sbavare
/zbaˈva.re/
The English phrase 'blur' can be translated into Italian using the verb sbavare. If unsure, use sbavare. Wiktionary also lists offuscare.
Meaning: make indistinct or hazy, to obscure or dim (verb)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| sbavare | /zbaˈva.re/ |
| offuscare | /of.fusˈka.re/ |
The verb sbavare is used to describe making something indistinct, hazy or obscured.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb sbavare is literally related to the noun bava (meaning drool or slime), implying a blurring caused by a liquid spreading or smearing.
Which one should you use?
While sbavare implies a physical smearing or running of ink or liquid, offuscare is used for making something dim or cloudy or for metaphorically obscuring a concept or a memory.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle of sbavare is sbavato, which can be used as an adjective to describe something that has been blurred by a smear.
How do you pronounce it?
sbavare is pronounced /zbaˈva.re/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- Because sbavare comes from the word for 'drool', it can be used colloquially to describe someone staring at something they desire intensely.
- The word offuscare is a direct relative of the English word 'obfuscate', though the Italian version is used more commonly for visual dimming.
- While sbavare describes blurring ink, it is also the word used when a makeup artist says a lipstick or eyeliner has smudged.
Examples in context
- Ho bisogno di una sfocatura delicata per questa foto.I need a gentle blur for this photo.
- La mia macchina fotografica ha un problema di defocalizzazione.My camera has a defocusing issue.
- La pioggia può sbavare i colori del paesaggio.The rain can blur the colors of the landscape.
Example conversation
Chiara is getting ready for a party while Alessandro watches.
- ChiaraSpero che l'eyeliner non inizi a sbavare.I hope the eyeliner doesn't start to blur.
- AlessandroSei bellissima, Chiara, non preoccuparti.You are beautiful, Chiara, don't worry.
- ChiaraMa se il trucco dovesse sbavare durante la serata?But what if the makeup blurs during the evening?
- AlessandroAllora ti darò un fazzoletto, tesoro.Then I will give you a tissue, darling.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “blur” translations and entries sbavare, offuscare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
