in spiaggia
/in ˈspjad.d͡ʒa/word by word
The English phrase "at the beach" is translated into Italian as in spiaggia.
The phrase in spiaggia is used to describe being located on the sandy area next to the sea.
Which one should you use?
While in spiaggia is the standard way to say someone is at the beach, you might use sulla spiaggia to emphasize being physically on top of the sand or the shoreline. If you want to express a more general idea of being at the seaside or being on a seaside holiday, use al mare instead of specifying the sand.
How do you pronounce it?
The phrase is pronounced /in ˈspjad.dʒa/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italy, the concept of spiaggia is often divided between 'spiagge libere' where the sand is free and 'spiagge attrezzate' where the beach is privatized with rented umbrellas and chairs.
- The initial 's-' in spiaggia is not just a letter, but a hidden intensifier. It was added to the older word piaggia to add extra emphasis to the description of the shoreline.
- Using al mare can mean you are headed to a coastal town or a restaurant by the water without ever intending to step in spiaggia.
Examples in context
- Tom è in spiaggia.Tom's at the beach.This sentence uses in spiaggia to show Tom's location.Tatoeba #6536690 by Guybrush88, translation #13233074 by rul
- Ziri è in spiaggia.Ziri is at the beach.This sentence uses in spiaggia to show Ziri's location.Tatoeba #14043563 by Guybrush88, translation #10221735 by Amastan
- È in spiaggia, vero?He's at the beach, isn't he?This sentence uses in spiaggia to confirm someone's location.Tatoeba #8732462 by Guybrush88, translation #8527442 by CH
- Domani andiamo in spiaggia!Tomorrow, we are going to the beach!
- Mi piace passeggiare al mare.I enjoy walking by the sea.
- Vai a prendere il sole in spiaggia.Go sunbathe at the beach.
- 43 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Giulia are talking on the phone about their vacation.
- FrancescoDove sei oggi, Giulia?Where are you today, Giulia?
- GiuliaSono in spiaggia con gli amici.I am at the beach with friends.
- FrancescoChe bello! Ti diverti?How nice! Are you having fun?
- GiuliaSì, è una bellissima giornata.Yes, it is a beautiful day.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (in, spiaggia) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries in, spiaggia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
