piace camminare molto' (I don't like walking much) as the reason.
Come si va in camera all'hotel?
Read this passage:
L'hotel è molto alto. Per andare in camera, dobbiamo usare l'ascensore. È veloce e facile.
Come si va in camera all'hotel?
The passage says 'dobbiamo usare l'ascensore' (we must use the elevator) to go to the room.
The passage says 'dobbiamo usare l'ascensore' (we must use the elevator) to go to the room.
Prendiamo l'___ per salire al quarto piano.
We use the 'ascensore' (elevator) to go up floors.
L'albergo ha un ___ molto veloce.
Hotels typically have an 'ascensore' (elevator) for guests.
Non c'è un ___ in questo edificio vecchio.
Older buildings sometimes lack an 'ascensore' (elevator).
Aspetta l'___ per scendere al piano terra.
When going down, you wait for the 'ascensore' (elevator).
Quanti posti ci sono nell'___?
You might ask about the capacity of an 'ascensore' (elevator).
L'___ è rotto, dobbiamo usare le scale.
If the 'ascensore' (elevator) is broken, you'll need to use the stairs.
Quale di queste parole significa 'elevator'?
In Italian, 'l'ascensore' means 'the elevator'.
Se vuoi andare su un piano alto senza usare le scale, cosa prendi?
You take 'l'ascensore' (the elevator) to go up in a building.
La frase 'L'ascensore è veloce' significa:
'Ascensore' is elevator, and 'veloce' means fast.
L'ascensore ti porta su e giù in un edificio.
Yes, an elevator (ascensore) moves people up and down in a building.
Puoi usare l'ascensore per guidare in città.
No, you use a car (macchina) to drive in the city, not an elevator (ascensore).
Quando l'ascensore è rotto, devi usare le scale.
Yes, if the elevator (ascensore) is broken, you have to use the stairs (le scale).
Choose the correct sentence: Where is the elevator?
Ascensore is a masculine noun starting with a vowel, so it takes the contracted definite article l'.
Which sentence means: Take the elevator to the fifth floor.
'Prendi' is the correct imperative form for 'you (informal)' and 'al' is the correct preposition for 'to the' with floor numbers.
Complete the sentence: Non mi piace prendere _____ perché è troppo lento.
Ascensore is a masculine noun, and it begins with a vowel, so the correct article is l'.
The sentence 'L'ascensore è rotto, dobbiamo salire le scale.' means 'The elevator is broken, we have to take the stairs.'
L'ascensore means the elevator, è rotto means is broken, and dobbiamo salire le scale means we have to go up the stairs.
If you want to say 'The elevators are new' in Italian, you would say 'Gli ascensore sono nuovi.'
The plural of 'ascensore' is 'ascensori', and the plural definite article for masculine nouns starting with a vowel is 'gli'. So it should be 'Gli ascensori sono nuovi.'
The sentence 'Prendiamo l'ascensore per andare al terzo piano.' means 'Let's take the elevator to go to the third floor.'
'Prendiamo' is the 'we' form of 'prendere' (to take), and the rest of the sentence accurately translates to 'the elevator to go to the third floor'.
What did the speaker wait for?
Why do they need the elevator?
What is mentioned about the elevator's speed?
Read this aloud:
L'ascensore è guasto.
Focus: gua-sto
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Prendiamo l'ascensore?
Focus: as-cen-so-re
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
C'è un ascensore qui?
Focus: qui
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
The sentence structure in Italian places the verb after the subject and before the prepositional phrase.
The negative 'Non' comes before the conjugated verb 'dovremmo'. The infinitive 'usare' follows the modal verb. The phrase 'per un solo piano' clarifies the reason.
'L'ascensore è guasto' is the first clause, indicating the problem. 'Quindi' acts as a conjunction meaning 'therefore' or 'so', followed by the consequence 'dobbiamo fare le scale'.
Listen for how the speaker describes their experience with the elevator to the tenth floor.
Pay attention to why they can't use the elevator and what they have to do instead.
Focus on the duration and the emotional impact of being stuck in the elevator.
Read this aloud:
L'ascensore panoramico offre una vista mozzafiato sulla città.
Focus: scen
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
C'è un ascensore di servizio sul retro, se preferisci non usare quello principale.
Focus: servizio
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Per favore, aspetta l'ascensore. Arriverà tra pochi istanti.
Focus: aspetta
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Il guasto improvviso dell'___ ha causato un notevole disagio tra gli inquilini del grattacielo, costringendoli a salire le scale per raggiungere i piani più alti.
The sudden breakdown of the elevator caused considerable inconvenience among the skyscraper's tenants, forcing them to climb the stairs to reach the higher floors.
La ditta ha installato un nuovo ___ ad alta velocità che può trasportare fino a venti persone contemporaneamente, rivoluzionando così la mobilità interna dell'edificio.
The company installed a new high-speed elevator that can carry up to twenty people at once, thus revolutionizing the internal mobility of the building.
Nonostante l'architettura avveniristica dell'edificio, l'___ antico e cigolante creava un contrasto stridente, quasi come un anacronismo funzionale.
Despite the building's futuristic architecture, the ancient, creaky elevator created a stark contrast, almost like a functional anachronism.
Per la sua fobia degli spazi chiusi, evitare l'___ e preferire le scale, anche per piani elevati, era una scelta dettata da una necessità psicologica.
Due to his phobia of enclosed spaces, avoiding the elevator and preferring the stairs, even for high floors, was a choice dictated by psychological necessity.
L'installazione di un ___ con pareti in vetro offriva ai visitatori una vista mozzafiato sulla città mentre salivano ai piani superiori, trasformando un semplice viaggio in un'esperienza panoramica.
The installation of a glass-walled elevator offered visitors breathtaking views of the city as they ascended to the upper floors, transforming a simple journey into a panoramic experience.
La manutenzione periodica dell'___ è cruciale per garantire la sicurezza degli utenti e prevenire malfunzionamenti che potrebbero comportare rischi o interruzioni del servizio.
Regular maintenance of the elevator is crucial to ensure user safety and prevent malfunctions that could lead to risks or service interruptions.
/ 54 correct
Perfect score!
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a
A1to, at
abbandonare
B1To leave behind or give up something
abbastanza
B1Sufficiently or quite a bit.
abbigliamento
B1Clothing or attire.
abitare
A1to live, to reside
abitazione
A1A place where one lives; a home.
abito
A2clothing or a suit
abituale
B2Usual, customary, or habitual.
abitudine
B1A settled or regular tendency or practice.
accanto
A2next to or beside
