tavola da surf
/ˈta.vo.la da ˈsɛrf/feminine
The English word surfboard is translated into Italian as tavola da surf. Wiktionary also lists tavola per surfing.
Meaning: a shaped waterproof plank used to surf on waves (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| tavola da surf | /ˈta.vo.la da ˈsɛrf/ /ˈta.vo.la da ˈsørf/ |
feminine |
| tavola per surfing | feminine |
The term refers to a shaped, waterproof plank used for the sport of surfing.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of tavola (board or table), da (for or intended for) and surf (the sport).
Which one should you use?
While tavola per surfing is grammatically possible, tavola da surf is the standard and most common way to refer to a surfboard.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural, tavole da surf, only the noun tavola changes to its feminine plural form, while the rest of the phrase remains the same.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈta.vo.la da ˈsɛrf/. It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian, surf is considered a pseudo-anglicism because it is used specifically for the sport, whereas the English noun 'surf' typically refers to the foam of breaking waves.
- Italian uses the preposition da in tavola da surf to indicate the purpose of the object, a pattern used for many tools like occhiali da sole for 'sunglasses'.
- The term tavola can refer to many different things depending on context, such as a 'board' of directors or a 'tablet' in certain historical contexts, not just a physical plank or table.
Examples in context
- Non posseggo una tavola da surf.I don't own a surfboard.This sentence is useful for expressing that you do not own a tavola da surf.Tatoeba #14000762 by madriot, translation #9931782 by shekitten
- Ero così emozionato di provare la mia nuova tavola da surf!I was so excited to try out my new surfboard!
- Hai visto la mia nuova tavola da surf? È fantastica!Did you see my new surfboard? It's fantastic!
- La mia tavola da surf è nuova.My surfboard is new.
- Dove hai comprato quella tavola da surf?Where did you buy that surfboard?
Example conversation
Alessandro and Giulia are at the beach.
- AlessandroGuarda che bella tavola da surf!Look what a beautiful surfboard!
- GiuliaGrazie, Alessandro, l'ho comprata ieri.Thanks, Alessandro, I bought it yesterday.
- AlessandroPosso provarla un momento?Can I try it for a moment?
- GiuliaCerto, Giulia te la presta.Sure, Giulia will lend it to you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “surfboard” translations and entries tavola da surf, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries da, per, surf, tavola, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
