Italian Word of the Day: Scale

Meaning: Stairs

Part of Speech: Noun

Translation: The building doesn't have an elevator, we have to use the stairs.

Context: Il palazzo non ha ascensore, dobbiamo usare le scale.

Cultural nugget: Italian towns, especially those built on hillsides, are famous for their picturesque stone staircases. The Spanish Steps in Rome (actually called "Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti" in Italian) are perhaps the most famous stairs in Italy. By May, many historic stairways across Italy are adorned with blooming potted plants, creating colorful vertical gardens.