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PhrasesAt the BeachCi sono meduse in acqua?
A2

Ci sono meduse in acqua?

Are there jellyfish in the water?

Pronunciation

chee SO-noh meh-DOO-zeh een AK-kwah.

When to use it

An important safety question before swimming. Jellyfish are increasingly common in the Mediterranean due to warming seas and the question should be asked at any unfamiliar beach.

What it means

Le meduse is the plural of la medusa (jellyfish). In acqua means in the water. This is an important practical safety question. Some Mediterranean jellyfish species give painful and potentially dangerous stings.

Variations

Cosa si fa se si viene punta da una medusa?

What do you do if you get stung by a jellyfish?

Asking about first aid for jellyfish stings.

Le meduse urticanti sono pericolose?

Are stinging jellyfish dangerous?

Asking about the severity of the risk.

In quale periodo le meduse sono più frequenti?

In which period are jellyfish most common?

Jellyfish are most numerous in late summer.

Mini Dialogue

— Ci sono meduse in acqua? — Oggi ne ho vista qualcuna — state attenti. — Sono urticanti? — Sì, le physalia sono le peggiori. Se ne vedete una, uscite dall'acqua. — Grazie per l'avvertimento.

— Are there jellyfish in the water? — Today I saw some — be careful. — Are they stinging? — Yes, physalia are the worst. If you see one, get out of the water. — Thank you for the warning.

Cultural Note

Jellyfish (meduse) have increased dramatically in the Mediterranean in recent decades due to ocean warming, overfishing (their natural predators), and reduced water circulation. July and August are peak months. The Portuguese Man-O-War (physalia) and the Pelagia noctiluca (mauve stinger) are the most dangerous species in Italian waters.