riva del fiume
The English phrase "riverbank" is translated into Italian as riva del fiume.
The phrase refers to the sloped side of a river. While the word riva can refer to any shore or bank, adding del fiume specifies that it is a riverbank rather than a seaside or lakeside shore.
Meaning: sloped side of a river (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of riva (bank/shore), del (of the) and fiume (river).
Which one should you use?
The word sponda is a common synonym for riva when referring to the bank of a river or a lake.
Did you know?
- The word fiume comes from the Latin flūmen, which is also the ancestor of the English word 'fluent', as both relate to the act of flowing.
- While riva is the standard term, if the riverbank is very steep or used as a fortification, an Italian might use the word argine instead.
- Italian has a specific word, alveo, to describe the riverbed or the channel that the riva del fiume contains, which is distinct from the bank itself.
Examples in context
- Diversi uomini stanno pescando dalla riva del fiume.Several men are fishing from the riverbank.This sentence shows how to use riva del fiume to describe where people are fishing.Tatoeba #7342385 by Guybrush88, translation #273223 by CM
- La mia casa è sulla riva del fiume.My house is on the riverbank.This sentence shows how to use riva del fiume to describe a house's location.Tatoeba #9675569 by carlosalberto, translation #9675490 by ravensfeather
- Siamo arrivati alla sponda del fiume.We have reached the riverbank.
- Andiamo a passeggiare lungo la riva.Let's take a walk along the riverbank.
- Ho trovato un bel posto lungo la sponda del corso d'acqua.I found a nice spot along the riverbank.
- Camminiamo lungo la riva del fiume al tramonto.We walk along the riverbank at sunset.
Example conversation
Francesco and Giulia are deciding where to have a picnic.
- FrancescoDove vogliamo mangiare oggi, Giulia?Where do we want to eat today, Giulia?
- GiuliaPossiamo fare un picnic sulla riva del fiume.We can have a picnic on the riverbank.
- FrancescoOttima idea, l'erba è molto fresca lì.Great idea, the grass is very fresh there.
- GiuliaAllora prendo la coperta e partiamo.Then I'll grab the blanket and we'll leave.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries del, fiume, riva, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
