raggio di sole
/ˈrad.d͡ʒo di ˈso.le/word by word
The Italian phrase for sunshine is raggio di sole.
raggio di sole refers to the direct rays of the sun. While it literally describes a single ray, it is also the standard idiomatic way to express the metaphorical 'sunshine' used for a person who brings joy.
Meaning: direct rays of the sun (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'ray of sun'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable: /ˈrad.dʒo di ˈso.le/.
Did you know?
- The word raggio is a doublet of the word razzo, which means 'rocket'. Both words trace their origins back to the Latin word 'radius'.
- While raggio di sole is used for a person, calling someone un sole is a common shorthand that emphasizes their radiance and warmth.
- In Italian, raggio describes both a ray of light and the radius of a circle in mathematics.
Examples in context
- Sei il mio raggio di sole.You are my sunshine.This sentence shows how to use raggio di sole to call someone your sunshine.Tatoeba #483321 by Pharamp, translation #63216 by papabear
- Sei il raggio di sole della mia vita.You are the sunshine of my life.This sentence uses raggio di sole to say someone is the sunshine of your life.Tatoeba #9052180 by carlosalberto, translation #9076380 by carlosalberto
- Mi piace godere del calore del SoleI enjoy basking in the warmth of the sun
- Non vedevo l'ora che arrivasse la luce solareI couldn't wait for the sunlight to arrive
- La mattina, i raggi di sole penetrano attraverso le tapparelleIn the morning, the sun rays penetrate through the shutters
- Che bello! Oggi c'è tanto sole!How lovely! There's so much sunshine today!
- Questa è una giornata meravigliosa. Il sole splende!This is a wonderful day. The sun is shining!
- È una giornata di soleIt's a sunny day
- Mi sentivo avvolto dal calore del soleI felt enveloped by the warmth of the sun
- Mi manca il soleI miss the sunshine
- Un raggio di sole colpisce la finestra.A ray of sunshine hits the window.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Chiara are sitting in a park.
- MatteoSenti questo caldo?Do you feel this warmth?
- ChiaraSì, un raggio di sole mi scalda la pelle.Yes, a ray of sunshine is warming my skin.
- MatteoÈ un momento bellissimo, Chiara.It is a beautiful moment, Chiara.
- ChiaraHai ragione, Matteo.You are right, Matteo.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (raggio, di, sole) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries di, raggio, sole, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
