portare a spasso il cane
/porˈta.re a ˈspas.so il ˈka.ne/word by word
To walk the dog in Italian is portare a spasso il cane.
This phrase is used for the routine activity of taking a pet out for exercise or a bathroom break.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'to take for a stroll the dog'.
Which one should you use?
To make the phrase plural (walking multiple dogs), change il cane to i cani: portare a spasso i cani.
How do you pronounce it?
/porˈta.re a ˈspas.so il ˈka.ne/. The word has 7 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The word spasso in this phrase is related to the idea of 'fun' or 'amusement' rather than just a physical movement. It comes from the verb spassare, which means to enjoy oneself.
- The 'i' in the word il is a 'svarabhakti' vowel, which was added over time solely to make the word easier to pronounce.
- If you were walking a very large or heavy dog, the verb portare would still be used, even though its Latin root implies the physical act of carrying something.
Examples in context
- Io porto a spasso il cane.I take the dog for a walk.
- Tu porti a spasso il cane.You take the dog for a walk.
- Lei/lui porta a spasso il cane.He/she takes the dog for a walk.
- Noi portiamo a spasso il cane.We take the dog for a walk.
- Loro portano a spasso il cane.They take the dog for a walk.
- Devo portare a spasso il cane.I have to walk the dog.
- Ti piace portare a spasso il cane?Do you like walking the dog?
- È ora di portare a spasso il cane.It is time to walk the dog.
Example conversation
Sofia and Francesco are talking in their living room.
- SofiaFrancesco, puoi portare a spasso il cane?Francesco, can you walk the dog?
- FrancescoSì, lo faccio subito.Yes, I will do it right now.
- SofiaGrazie, sei molto gentile.Thanks, you are very kind.
- FrancescoDi nulla, Sofia.You're welcome, Sofia.
