linea

line

noun LEE-neh-ah Common

Origin: Latin linea (thread, line)

Also means

figure

Usage Note

Linea is versatile: a geometric line, a transport route (la linea 3 = bus/tram line 3), a phone line (la linea è occupata = the line is busy), or a body silhouette (mantenersi in linea = to keep one's figure). The phrase in linea di massima means 'broadly speaking / in principle.' Regular plural: le linee.

Examples

"Tieni la linea, per favore."

Natural Translation

Please hold the line.

Literal Translation

Hold the line, please

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