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schiena

back (of the body)

noun SKYEH-nah Rare

Origin: From Germanic/Lombardic, originally a bone of the leg or back.

Usage Note

Schiena specifically means the back of the human (or animal) body — the spine side. Do not confuse with dorso (more literary/anatomical) or spalle (shoulders — used in dare le spalle a qualcuno, to turn one's back on someone). Mal di schiena (back pain) is the standard everyday expression.

Examples

"Ho un forte dolore alla schiena."

Natural Translation

I have a strong pain in my back.

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