linfa
/ˈlin.fa/feminine
The English word 'sap' is translated into Italian as linfa.
linfa refers to the juice of a plant. In a metaphorical sense, it can refer to the 'vitality' or 'life force' of a person, organization or idea. For instance, the phrase linfa vitale is used to describe the essential element or lifeblood of something.
Meaning: juice of plant (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
linfa is a feminine noun, meaning it is used with feminine articles and adjectives.
How do you pronounce it?
linfa is pronounced /ˈlin.fa/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word linfa shares a root with the English word 'nymph'. In Ancient Greek, the term originally referred to water spirits of springs and fountains.
- While linfa refers to the internal sap of a plant, the sticky substance that leaks from a cut tree is often called resina in Italian if it is resinous.
- In medical contexts, linfa is also the word used for 'lymph', the colorless fluid that circulates through the lymphatic system of humans and animals.
Examples in context
- L'albero sta secernendo della linfa.The tree is secreting sap.This sentence is useful for describing a tree secreting linfa.Tatoeba #6555834 by Guybrush88, translation #5672479 by zumley
- La linfa degli alberi è appiccicosa.Tree sap is sticky.This sentence is useful for noting that linfa from trees is sticky.Tatoeba #13536812 by Guybrush88, translation #12110694 by ddnktr
- La gomma si ottiene dalla linfa dell'albero della gomma.Rubber is made from the sap of the rubber tree.This sentence is useful for explaining how rubber is made from the linfa of a rubber tree.Tatoeba #12967380 by carlosalberto, translation #2059905 by Spamster
- In primavera, la linfa risale alle foglie degli alberi.In spring, the sap rises to the leaves of the trees.
Example conversation
Matteo and Chiara are examining a maple tree in a park.
- MatteoGuarda, c'è della linfa su questo ramo.Look, there is some sap on this branch.
- ChiaraÈ molto appiccicosa al tatto, vero?It is very sticky to the touch, right?
- MatteoSì, la linfa scorre velocemente in primavera.Yes, the sap flows quickly in spring.
- ChiaraInteressante, non l'avevo mai notato prima.Interesting, I had never noticed it before.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sap” translations and entries linfa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries linfa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
