escursione
/es.kurˈsjo.ne/
The English phrase excursion is translated into Italian as escursione.
escursione is used to describe a short trip or a hiking excursion in nature. If you are planning such an outing, you will commonly use the verb organizzare (to organize).
Which one should you use?
While escursione is a standard term, there are several other ways to express the idea of an excursion depending on the context. Gita is a common way to say excursion, whereas passeggiata can be used to indicate a short excursion or a simple outing. Scampagnata specifically refers to a countryside excursion or outing.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of escursione is escursioni. In spoken Italian, it is common to drop pronouns if they are clear from the context, such as saying Siamo andati in gita instead of Noi siamo andati in gita.
How do you pronounce it?
/es.kurˈsjo.ne/ (4 syllables, stress on the 3rd syllable)
Did you know?
- The Latin root of escursione originally described a 'sudden sally' of soldiers rushing out from a fortress to attack.
- While escursione describes a trip, the word passeggiata refers to a specific cultural ritual of an evening stroll used for socializing and seeing neighbors.
- If you use the word scampagnata to describe an excursion, you are implying that the trip includes a large outdoor meal or picnic.
Examples in context
- Abbiamo organizzato una gita al lagoWe have organized an excursion to the lake.
- Abbiamo fatto una passeggiata in montagnaWe went on an excursion in the mountains.
- Stiamo programmando un'escursione nella giunglaWe are planning an excursion in the jungle.
- Dobbiamo fare un bel giro in cittàWe should go on a nice excursion in the city.
- Sabato prossimo faremo una scampagnataNext Saturday, we will have a countryside excursion.
- Stiamo organizzando un'escursione in montagnaWe are organizing a mountain excursion.
- Facciamo un'escursione in montagna?Shall we go on an excursion in the mountains?
- L'escursione nel bosco è stata bellissima.The excursion in the woods was beautiful.
- Abbiamo prenotato un'escursione in barca.We booked a boat excursion.
Example conversation
Martina and Alessandro are planning their weekend activities.
- MartinaAlessandro, che ne dici di un'escursione?Alessandro, what do you think about an excursion?
- AlessandroSì, un'escursione in collina sarebbe fantastica.Yes, an excursion in the hills would be fantastic.
- MartinaPosso preparare lo zaino per noi.I can prepare the backpack for us.
- AlessandroPerfetto, io porto l'acqua.Perfect, I will bring the water.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry escursione, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries escursione, CC BY-SA 4.0.
