macchinetta

small machine

noun mahk-kee-NET-tah Rare

Also means

coffee maker

Usage Note

Macchinetta is the affectionate diminutive of macchina. In everyday Italian it almost always refers to the moka stovetop coffee maker, so 'mettere su la macchinetta' means to put the coffee on. It can also mean a small car or any little gadget. Context normally makes the intended meaning clear.

Examples

"Ho messo su la macchinetta per il caffè."

Natural Translation

I put the coffee maker on.

Literal Translation

I-put on the little-machine for the coffee.

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