montagna
D'estate andiamo sempre in montagna a fare escursioni.
In summer we always go to the mountains for hikes.
A large natural elevation of the earth's surface, typically rising prominently above its surroundings.
La montagna più alta d'Italia è il Monte Bianco.
The highest mountain in Italy is Mont Blanc.
Abbiamo scalato una montagna di 3.000 metri.
We climbed a 3,000-meter mountain.
Used in both singular and plural forms (montagna/montagne). Often used in expressions like 'in montagna' (in the mountains) or 'sulle montagne' (on the mountains).
A large pile or heap, typically of something solid.
Era una montagna di libri da leggere prima dell'esame.
It was a mountain of books to read before the exam.
Common in figurative expressions to describe a large quantity.
Collocations
Pro Tip
Gender and number
'Montagna' is a feminine noun. Its plural form is 'montagne'.
Gold Rule
Use with 'in' for location
To indicate being in the mountains, use 'in montagna' (e.g., 'Andiamo in montagna' = 'We're going to the mountains').
Word Origin
From Latin *montānea*, feminine form of *montāneus* ('of or belonging to a mountain'), derived from *mons* ('mountain').
Usage Notes
The word 'montagna' is often used in contrast with 'pianura' (plain) or 'valle' (valley). It can also refer to a mountainous region (e.g., 'le Alpi sono una catena di montagne').