surf
/ˈsɛrf/masculine
The English word 'surfing' is translated into Italian as surf.
surf refers to the sport of surfing. You can use the phrase cavalcare l'onda to express the idea 'to ride the wave'. Additionally, the word marea is used to mean 'tide'.
Meaning: sport (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to surfing as a general concept or a sport, such as in the phrase 'I like surfing', the masculine article il is used with the noun surf.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsɛrf/
Did you know?
- The Italian word surf is a pseudo-anglicism, meaning it was adopted from English but is used in a way that differs from the original language.
- Italian has no single native word for 'surfing', so it relies on the borrowed surf or the descriptive phrase cavalcare l'onda.
- Because surf is a pseudo-anglicism, it is often used in casual conversation, but formal sports journalism might still prefer more descriptive Italian phrasing.
Examples in context
- Andò a fare surf.He went surfing.This sentence is useful for describing the action of going surfing using surf.Tatoeba #3152591 by Guybrush88, translation #1820259 by Spamster
- Ti piace fare surf?Do you like surfing?This sentence is useful for asking if someone likes surfing using surf.Tatoeba #5688267 by Guybrush88, translation #953203 by CK
- A Tom piace il surf?Does Tom enjoy surfing?This sentence is useful for asking if a person enjoys the sport of surf.Tatoeba #9678213 by Nuel, translation #8939334 by CK
- Mi piace praticare surf durante le vacanze in Italia.I enjoy surfing during vacations in Italy.
- Andiamo a surfare domani mattina?Do you want to go surfing tomorrow morning?
- 28 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Alessandro are talking about their summer vacation plans.
- MartinaAndremo a fare surf in Sardegna.We will go surfing in Sardinia.
- AlessandroDavvero? Non ho mai provato il surf.Really? I have never tried surfing.
- MartinaPosso insegnarti io, Alessandro!I can teach you, Alessandro!
- AlessandroOttimo, non vedo l'ora!Great, I can't wait!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “surfing” translations and entries surf, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries surf, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
