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fuoco
/ˈfwɔ.ko/
fire
Il fuoco riscalda la casa durante l'inverno.
The fire warms the house during winter.
general
The visible, hot, and often glowing part of combustion; flames.
Accendi il fuoco nel camino.
Light the fire in the fireplace.
Can be used literally (physical fire) or metaphorically (e.g., 'fuoco di passione' = passion's fire).
general
A destructive burning; a conflagration.
Il fuoco ha distrutto l'intero quartiere.
The fire destroyed the entire neighborhood.
Often used in news reports or emergency contexts.
Engineering
technical
A point of ignition or burning in a furnace, stove, or other heating device.
Regola il fuoco della caldaia per risparmiare energia.
Adjust the boiler's fire to save energy.
Common in heating systems or cooking appliances.
formal
Military: artillery fire or gunfire.
Il fuoco nemico ha colpito le nostre posizioni.
Enemy fire hit our positions.
Used in historical or military contexts.
Collocations
fuoco di sbarramentobarrage firefuoco amicofriendly firemettere a fuocoto focus on (lit. to put on fire)fuoco lentoslow fire
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Metaphorical use of 'fuoco'
In Italian, 'fuoco' is often used metaphorically to describe strong emotions or intensity, such as 'fuoco di passione' (fire of passion) or 'fuoco sacro' (sacred fire). Pay attention to context to distinguish literal from figurative meanings.
Gold Rule
Gender and plural of 'fuoco'
'Fuoco' is a masculine noun in Italian. Its plural form is 'fuochi' (e.g., 'i fuochi d'artificio' = fireworks).
Word Origin
From Latin 'focus' (hearth, fireplace), which also gave rise to the English 'focus'. The word entered Italian via Vulgar Latin, evolving from the original meaning of 'hearth' to 'fire' and later metaphorical uses.
Usage Notes
In Italian, 'fuoco' is masculine (il fuoco). It can be used in idiomatic expressions like 'essere sotto il fuoco' (to be under fire, lit. under the flames) meaning to be criticized or attacked.
Word Breakdown
fuoc-
root related to fire/heat
root-o
masculine singular noun suffix
suffixDizionario Italiano-Inglese