esplodere
/esˈplɔ.de.re/
The English phrase 'blow up' can be translated into Italian using esplodere or saltare in aria.
Meaning: to explode (intransitive) (verb)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| esplodere | /esˈplɔ.de.re/ |
| saltare in aria | /salˈta.re in ˈa.rja/ (word by word) |
Which one should you use?
esplodere is the standard verb used to mean 'to explode'. In contrast, saltare in aria is a common idiomatic way to say something 'blows up' or is 'blown up' and it literally means 'to jump into the air'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb esplodere is intransitive, which means it does not take a direct object when you are describing the act of exploding.
How do you pronounce it?
The word esplodere is pronounced /esˈplɔ.de.re/. It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The root of saltare comes from the Latin saltāre, which originally referred to a rhythmic leaping or dancing motion.
- If an Italian says a fuse has saltato, they are using the same root as saltare in aria to mean the electricity has blown.
- The verb saltare is used in many Italian idioms to describe failure or disappearance, such as when a plan 'blows up' in your face or a deal falls through.
Examples in context
- Sta per esplodere!It's going to blow up!This sentence is useful for seeing how to use esplodere to express that something is about to explode.Tatoeba #1310213 by Bibi81, translation #1199195 by CM
- La bomba è esplosaThe bomb blew up.
- L'artificiere farà esplodere la dinamiteThe bomb technician will blow up the dynamite.
- Hanno fatto scoppiare una granataThey blew up a grenade.
- L'intero edificio potrebbe esplodere.The entire building could explode.
- Sento il rumore di un motore che può esplodere.I hear the sound of an engine that might explode.
Example conversation
Martina and Matteo are watching a movie about a heist.
- MartinaGuarda, quel cassaforte sta per esplodere!Look, that safe is about to blow up!
- MatteoSì, l'effetto speciale è molto realistico.Yes, the special effect is very realistic.
- MartinaSperiamo che non debba esplodere tutto il palazzo.I hope the whole building doesn't have to blow up.
- MatteoSarebbe un finale troppo drammatico, Martina.That would be too dramatic a ending, Martina.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “blow up” translations and entries esplodere, saltare in aria, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (saltare, in, aria) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aria, in, saltare, saltare in aria, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
