sorgente termale
The English phrase hot spring is translated into Italian as sorgente termale.
The term sorgente termale refers specifically to a natural spring that produces hot water. If you are discussing a spa or the specific act of bathing in the hot water, the phrase bagno termale is often used. To refer to an entire facility or a town that has been built around such springs, the word terme is commonly used.
Meaning: natural spring producing hot water (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of sorgente, meaning spring or source and termale, meaning thermal.
Which one should you use?
While sorgente termale refers to the natural source itself, bagno termale is used to describe the thermal bath or the experience of bathing in the water.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of sorgente termale is sorgenti termali.
Did you know?
- Under Italian law, water cannot be labeled acque termali unless it meets strict legal criteria regarding mineral content and temperature.
- The word terme originates from the Greek word thermai and was used by the Romans to describe massive public bathing complexes that served as social hubs and gyms.
- The term sorgente comes from the verb sorgere, which means 'to rise' or 'to emerge', describing the physical action of the water ascending from the earth.
Examples in context
- Mi potrebbe indicare una sorgente termale nelle vicinanze?Could you please point me to a hot spring nearby?
- Le terme naturali di Saturnia sono incredibili!The natural thermal baths of Saturnia are incredible!
- Conosce qualche sorgente termale naturale nei dintorni?Do you know any natural hot springs around here?
- Questa sorgente termale è molto calda.This hot spring is very hot.
- Cerchiamo una sorgente termale naturale.Let's look for a natural hot spring.
Example conversation
Francesco and Chiara are planning a weekend trip.
- FrancescoChiara, andiamo a una sorgente termale sabato?Chiara, shall we go to a hot spring on Saturday?
- ChiaraSì, Francesco, è un'ottima idea!Yes, Francesco, that is a great idea!
- FrancescoNe conosco una molto rilassante.I know one that is very relaxing.
- ChiaraPerfetto, prenotiamo subito.Perfect, let's book it right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hot spring” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sorgente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
