cuore spezzato
masculine
The English phrase "broken heart" is translated into Italian as cuore spezzato.
cuore spezzato is used to describe a feeling of grief or loss.
Meaning: feeling of grief or loss (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
This phrase is a literal translation of "broken heart", where cuore means "heart" and spezzato is the past participle of the verb spezzare, meaning "to break" or "to snap".
Which one should you use?
You may also see cuore infranto, which is a common and slightly more poetic or literary alternative meaning "broken/shattered heart". Additionally, the informal expression cuore a pezzi can be used, which literally means "heart in pieces".
How does it change in a sentence?
Because cuore is a masculine singular noun, the adjective spezzato must also be in the masculine singular form.
Did you know?
- In Italian, you do not just 'have' a broken heart, but you can avere il cuore lacerato, meaning your heart has been 'torn' like fabric.
- Italians use the expression cuore di pietra to describe someone who cannot experience a cuore spezzato because they are emotionally cold or uncaring.
- The word cuore shares a common ancestor with the English word 'core', referring to the central or essential part of something.
Examples in context
- Spesso gli amici aiutano a guarire un cuore spezzato con il loro sostegno.Friends often help mend a broken heart with their support.This sentence is useful for showing how friends can provide support to someone with a cuore spezzato.Tatoeba #13218392 by Nuel, translation #13218391 by Nuel
- Non voglio sentire parlare di un cuore spezzato.I don't want to hear talk of a broken heart.
- La sua canzone parla di un cuore spezzato.His song is about a broken heart.
Example conversation
Chiara and Lorenzo are talking about a sad movie in a cafe.
- ChiaraQuel film è così triste, Lorenzo.That movie is so sad, Lorenzo.
- LorenzoSì, la storia di un cuore spezzato è devastante.Yes, the story of a broken heart is devastating.
- ChiaraMi ha fatto piangere molto.It made me cry a lot.
- LorenzoÈ normale, è un film molto emozionante.It's normal, it's a very moving movie.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “broken heart” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cuore, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
