Candelabro vs. portacandele vs. candeliere
Italian has three main words for candleholders: 'candelabro', 'portacandele', and 'candeliere'. While they all relate to objects that hold candles, they differ in size, design, and usage.
Candelabro
A 'candelabro' is a large, often ornate candleholder with multiple arms or branches, typically used for formal or ceremonial purposes.
Il candelabro d'argento era il pezzo centrale del tavolo da pranzo.
(The silver candelabra was the centerpiece of the dining table.)
La chiesa era illuminata da imponenti candelabri dorati.
(The church was illuminated by imposing golden candelabras.)
Portacandele
A 'portacandele' is a general term for any type of candleholder, ranging from simple to decorative designs, often used in everyday settings.
Ha comprato un portacandele in ceramica per il bagno.
(She bought a ceramic candleholder for the bathroom.)
I portacandele di vetro creavano un'atmosfera romantica sulla terrazza.
(The glass candleholders created a romantic atmosphere on the terrace.)
Candeliere
A 'candeliere' typically refers to a single-stemmed candlestick, often with a base and a cup or socket to hold one candle.
Posizionò un antico candeliere di ottone accanto al letto.
(She placed an antique brass candlestick next to the bed.)
I candelieri sulla mensola del camino erano una reliquia di famiglia.
(The candlesticks on the mantelpiece were a family heirloom.)
Summary
While 'candelabro' refers to large, multi-branched candleholders, 'portacandele' is a generic term for various types of candleholders, and 'candeliere' typically denotes a single-stemmed candlestick. The choice between these words depends on the specific design, size, and context of use of the candleholder in question.