montagne russe
The English phrase 'roller coaster' is translated into Italian as montagne russe.
montagne russe refers to an amusement park ride characterized by steep slopes and sharp curves.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase montagne russe literally translates to 'Russian mountains'.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the singular form montagna russa, but the standard idiom is always the plural montagne russe.
Did you know?
- The term originated from 18th-century Russia, where people built massive ice slides and coated them in wood to extend the season.
- Italian speakers use the verb fare (to do/make) with montagne russe to describe a fluctuating trend, such as il prezzo fa montagne russe.
- In Italian, you can describe a stock market crash or sudden price swings as montagne russe, referencing the steep drops of the ride.
Examples in context
- Mi sentii male andando sulle montagne russe con il giro della morte.I got sick riding the roller coaster with the loop-the-loop.This sentence is useful for describing the feeling of getting sick while riding the montagne russe.Tatoeba #4752402 by Iypnop, translation #277559 by CM
- Le montagne russe sono molto divertenti.The roller coasters are very fun.
- Non voglio salire su quelle montagne russe.I don't want to ride those roller coasters.
Example conversation
Francesco and Sofia are at an amusement park.
- FrancescoGuarda quanto sono alte quelle montagne russe!Look how high those roller coasters are!
- SofiaHai ragione, fanno davvero paura.You are right, they are really scary.
- FrancescoAndiamo a provarle insieme, Sofia?Shall we try them together, Sofia?
- SofiaSì, ma solo se rimani vicino a me!Yes, but only if you stay close to me!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries montagne russe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
