ciaspole
The Italian word for snowshoes is ciaspole.
The term refers to footwear designed with a wide frame to prevent the wearer from sinking into deep snow.
Which one should you use?
You may also use the phrase racchette da neve, which is a common alternative that literally translates to 'snow rackets'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form ciaspole is the plural form of the word. The singular form of the word is ciaspola.
Did you know?
- In some mountain communities, ciaspolare has become a verb meaning to walk clumsily or with heavy steps, regardless of whether you are wearing snowshoes.
- The word racchette is the same word used for tennis rackets, which is why snowshoes are described as 'snow rackets' in Italian.
- The distinction between ciaspole and racchette da neve sometimes reflects a social divide between local mountain tradition and international sporting culture.
Examples in context
- Ho comprato un paio di ciaspole per le escursioni sulla neve.I bought a pair of snowshoes for snow hiking.
- Vorrei noleggiare un paio di ciaspole per un giorno.I would like to rent a pair of snowshoes for one day.
- Domani andiamo a fare una passeggiata con le racchette da neve.Tomorrow we are going for a walk with snowshoes.
- Sto cercando un negozio che vende ciaspole di buona qualità.I am looking for a store that sells good-quality snowshoes.
- Le ciaspole sono nel bagagliaio dell'auto.The snowshoes are in the car trunk.
- Dobbiamo noleggiare le ciaspole per la montagna.We need to rent snowshoes for the mountain.
- Hai portato le tue ciaspole nuove?Did you bring your new snowshoes?
Example conversation
Chiara and Lorenzo are preparing for a winter hike.
- ChiaraLorenzo, hai preso le ciaspole?Lorenzo, did you take the snowshoes?
- LorenzoSì, le ho messe nello zaino.Yes, I put them in the backpack.
- ChiaraOttimo, la neve è molto alta oggi.Great, the snow is very deep today.
- LorenzoSenza le ciaspole non riusciremmo a camminare.Without snowshoes we wouldn't be able to walk.
