mozzafiato
/ˌmot.t͡saˈfja.to/
Breathtaking in Italian is mozzafiato.
The adjective mozzafiato is used to describe something that is stunningly beautiful. You can also use the idiomatic phrase da togliere il fiato, which means to take one's breath away, as an alternative to the single word.
Meaning: stunningly beautiful (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of the verb mozzare (to cut or chop) and fiato (breath), literally meaning "breath-cutting".
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable. It is pronounced /ˌmot.tsaˈfja.to/.
Did you know?
- The verb mozzare shares an ancient root with the English word 'mutilate', reflecting the idea of removing a part of something.
- The word mozzare can be used in a culinary context to describe the specific action of 'snapping' or 'breaking' certain types of pasta or food.
- In opera and classical music, the concept of fiato is central to the 'bel canto' style, where controlling the 'breath' is the ultimate mark of a master.
Examples in context
- Il paesaggio era mozzafiato.The scenery was breathtaking.This sentence shows how to describe scenery using mozzafiato.Tatoeba #5399858 by Guybrush88, translation #3826025 by CK
- La bellezza artistica del giardino è davvero mozzafiato.The artistic beauty of the garden is really breathtaking.This sentence illustrates using mozzafiato to describe artistic beauty in a garden.Tatoeba #5230257 by Guybrush88, translation #1356851 by al_ex_an_der
- Amo la vita perché ogni alba dipinge il cielo con colori mozzafiato.I love life because each sunrise paints the sky with breathtaking colors.This sentence demonstrates using mozzafiato to describe colors in the sky.Tatoeba #13638312 by Nuel, translation #13638311 by Nuel
- La vista dal balcone è semplicemente stupenda.The view from the balcony is simply stunning.
- La costa amalfitana offre panorami mozzafiato.The Amalfi Coast offers breathtaking views.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Martina are looking at a view from a mountain peak.
- LorenzoGuarda che vista mozzafiato, Martina!Look at this breathtaking view, Martina!
- MartinaHai ragione, Lorenzo, è incredibile.You're right, Lorenzo, it's incredible.
- LorenzoNon ho mai visto nulla di simile.I have never seen anything like it.
- MartinaÈ un momento davvero magico.It is a truly magical moment.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “breathtaking” translations and entries mozzafiato, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
