Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| diminuire | /di.mi.nuˈi.re/ |
| calare | /kaˈla.re/ |
The verb is used to describe something becoming smaller in size, amount or intensity. Related nouns include diminuzione for the process of decreasing, calo for a drop or decline and ribasso specifically for a reduction in price.
Which one should you use?
diminuire is the standard, versatile verb for a general decrease in size, amount or intensity. In contrast, calare is often used when describing a physical drop or a decrease in levels, such as temperature, prices or sea levels. For nouns, diminuzione is the formal way to describe the act of decreasing, while calo describes a sudden or significant drop, often in economic or statistical contexts. ribasso is used specifically to refer to a reduction in price or a reduction in a bid or tender.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
diminuire is a regular second-conjugation verb ending in -ire.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 5 syllables, with the stress on the 4th syllable: /di.mi.nuˈi.re/.
Did you know?
- The verb diminuire can be used as a transitive verb to mean 'to humble' or 'to make someone feel small' in a social or spiritual sense.
- The verb calare is used to describe the specific motion of lowering a bucket into a well or a net into the sea. In these contexts, it means to physically let something down rather than a numerical decrease.
- Italian uses calare to describe the fading of the light at dusk or the waning of the moon. This usage links a physical decrease in light to the concept of sinking.
Examples in context
- Cosa dovresti fare per diminuire il tuo debito?What should you do to decrease your debt?This sentence is useful for practicing the use of diminuire regarding debt.Tatoeba #2234374 by Guybrush88, translation #680642 by Source_VOA
- I prezzi sono diminuitiThe prices have decreased
- La popolazione è decresciuta negli ultimi anniThe population has decreased in recent years
- La temperatura è diminuita rapidamente durante la notte.The temperature decreased rapidly during the night.
- I prezzi del carburante sono in diminuzione da diversi mesi.Fuel prices have been decreasing for several months.
- Ho tagliato le uscite mensiliI decreased the monthly expenses
- Ho deciso di tagliare le spese superflue per risparmiare.I've decided to cut unnecessary expenses to save money.
- La produzione industriale è decresciuta del 10% quest'anno.Industrial production has decreased by 10% this year.
- La temperatura dovrebbe diminuire stasera.The temperature should decrease tonight.
- Il dolore inizia a diminuire.The pain is starting to decrease.
Example conversation
Giulia and Matteo are talking about their gym progress.
- GiuliaMatteo, vuoi diminuire il peso del bilanciere?Matteo, do you want to decrease the weight of the barbell?
- MatteoSì, è troppo pesante per me oggi.Yes, it is too heavy for me today.
- GiuliaVa bene, tolgo qualche disco.Alright, I'll remove a few plates.
- MatteoGrazie, così posso fare più ripetizioni.Thanks, this way I can do more repetitions.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “decrease” translations and entries diminuire, calare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
