punti di riferimento
The English phrase 'landmarks' can be translated into Italian as punti di riferimento.
The phrase punti di riferimento is used for both physical landmarks, such as a tower or a statue and for abstract landmarks, like a milestone or a reference point in a discussion.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase translates literally to 'points of reference'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the phrase is punto di riferimento.
Did you know?
- In Italian, you can use the singular punto di riferimento to describe a person who acts as a reliable mentor or a 'pillar' of a community, much like a physical landmark guides a traveler.
- The word riferimento is built from the verb riferire, which originally meant 'to carry back' or 'to relate' a story. This connects the idea of a physical landmark to the act of 'referring' someone back to a specific location.
- In a professional context, punto di riferimento can be used to describe a 'benchmark' or a standard that other things are measured against.
Examples in context
- Mi misi in cammino cercando di non perdere di vista i punti di riferimento che mi aveva indicato.I set out, trying not to lose sight of the landmarks that he'd pointed out to me.Tatoeba #11707227 by Nuel, translation #11707226 by Nuel
- Il Palazzo Ducale è uno splendido esempio dell'architettura veneziana.The Doge's Palace is a splendid example of Venetian architecture.
- La Torre di Pisa è un miracolo di equilibrio architettonico.The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a marvel of architectural balance.
- La Fontana di Trevi è pazzescamente bella!The Trevi Fountain is insanely beautiful!
- Non ci sono molti punti di riferimento in questa zona.There aren't many landmarks in this area.
Example conversation
Francesco and Sofia are looking at a map in the city center.
- FrancescoNon riesco a capire dove siamo.I can't figure out where we are.
- SofiaGuarda i punti di riferimento sulla mappa, Francesco.Look at the landmarks on the map, Francesco.
- FrancescoVedo la torre, siamo quasi arrivati.I see the tower, we are almost there.
- SofiaPerfetto, ora giriamo a destra.Perfect, now let's turn right.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries di, riferimento, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
