gocciolare
/ɡot.t͡ʃoˈla.re/
The English phrase 'drip' is translated into Italian as gocciolare.
gocciolare is a verb used to describe the action of liquid falling one drop at a time. If you are referring to an apparatus that slowly releases liquid, such as a medical drip, the noun flebo is used.
Meaning: to fall one drop at a time (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The verb gocciolare is derived from the noun goccia, which means 'drop'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In the third-person singular present indicative, the form is gocciola (it drips). To describe a continuous or habitual dripping that occurred in the past, use the imperfect indicative form gocciolava (it was dripping).
How do you pronounce it?
gocciolare is pronounced /ɡot.tʃoˈla.re/. It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- While gocciolare refers to the liquid, the Italian word for a 'leaking' faucet is often perdere, which literally means 'to lose'.
- The word goccia is also used in the phrase a gocce, meaning 'in small installments' or 'bit by bit' when referring to information.
- The word goccia can also refer to a 'drop' of jewelry, such as an earring shaped like a teardrop, which is called 'orecchini a goccia'.
Examples in context
- L'acqua gocciola dal rubinetto.The water is dripping from the tap.
- Il tetto inizia a gocciolare.The roof is starting to drip.
- Non lasciare che la vernice cominci a gocciolare.Don't let the paint start to drip.
Example conversation
In the kitchen after a heavy rain.
- MartinaMatteo, guarda, il soffitto comincia a gocciolare!Matteo, look, the ceiling is starting to drip!
- MatteoDevo mettere un secchio sotto subito.I must put a bucket under it immediately.
- MartinaSpero che non sia un problema grave.I hope it is not a serious problem.
- MatteoControlliamo la perdita domani mattina.We will check the leak tomorrow morning.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “drip” translations and entries gocciolare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
