piscina
Lemma: piscina
Translation: swimming pool; pool (noun)
Etymology: From Latin 'piscina' meaning 'fish pond' or 'pool', derived from 'piscis' (fish). The English word 'piscine' (relating to fish) shares this Latin root. Originally, Roman piscinae were fish ponds or tanks for keeping live fish, but the term evolved to describe bathing pools and later swimming pools. The connection to fish is preserved in the related field of ichthyology (the study of fish).
Example Usage
Vado in piscina ogni mattina.
I go to the swimming pool every morning.
La piscina è chiusa per manutenzione.
The swimming pool is closed for maintenance.
I bambini si divertono molto in piscina.
The children have a lot of fun in the swimming pool.
Questa estate abbiamo costruito una piscina in giardino.
This summer we built a swimming pool in the garden.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'piscina' as related to 'pisces' (the zodiac fish sign) - a place where people swim like fish.
- The 'pisc-' root relates to fish - imagine a pool full of fish to remember this word.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
Swimming pools are common recreational facilities in Italy, especially in tourist areas and hotels. Public swimming pools (piscine comunali) are popular in Italian cities, particularly during the hot summer months. Swimming is also a popular sport in Italy, with many competitive swimmers training in these facilities.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'piscina' means 'swimming pool', 'pescina' (less common) refers to a small fish pond or basin. They sound very similar but have different uses.
Confused word:
I pesci rossi nuotano nella piccola pescina del giardino.
The goldfish swim in the small fish pond in the garden.
Notes: 'Pescina' is much less common in everyday Italian than 'piscina'.
Mnemonic: 'Piscina' has an 'i' as the second letter (think 'I swim'), while 'pescina' has an 'e' (think 'e' for 'ecosystem' of fish).
Explanation: This is a vulgar term meaning 'urine' or the verb form 'to urinate'. Despite the similar spelling, it has a completely different meaning from 'piscina'.
Confused word:
Il cane piscia sugli alberi.
The dog urinates on trees.
Notes: 'Piscia' is considered vulgar and should be avoided in polite conversation.
Mnemonic: 'Piscina' ends with '-ina' which often indicates a place or facility in Italian.