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strada
/ˈstra.da/
road
La strada principale è chiusa per lavori.
The main road is closed for construction.
neutral
A paved public thoroughfare used for travel, especially between places.
Ho perso la strada di casa.
I lost my way home.
La strada provinciale collega i piccoli paesi.
The provincial road connects the small towns.
Used for both urban and rural roads, as well as highways.
figurative
A path or route taken to reach a destination.
Questa è la strada giusta per risolvere il problema.
This is the right way to solve the problem.
Often used metaphorically to indicate a method or approach.
Collocations
strada principalemain roadstrada secondariaside roadstrada a senso unicoone-way streetstrada sterratadirt roadin mezzo alla stradain the middle of the road
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Collocations
Remember that 'strada' is often paired with adjectives like 'principale' (main), 'secondaria' (side), or 'sterrata' (dirt). For example, 'strada principale' is the most common way to say 'main road'.
Gold Rule
Strada vs. Via
'Strada' is the general term for any road, while 'via' is more formal and often used in addresses or to refer to a route. For example, 'Via Roma' is a street name, while 'strada romana' refers to an ancient Roman road.
Word Origin
From Latin 'strāta (via)' meaning 'paved road', past participle of 'sternere' (to spread out, pave). The term entered Italian via Vulgar Latin and has remained largely unchanged in form and meaning.
Usage Notes
In Italian, 'strada' is the most general term for a road, while 'via' is more formal or used in addresses (e.g., 'Via Roma'). 'Corso' typically refers to a wider, often tree-lined street in cities.
Dizionario Italiano-Inglese