cima
/ˈt͡ʃi.ma/feminine
The English phrase 'top' is translated into Italian as cima.
cima refers to the uppermost part or a physical peak of something. In an idiomatic sense, the phrase in cima al mondo is the direct equivalent of the English expression 'on top of the world', used to describe feeling extremely happy or successful.
Meaning: uppermost part (noun)
Which one should you use?
While cima is used to refer to a physical peak or the uppermost part of an object, the word vertice is used when referring to a mathematical or geometric apex.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to say that something is at the top of something else, use the phrase in cima a. This construction requires the preposition a to connect to the object.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈtʃi.ma/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
When do people say it?
The expression in cima al mondo is used by Italian speakers to express that they are feeling extremely happy or successful.
Did you know?
- In Italian cooking, you might see cima di rapa on a menu. This refers to the flowering 'top' or shoots of a turnip plant, a staple ingredient in Apulian cuisine.
- The word cima originates from the Greek word kûma, which originally referred to a wave or a crest. This reflects the shared visual idea of a peak and a wave.
- While 'top' in English can mean a piece of clothing, you cannot use cima to describe a shirt or a blouse in Italian.
Examples in context
- Mi sento in cima al mondo.I feel on top of the world.This sentence shows how to use the idiom in cima al mondo.Tatoeba #1865451 by Guybrush88, translation #243942 by CK
- La mela è in cima al libro.The apple is on top of the book.This sentence demonstrates using cima to describe the top of an object.Tatoeba #7969896 by Guybrush88, translation #7843036 by sharris123
- Perché è in cima alla lista?Why are you at the top of the list?This sentence shows how to use cima to refer to the top of a list.Tatoeba #8051478 by Guybrush88, translation #2954197 by CK
- la cima di una montagnaThe top of a mountain
- la vetta dell'HimalayaThe summit of the Himalayas
- il vertice dell'aziendaThe top of the company
- raggiungere la cima dell'EverestTo reach the top of Everest
- la classe superioreThe top class
- la dirigenza superioreThe top management
- un ristorante di primo livelloA top-quality restaurant
- un dirigente di primo pianoA top executive
- una super idea!A top idea!
- 67 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Lorenzo are hiking in the mountains.
- SofiaLorenzo, guarda la cima della montagna!Lorenzo, look at the top of the mountain!
- LorenzoSì, la cima è davvero splendida.Yes, the top is truly splendid.
- SofiaPensi che riusciremo a raggiungere la cima oggi?Do you think we will reach the top today?
- LorenzoSì, se camminiamo velocemente la raggiungeremo.Yes, if we walk fast we will reach it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “top” translations and entries cima, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cima, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
