mezzo
half
The Italian word 'mezzo' is used to express the concept of half, just like in English. It can be used in various contexts, such as 'mezzo litro' for half a liter, 'mezzo chilo' for half a kilo, or 'mezzo giorno' for half a day. It's important to note that in Italian, unlike in English, the word 'mezzo' is invariable, meaning it doesn't change its form regardless of the noun it modifies.
Example sentences using: mezzo
Ho attraversato la strada a mezzo della zebra.
I crossed the street through the zebra crossing.
In this example, 'mezzo' is used to express the way or method through which an action is performed. The subject 'I', represented in Italian as 'Ho', crossed the street using the zebra crossing, thus 'a mezzo della zebra'. It displays a medium or tool used to accomplish something.
Questo carro è a mezzo carico.
This cart is half loaded.
In this phrase, 'mezzo' is used to denote a state of incompletion, similar to the word 'half' in English. Here, the cart, or 'carro', is not fully loaded but only 'a mezzo carico', translating to 'half loaded' in English. It's used to show partial completion of a process.
Sto andando a Roma in mezzo ai treni.
I am going to Rome amidst the trains.
In this sentence, 'mezzo' is used to signify being within or among something, cross-referenced as 'amidst' in English. The subject denoted as 'Sto' is going to Rome while being among, or 'in mezzo ai', the trains. It can be used to show physical or metaphorical placement.