costa
/ˈkɔs.ta/
The Italian word for coastline is costa.
The word costa refers to the coastline, but it is also the standard term used to describe the coast as a geographical region.
Meaning: the shape of a coast (noun)
Which one should you use?
The more technical or precise term for the actual line where the sea meets the land is linea di costa.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of costa is coste.
How do you pronounce it?
{'ipa': '/ˈkɔs.ta/', 'syllables': 2, 'stressed_syllable': '1 of 2'}
Did you know?
- In Italian, costa is also the anatomical term for a rib. This is because both a coastline and a rib represent a curved side or edge of a body.
- The word costa is also used in Italian to describe the 'side' or 'flank' of a mountain, treating the sloping terrain as a continuous edge similar to a shoreline.
- The phrase costa is used in the name of the famous Italian coffee brand, but the name actually comes from the founder's surname rather than the seaside.
Examples in context
- La costa italiana è famosa per le sue spiagge incantevoli.The Italian coastline is famous for its enchanting beaches.
- Il litorale adriatico è molto affascinante.The Adriatic coastline is very charming.
- La costa è molto frastagliata.The coastline is very jagged.
- Dall'alto la costa appare bellissima.From above, the coastline looks beautiful.
- Studiamo la forma della costa.We are studying the shape of the coastline.
Example conversation
Francesco and Sofia are looking at a map of Italy.
- FrancescoGuarda quanto è lunga questa costa.Look how long this coastline is.
- SofiaSì, Francesco, è davvero impressionante.Yes, Francesco, it is truly impressive.
- FrancescoPreferisci una costa rocciosa o sabbiosa?Do you prefer a rocky or sandy coastline?
- SofiaPreferisco di sicuro quella sabbiosa.I definitely prefer the sandy one.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry costa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
