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italiano
zebra — meaning in English: zebra
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zebra
zebra
sangue
coniglio
albergo
delfino
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neutral
very common
Usage
Native speakers use the word 'zebra' in various contexts, such as discussing wildlife at a zoo, describing an animal in a children's book, or even in conversations about fashion when referencing zebra patterns. For instance, you might hear a child excitedly saying, 'Guarda, la zebra!' while pointing at the animal during a school field trip to a safari park.
Synonyms & nuances
While 'zebra' specifically refers to the species known for its stripes, a related word is 'asino' (donkey), which can also refer to something stubborn or silly. However, 'zebra' is used when you want to emphasize the unique appearance or the exotic nature of the animal, making it more suitable in contexts discussing wildlife or artistic expressions.
Culture
'Zebra' in Italian comes directly from the Latin word 'equiferus', which means 'horse-like'. Interestingly, zebras are not just seen as exotic animals in Italian culture; they are also a popular subject in art and design, often symbolizing uniqueness and beauty due to their distinctive black-and-white stripes. In Italian folklore, the zebra is sometimes used as a metaphor for individuality and standing out in a crowd.
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