Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| esplosione | /es.ploˈzjo.ne/ | feminine |
| scoppio | /ˈskɔp.pjo/ | masculine |
The term refers to a violent release of energy. While esplosione is a standard way to describe this event, you may encounter other words depending on the context: the formal term deflagrazione refers specifically to a combustion or explosion occurring at subsonic speeds and the informal onomatopoeic word Boom is used to mimic the sound of an explosion.
Which one should you use?
The masculine form scoppio is typically used for sudden, sharp sounds or smaller bursts, such as a balloon popping or a sudden outburst of laughter, whereas esplosione is the standard term for a violent release of energy.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb related to these terms is esplodere (to explode). Because the feminine noun esplosione starts with a vowel, the indefinite article una is elided to un'esplosione when meaning 'an explosion'.
How do you pronounce it?
/es.ploˈzjo.ne/. The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- The Latin root of esplosione actually comes from a phrase meaning 'to drive out by clapping'.
- In Italian, a sudden heart attack is often described using the verb scoppiare to suggest a vessel has burst.
- The word scoppiare is also used to say that someone is 'bursting' with an emotion, such as scoppiare dal pianto when someone bursts into tears.
Examples in context
- Fu una grande esplosione.It was a big explosion.This sentence is useful for describing the scale of an esplosione.Tatoeba #4969874 by Guybrush88, translation #4969838 by CK
- Ci fu un'enorme esplosione.There was a huge explosion.Tatoeba #6103449 by Guybrush88, translation #3377161 by CK
- Che ha causato l'esplosione?What caused the explosion?This sentence is useful for asking about the cause of an esplosione.Tatoeba #3841382 by Guybrush88, translation #1544368 by MrShoval
- L'esplosione ha causato danni considerevoliThe explosion caused significant damage.
- La deflagrazione è stata causata da una reazione chimicaThe deflagration was caused by a chemical reaction.
- C'è stato uno scoppio molto forteThere was a very loud explosion.
- 73 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara and Alessandro are watching the news about an accident.
- ChiaraHai sentito il rumore dell'esplosione?Did you hear the sound of the explosion?
- AlessandroSì, è stato fortissimo, Alessandro ha avuto paura.Yes, it was very loud, Alessandro was scared.
- ChiaraSpero che l'esplosione non abbia fatto danni.I hope the explosion didn't cause any damage.
- AlessandroSperiamo bene, Chiara.Let's hope so, Chiara.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “explosion” translations and entries esplosione, scoppio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries esplosione, scoppio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
