rotto
/ˈrot.to/
The English phrase 'broken' is translated into Italian as rotto.
rotto is used to describe something that is not working properly. This includes objects that are physically shattered, such as glass, as well as mechanical or electronic devices that no longer function.
Meaning: not working properly (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. Use rotta for feminine singular nouns, rotti for masculine plural nouns and rotte for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and the stress is on the first syllable: /ˈrot.to/.
Did you know?
- The phrase mi sono rotto is a common euphemism used to express extreme frustration or annoyance without using a stronger swear word.
- In certain Italian dialects, a person who is very annoying or 'broken' in character might be described as rompiscatole, literally meaning 'shell-breaker'.
- The word rotto comes from the Latin word ruptus, which is the ancestor of the English word 'rupture'.
Examples in context
- Il dito è rotto.The finger is broken.This sentence shows how to use rotto when describing a broken finger.Tatoeba #13996007 by Guybrush88, translation #6589067 by Eccles17
- Il vetro è rotto.The glass is broken.This sentence shows how to use rotto when describing broken glass.Tatoeba #13734088 by Guybrush88, translation #3422016 by CK
- Ha rotto il vetro.He has broken the glass.This sentence shows the use of rotto in the context of having broken something.Tatoeba #3154223 by Guybrush88, translation #3154219 by Ynhockey
- La sedia è rotta.The chair is broken.
- Il mio cuore è rotto.My heart is broken.
- La macchina è guasta.The car is broken.
- La tazza è in pezzi.The cup is in pieces.
- 184 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Alessandro are in their living room trying to watch TV.
- GiuliaAlessandro, perché non funziona la televisione?Alessandro, why isn't the television working?
- AlessandroPenso che il cavo sia rotto.I think the cable is broken.
- GiuliaÈ un peccato, la volevo usare stasera.That's a shame, I wanted to use it tonight.
- AlessandroComprerò un cavo nuovo domani.I will buy a new cable tomorrow.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry rotto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rotto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
