cresta
/ˈkres.ta/
The English phrase 'ridge' is translated into Italian as cresta.
Cresta is used to describe the narrow, elevated top of a mountain range or a hill chain.
Meaning: chain of hills (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word cresta literally means 'crest' or 'comb', referring to the top edge of something like a mountain or a rooster's comb.
Which one should you use?
The plural form of cresta is creste.
How do you pronounce it?
cresta is pronounced /ˈkres.ta/. The stress is on the first of the two syllables.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the phrase fare la cresta can be used colloquially to mean taking a profit or a commission from a deal, often in a slightly dishonest way.
- In the world of fashion and hairstyles, cresta is the word used for a mohawk haircut.
- While cresta describes the narrow ridge, Italians use the word dorso (meaning 'back') to describe the broader back of a mountain range.
Examples in context
- La cresta delle montagne era coperta di neve.The ridge of the mountains was covered in snow.
- Camminammo lungo la cresta del monte.We walked along the mountain ridge.
- Il sentiero segue la spina dorsale della montagna per chilometri.The trail follows the ridge line of the mountain for kilometers.
- La cresta della montagna è molto stretta.The ridge of the mountain is very narrow.
- Possiamo camminare lungo la cresta.We can walk along the ridge.
- Il sole sorge sopra la cresta.The sun rises above the ridge.
Example conversation
Giulia and Matteo are hiking in the mountains.
- GiuliaGuarda quella cresta in lontananza.Look at that ridge in the distance.
- MatteoSì, è davvero maestosa.Yes, it is truly majestic.
- GiuliaVuoi raggiungere la cresta oggi?Do you want to reach the ridge today?
- MatteoSì, andiamo verso la cima.Yes, let's go towards the summit.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cresta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
