turno
Lemma: turno
Translation: turn; shift; round; rotation; duty; stint (noun)
Etymology: From Latin 'turnus' meaning 'turn, rotation'. It shares the same Indo-European root as English 'turn', both referring to a circular or rotational movement. The concept evolved to include scheduled periods of work or activity in sequence, similar to how English uses 'shift' or 'rotation'.
Example Usage
È il mio turno di lavare i piatti.
It's my turn to wash the dishes.
Lavoro nel turno di notte all'ospedale.
I work the night shift at the hospital.
Le elezioni andranno al secondo turno.
The elections will go to a second round.
Facciamo a turno per guidare durante il viaggio.
Let's take turns driving during the trip.
Mnemonics
- Think of a 'turn' in English - they sound similar and have related meanings.
- Imagine a turnstile rotating as people take their 'turno' (turn) to pass through.
- Associate with 'tournament' in English, where players take turns competing.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Italian work culture, 'turno' is frequently used to describe shift work, especially in factories, hospitals, and service industries. In politics, 'turno' refers to electoral rounds, with 'primo turno' and 'secondo turno' being common in the Italian electoral system.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Turno' means 'turn/shift' while 'torno' is a conjugated form of the verb 'tornare' (to return/come back).
Confused word:
Torno a casa alle sei.
I'm returning home at six.
Notes: The pronunciation is different: 'turno' has stress on the first syllable, while 'torno' also stresses the first syllable but with a different vowel sound.
Mnemonic: 'Turno' has a 'u' like in 'turn', while 'torno' has an 'o' like in 'go' (as in 'I go back').
Explanation: 'Turno' means 'turn/shift' while 'tornio' means 'lathe' (the machine tool).
Confused word:
Il falegname usa il tornio per modellare il legno.
The carpenter uses the lathe to shape the wood.
Notes: Both words relate to rotation but in completely different contexts.
Mnemonic: 'Tornio' contains 'torn' which can remind you of shaping or turning something on a lathe.