spogliarsi
The English phrase "get undressed" is translated into Italian as spogliarsi.
spogliarsi means to get undressed. A common alternative phrase is togliersi i vestiti, which means to take off one's clothes.
Which one should you use?
While spogliarsi is used to mean getting undressed, its antonym is vestirsi, which means to get dressed.
How does it change in a sentence?
spogliarsi is a reflexive verb, indicated by the suffix -si, which means the action is performed on oneself. When you conjugate it in the first person singular present tense, such as "I get undressed", you use the reflexive pronoun mi (e.g., mi spoglio).
Did you know?
- The root of spogliarsi is the word spoglio, which means 'skin' or 'hide'. To get undressed in Italian is etymologically similar to 'skinning' oneself.
- The verb spogliare is also used in the context of a thief 'stripping' a victim of their belongings or valuables.
- If you use the phrase spogliarsi di qualcosa figuratively, it means to 'strip oneself of' a certain feeling, such as fear or pride.
Examples in context
- Tom aiutò Mary a spogliarsi.Tom helped Mary get undressed.This sentence shows how to use spogliarsi in a sentence about helping someone.Tatoeba #9714834 by Guybrush88, translation #9478183 by DJ_Saidez
- Scusi, potrebbe svestirsi per l'esame medico?Excuse me, could you get undressed for the medical exam?
- Sbrigati, dobbiamo andare in piscina! Spogliati subito!Hurry up, we need to go to the pool! Get undressed right away!
- È difficile spogliarsi con questo freddo.It is difficult to get undressed in this cold.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Chiara are getting ready for bed.
- LorenzoChiara, è ora di spogliarsi e andare a dormire.Chiara, it's time to get undressed and go to sleep.
- ChiaraHai ragione, sono stanchissima.You're right, I'm exhausted.
- LorenzoTi porto il pigiama?Shall I bring you your pajamas?
- ChiaraSì, grazie, Lorenzo.Yes, thank you, Lorenzo.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry spogliarsi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
