equitazione
The English phrase 'horseback riding' is translated into Italian as equitazione.
equitazione refers to the discipline or the sport of riding. To express the act of practicing the sport or engaging in the activity, you use the verb fare with the noun, forming the phrase fare equitazione.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between the sport and the activity itself. equitazione is the formal noun used for the discipline or sport, whereas andare a cavallo is the common way to express the activity of riding a horse.
How does it change in a sentence?
While equitazione is a noun, the phrase andare a cavallo is used to describe the specific action of going horseback riding.
Did you know?
- The word cavallo is so central to Italian culture that the expression scendere dal cavallo means to admit you were wrong or to yield in an argument.
- If an Italian says they are a cavallo in a figurative sense, it can mean they are in a position of control or advantage.
- Italian has a specific word cavalleria which can refer to the cavalry in a military context or the concept of 'chivalry'.
Examples in context
- Pratichiamo l'equitazione ogni sabato mattina.We practice horseback riding every Saturday morning.
- Vuoi imparare l'equitazione con me?Do you want to learn horseback riding with me?
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their weekend plans at a cafe.
- MartinaAlessandro, ti piace l'equitazione?Alessandro, do you like horseback riding?
- AlessandroSì, mi piace molto, ma sono un principiante.Yes, I like it a lot, but I am a beginner.
- MartinaPossiamo andare insieme a fare equitazione.We can go horseback riding together.
- AlessandroOttima idea, Martina, grazie!Great idea, Martina, thanks!
