crema solare
/ˈkrɛ.ma soˈla.re/word by word
The Italian phrase for "suntan lotion" is crema solare.
crema solare refers to a cream applied to the skin to protect it from the sun's ultraviolet rays. You can also use protezione solare to refer more broadly to sun protection products in general.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of crema (cream) and solare (solar/sun-related).
Which one should you use?
While crema solare refers specifically to the cream itself, protezione solare is a common alternative used to describe sun protection products as a general category.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, change both the noun and the adjective to their feminine plural forms: creme solari.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈkrɛ.ma soˈla.re/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italy, you will often see crema solare sold as latte solare, which translates to 'sun milk' and describes a lighter, more fluid lotion.
- Instead of the English 'SPF', you will see Italian products labeled as FPS, which stands for Fattore di Protezione Solare.
- The word solare is used both for skincare and astronomical contexts, meaning it describes both a bottle of crema solare and the solar system.
Examples in context
- Sono andato in spiaggia senza la crema solare. Mi sono scottato!I went to the beach without suntan lotion. I got sunburnt!
- Ho bisogno di un po' di crema abbronzante. Voglio ottenere un bel colore dorato!I need some tanning cream. I want to get a nice golden color!
- Ciao Maria! Mi sono appena spalmato un po' di protezione solare per evitare le scottature. Vieni anche tu a prendere il sole con noi?Hi Maria! I just applied some sun protection to avoid getting sunburnt. Do you want to come sunbathe with us too?
- Ho dimenticato la crema solare in hotel.I forgot the suntan lotion at the hotel.
- Devi applicare la crema solare sul viso.You must apply suntan lotion to your face.
- Questa crema solare è molto profumata.This suntan lotion smells very nice.
Example conversation
Francesco and Martina are getting ready for a day at the beach.
- FrancescoHai preso la crema solare per noi?Did you get the suntan lotion for us?
- MartinaSì, l'ho messa nella borsa.Yes, I put it in the bag.
- FrancescoPerfetto, allora siamo pronti per il sole.Perfect, then we are ready for the sun.
- MartinaNon dimenticare di metterne anche sulla schiena!Don't forget to put some on your back too!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry crema solare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (crema, solare) and can differ in connected speech.
