riserva naturale
/riˈzɛr.va na.tuˈra.le/word by wordfeminine
The English phrase 'nature reserve' is translated into Italian as riserva naturale. Wiktionary also lists area naturale protetta.
Meaning: area managed to conserve natural features (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| riserva naturale | /riˈzɛr.va na.tuˈra.le/ (word by word) | feminine |
| area naturale protetta | feminine |
Both riserva naturale and area naturale protetta are used to describe an area managed to conserve natural features.
Which one should you use?
riserva naturale is used when referring to a specific protected area, whereas area naturale protetta is a more general administrative term for a protected natural area.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural 'nature reserves', use riserve naturali.
How do you pronounce it?
/riˈzɛr.va na.tuˈra.le/. The word has 6 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- Italy uses the term Oasi (oasis) for certain types of riserve naturali managed by the WWF, even if the area is in a forest or mountain far from any actual desert.
- The Italian language uses the same word riserva to describe a 'reserve' of wine or a 'reserve' of patience, highlighting the word's versatility in meaning 'saved' or 'stored'.
- In Italy, the term riserva integrale describes the strictest type of riserva naturale, where human presence is almost entirely forbidden to allow nature to evolve without any interference.
Examples in context
- Abbiamo trascorso una magnifica giornata nella riserva naturale osservando uccelli e ammirando paesaggi meravigliosi.We spent a fantastic day in the nature reserve, observing birds and admiring breathtaking landscapes.
- L'area naturale protetta del Gran Paradiso in Italia è celebre per la sua fauna selvatica e i panorami mozzafiato.The Gran Paradiso National Park in Italy is famous for its wildlife and breathtaking views.
- Passiamo il weekend visitando un'incantevole oasi naturalistica con sentieri pittoreschi e laghetti nascosti.We are spending the weekend visiting a delightful natural oasis with picturesque trails and hidden ponds.
- Ho trovato la pace e la serenità nella riserva ambientale vicina alla mia città natale.I found peace and serenity in the environmental reserve near my hometown.
- La riserva naturale integrale dello Zingaro in Sicilia è famosa per la sua bellezza selvaggia e le baie cristalline.The Zingaro Strict Nature Reserve in Sicily is famous for its wild beauty and crystalline bays.
- Questa riserva naturale è bellissima.This nature reserve is beautiful.
- Dobbiamo visitare la riserva naturale domani.We must visit the nature reserve tomorrow.
- La riserva naturale protegge molti animali.The nature reserve protects many animals.
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Giulia are planning a hiking trip.
- LorenzoGiulia, andiamo nella riserva naturale?Giulia, shall we go to the nature reserve?
- GiuliaSì, è un'ottima idea.Yes, it is a great idea.
- LorenzoPorto lo zaino e l'acqua.I will bring the backpack and the water.
- GiuliaPerfetto, io preparo il pranzo.Perfect, I will prepare the lunch.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nature reserve” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (riserva, naturale) and can differ in connected speech.
