vista mozzafiato
/ˈvis.ta ˌmot.t͡saˈfja.to/word by word
The English phrase "amazing view" is translated into Italian as vista mozzafiato.
This phrase describes a sight of great beauty or scale that leaves a person feeling overwhelmed or breathless. You can also use the word panorama instead of vista to describe an amazing view, resulting in panorama mozzafiato.
What does it mean word for word?
The adjective mozzafiato is a compound of the verb mozzare (to cut or chop) and the noun fiato (breath), literally meaning "breath-cutting".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈvis.ta ˌmot.tsaˈfja.to/. The word has 6 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'breath-taking' to describe something beautiful, the Italian mozzafiato uses the more aggressive verb mozzare, which can also mean to 'chop off' or 'sever' a limb.
- While vista means 'view', it is also the standard Italian word for 'sight' in a medical context, such as when an eye doctor tests your vista.
- Because vista is derived from the Latin 'visa', it shares a common ancestor with the English word 'vision', though in Italian it specifically refers to the physical sight or the view itself.
Examples in context
- Dalla cima c'è una vista mozzafiato.From the top, there is an amazing view.
- Che vista mozzafiato abbiamo qui!What an amazing view we have here!
Example conversation
Chiara and Lorenzo are standing on a mountain peak.
- ChiaraGuarda, Lorenzo, è una vista mozzafiato!Look, Lorenzo, it's an amazing view!
- LorenzoHai ragione, Chiara, è incredibile.You're right, Chiara, it's incredible.
- ChiaraNon ho mai visto nulla di simile.I have never seen anything like it.
- LorenzoÈ un momento davvero speciale.It is a truly special moment.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (vista, mozzafiato) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mozzafiato, vista, CC BY-SA 4.0.
