Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| scopa | /ˈsko.pa/ | feminine |
| ramazza | /raˈmat.t͡sa/ | feminine |
| granata | /ɡraˈna.ta/ | Tuscany |
The term scopa is the most common and standard way to say "broom" in Italian, referring to a general domestic utensil used for sweeping.
Which one should you use?
While scopa is the general term for a standard broom, ramazza typically refers to a larger, sturdier broom or a brush used for heavy sweeping.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Tuscany, the regional term granata is used to refer to a broom.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
All three forms provided, scopa, ramazza and granata, are feminine nouns. Related verbs for the act of sweeping include scopare, ramazzare and spazzare.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsko.pa/. The word has 2 syllables and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
When using the verb scopare to mean "to sweep", be aware that it is frequently used as a vulgarity for sex in social settings. Use caution in those environments.
Did you know?
- The word scopa is also the name of a popular traditional Italian card game. The goal is to 'sweep' all the cards from the table in a single turn.
- The Tuscan word for broom granata shares the same root as the English word 'grenade'. Both derive from the Latin word for 'pomegranate' because of their similar shape.
- The verb scopare has become such a common slang term for sex that many Italians prefer to use spazzare to avoid any unintentional double entendres.
Examples in context
- Le passò la scopa.He handed the broom to her.This sentence shows how to use scopa to describe handing the object to someone.Tatoeba #8896589 by Guybrush88, translation #8519277 by CH
- Ha visto la scopa?Have you seen the broom?This sentence uses scopa in a question about seeing the object.Tatoeba #13352654 by Guybrush88, translation #12899133 by rul
- Sa dov'è la scopa?Do you know where the broom is?This sentence uses scopa to ask about the location of the object.Tatoeba #13383513 by Guybrush88, translation #12899134 by rul
- Vorrei comprare una scopa nuova.I would like to buy a new broom.
- Hai visto le mie scope? Le avevo lasciate qui.Have you seen my brooms? I left them here.
- 76 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Sofia are cleaning their apartment.
- AlessandroSofia, hai visto la scopa?Sofia, have you seen the broom?
- SofiaSì, è in cucina.Yes, it is in the kitchen.
- AlessandroGrazie, la prendo subito.Thanks, I'll grab it right away.
- SofiaOttimo, allora iniziamo a pulire.Great, let's start cleaning then.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “broom” translations and entries scopa, ramazza, granata, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries granata, scopa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
