What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the plural noun vacanze (holidays/vacations) and the plural adjective invernali (winter-related).
Which one should you use?
While vacanze invernali is a literal description of the season, vacanze di Natale is the more common way to specify the Christmas vacation period.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are referring to a single winter holiday rather than a period of time, you should use the singular form vacanza invernale.
When do people say it?
During the festive season, you may encounter the term Presepe, which refers to the Italian nativity scene. On January 6th, Italians celebrate the arrival of La Befana, a friendly witch who delivers sweets and presents to children. Additionally, La Vigilia di Natale is the specific term used for Christmas Eve.
Did you know?
- In Italy, the vacanze invernali are often punctuated by the ponte, or 'bridge'. This happens when a holiday falls near a weekend, leading people to take a single Friday or Monday off to create a long bridge of leisure.
- The word vacanze shares the same Latin root as the English word 'vacant'. It literally describes the act of leaving a place empty or creating a void in one's schedule.
- If you want to talk about the entire festive break from Christmas to Epiphany, Italians often use the term le feste.
Examples in context
- Durante le vacanze invernali, molti italiani vanno a sciare nelle Alpi.During the winter holidays, many Italians go skiing in the Alps.
- Ho pianificato le mie ferie invernali per poter trascorrere del tempo con la famiglia.I've planned my winter vacation to spend time with family.
- Che cosa farai durante le vacanze di Natale?What will you do during the Christmas holidays?
- Le ferie natalizie sono il momento perfetto per rilassarsi e godersi il calore familiare.The Christmas holidays are the perfect time to relax and enjoy family warmth.
- Le vacanze invernali iniziano a dicembre.The winter holidays start in December.
- Ho programmi per le vacanze invernali.I have plans for the winter holidays.
- Ti auguro buone vacanze invernali!I wish you happy winter holidays!
Example conversation
Martina and Matteo are talking about their upcoming break from university.
- MartinaMatteo, hai già programmi per le vacanze invernali?Matteo, do you already have plans for the winter holidays?
- MatteoNo, non ho ancora deciso nulla.No, I haven't decided anything yet.
- MartinaVorrei andare in montagna durante le vacanze invernali.I would like to go to the mountains during the winter holidays.
- MatteoÈ un'ottima idea, Martina.That is a great idea, Martina.
