rompicapo
/ˌrom.piˈka.po/
The English word conundrum can be translated into Italian as rompicapo.
rompicapo refers to a difficult choice or decision. While it can describe a difficult decision, it is also very frequently used to refer to a physical or mental puzzle or riddle.
Meaning: difficult choice or decision (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of rompi (breaks) and capo (head), literally translating to "head-breaker".
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of rompicapo is rompicapi.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˌrom.piˈka.po/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- The verb rompere in rompicapo is also used in the common idiom rompere le scatole, which means 'to get on someone's nerves' by literally 'breaking their boxes'.
- In Italian, the word capo can also mean 'boss' or 'leader', making the literal translation of rompicapo sound like 'boss-breaker' to some.
- In Italian, if a conundrum is particularly frustrating, a speaker might say mi scoppia la testa, meaning 'my head is exploding'.
Examples in context
- Mi trovo di fronte a un dilemma difficile da risolvere.I am facing a conundrum that is hard to solve.
- Questa scelta è un vero rompicapo.This choice is a real conundrum.
Example conversation
Francesco and Sofia are discussing which city to visit for their vacation.
- FrancescoRoma o Firenze? È un rompicapo!Rome or Florence? It's a conundrum!
- SofiaSono entrambe città bellissime, Francesco.They are both beautiful cities, Francesco.
- FrancescoDobbiamo decidere entro domani.We have to decide by tomorrow.
- SofiaAllora scegliamo Roma questa volta.Then let's choose Rome this time.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry rompicapo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
