spegnere
/ˈspeɲ.ɲe.re/
To blow out in Italian is spegnere.
The verb spegnere is used both for extinguishing a flame, such as a candle and for turning off electronic devices or lights.
Meaning: extinguish (verb)
Which one should you use?
While spegnere focuses on the result of extinguishing a flame, it is distinct from soffiare su, which describes the physical action of blowing air onto something.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈspeɲ.ɲe.re/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The verb spegnere shares a distant linguistic root with the English word 'paint'. It originally comes from the Latin 'pingo', meaning 'to paint' or 'to color'.
- In Italian, you can use spegnere to describe someone losing their temper or 'blowing a fuse'. When a person si spegne, it can also poetically describe the slow fading of a life or a passion.
- While spegnere is used for lights and candles, Italians use the word estinguere for larger fires. This term is typically reserved for professional firefighters or formal reports about a blaze being put out.
Examples in context
- Mi hai aiutato a spegnere le candeline della torta di compleanno.You helped me blow out the candles on the birthday cake.
- Per cortesia, potresti estinguere le candele sulla tavola?Could you please blow out the candles on the table?
- Spegni la candela.Blow out the candle.
- Devo spegnere la candela.I have to blow out the candle.
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Martina are celebrating a birthday at a restaurant.
- LorenzoFai un desiderio prima di spegnere le candeline!Make a wish before you blow out the little candles!
- MartinaGrazie, Lorenzo! Ci provo subito.Thanks, Lorenzo! I'll try right now.
- LorenzoBrava, Martina, le hai spente tutte!Good job, Martina, you blew them all out!
- MartinaChe bella sorpresa, grazie mille!What a lovely surprise, thanks a lot!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry spegnere, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries spegnere, CC BY-SA 4.0.
