camminare
/kam.miˈna.re/
Definition
To walk; to move forward on foot at a normal pace.
Example
Mi piace camminare nel parco ogni mattina.
Show translation
I like to walk in the park every morning.
Etymology
From Latin *caminare*, derived from *caminus* ("road, path, furnace"), itself borrowed from Greek *κάμινος* (kaminos, "oven, furnace"). The semantic shift from "path/road" to "to travel a path" happened in Vulgar Latin and carried through into Italian.
Cultural note
Walking holds a cherished place in Italian daily life. The *passeggiata* — a leisurely evening stroll through town — is a beloved social ritual across Italy, especially in smaller towns and villages. When Italians say *andiamo a camminare*, it often implies unhurried, sociable walking rather than exercise.