Definition
The sea; a large body of salt water. Also used to describe the seaside as a place to visit.
Example
D'estate, andiamo sempre al mare con la famiglia.
Show translation
In summer, we always go to the seaside with the family.
Etymology
From Latin *mare* ("sea"), itself from Proto-Indo-European *móri ("body of water, sea"), the same root that gives English "marine," French *mer*, Spanish *mar*, and Romanian *mare*.
Cultural note
Italy has over 7,400 km of coastline, and *il mare* holds a central place in Italian culture and identity. The phrase *andare al mare* (to go to the sea) is practically a summer ritual — beach resorts (*stabilimenti balneari*) with their rows of colourful umbrellas are a quintessential Italian sight. Note: English "mare" means a female horse — a classic false friend!