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sedici — meaning in English: sixteen

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chiesa
sedici
pompelmo
isola
albero
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neutral very common
Usage
Native speakers use 'sedici' when discussing age, counting items, or indicating time, such as during a birthday celebration when someone turns sixteen. In a classroom setting, a teacher might ask students to count from one to twenty, prompting them to say 'sedici' as they reach the sixteenth number.
Synonyms & nuances
'Sedici' is a cardinal number, but it's specific in counting, unlike 'diciannove,' which means nineteen. While both are part of the teen numbers, 'sedici' is often associated with early teenage celebrations, making it more significant during certain contexts compared to its higher counterparts.
Culture
The word 'sedici' originates from the Latin word 'sedecim,' which means 'sixteen.' In Italian culture, turning sixteen is often celebrated with special parties or rites of passage, such as a sweet sixteen, similar to traditions in other cultures. This makes 'sedici' not just a number, but a milestone in the lives of many young Italians.
FAQ
Q.How do you pronounce 'sedici'?
'Sedici' is pronounced as 'seh-dee-chee.' The 'e' is pronounced like the 'e' in 'bet,' and the 'c' is a soft 'ch' sound.
Q.When should I use 'sedici' in a sentence?
'Sedici' can be used when referring to age, counting, or labeling items in Italian. For example, you can say 'Ho sedici anni' which means 'I am sixteen years old.'
Q.Are there any common mistakes with 'sedici'?
A common mistake is mispronouncing it or confusing it with other teen numbers like 'diciassette' (seventeen). It's essential to practice counting and familiarizing yourself with the context in which 'sedici' is used to avoid confusion.
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