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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