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portinaio

doorman

noun por-tee-NAH-yoh Rare
People & Society Professions

Origin: From portineria (porter's lodge), from porta (door/gate), from Latin porta.

Also means

concierge

Usage Note

Portinaio is the traditional Italian building concierge or doorman who manages an apartment building, handles mail, and oversees access. The feminine is portinaia and is very common. The role is culturally significant in Italian urban life — a portinaia is a stock figure in Italian comedy, known for being nosy. Plural: portinai (m), portinaia (f).

Examples

"Il portinaio ha consegnato il pacco al piano."

Natural Translation

The doorman delivered the package to the floor.

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