diga
/ˈdi.ɡa/feminine
The English word "dam" is translated into Italian as diga. Wiktionary also lists argine.
Meaning: structure placed across a flowing body of water (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| diga | /ˈdi.ɡa/ | feminine |
| argine | /ˈar.d͡ʒi.ne/ | masculine |
The term diga refers to a structure built across a flowing body of water to hold back water and create a reservoir. To be more specific, you can use the phrase Diga idroelettrica to refer to a hydroelectric dam.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between diga and argine. Diga is a feminine noun used for a dam that blocks water to create a reservoir. In contrast, argine is a masculine noun used for an embankment or levee, which is a raised bank alongside a river designed to prevent it from overflowing.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
diga is a feminine noun, while argine is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word diga is pronounced /ˈdi.ɡa/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The phrase rompere gli argini is a common Italian idiom meaning to lose control or to burst forth with emotion.
- The word diga actually shares its DNA with the English word 'dike'. It traveled from Middle Dutch through French before arriving in Italian.
- While diga refers to the wall, the term bacino is used to describe the artificial lake created behind the dam.
Examples in context
- Vivo vicino a una diga.I live near a dam.This sentence is useful for describing one's location in relation to a diga.Tatoeba #2457947 by Guybrush88, translation #2353392 by AlanF_US
- Vivo accanto a una diga.I live next to a dam.This sentence is useful for describing one's location next to a diga.Tatoeba #5345795 by Guybrush88, translation #2353391 by AlanF_US
- La diga è piena d'acqua.The dam is full of water.This sentence is useful for describing the state of a diga.Tatoeba #11084367 by Guybrush88, translation #8667954 by nvt123
- La diga sul fiume Po è una delle più grandi d'Europa.The dam on the Po River is one of the largest in Europe.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Martina are looking at a map of the region.
- AlessandroGuarda, qui c'è una diga molto grande.Look, there is a very large dam here.
- MartinaPossiamo visitarla questo fine settimana?Can we visit it this weekend?
- AlessandroSì, la diga si trova vicino al lago.Yes, the dam is located near the lake.
- MartinaPerfetto, allora partiamo sabato mattina.Perfect, then let's leave Saturday morning.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dam” translations and entries diga, argine, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries argine, diga, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
