colpire
/kolˈpi.re/
In Italian, the phrase hit can be translated as colpire. Wiktionary also lists picchiare and battere.
Meaning: to administer a blow (verb)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| colpire | /kolˈpi.re/ |
| picchiare | /pikˈkja.re/ |
| battere | /ˈbat.te.re/ |
The term colpire is the most neutral and versatile way to say hit or strike, whether you are referring to a target or a person. It can also be used figuratively to mean 'to impress' or 'to affect' someone, similar to the English expression 'it struck me'.
Which one should you use?
While colpire is neutral, picchiare implies hitting someone repeatedly or committing an assault. If you are hitting something with an object, such as a drum or a nail, use battere. For describing a violent or forceful collision, sbattere is often used.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word colpire is pronounced /kolˈpi.re/. It has three syllables, and the stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The word colpo is the noun form of colpire and is used in many idiomatic expressions, such as 'un colpo di fulmine', which means 'love at first sight'.
- The verb sbattere can describe a physical collision but also means 'to slam' a door or 'to whisk' eggs in cooking.
- The word picchiare is considered onomatopoeic, meaning the sound of the word itself is intended to mimic the rhythmic sound of striking or beating.
Examples in context
- Non voglio colpire Tom.I didn't want to hit Tom.This sentence shows how to use colpire when expressing a lack of desire to hit someone.Tatoeba #6675413 by Guybrush88, translation #5747231 by CM
- Devo davvero colpire qualcuno.I really need to hit somebody.This sentence demonstrates the use of colpire to express a need to hit someone.Tatoeba #2495845 by Guybrush88, translation #1680 by CM
- Perché qualcuno lo colpirebbe?Why would somebody hit him?This sentence illustrates how to use colpire in a question regarding hitting someone.Tatoeba #10884947 by Guybrush88, translation #3914679 by CH
- Il pugile ha colpito il suo avversario con un potente pugno.The boxer hit his opponent with a powerful punch.
- I bulli hanno picchiato il ragazzo senza motivo.The bullies hit the boy without reason.
- La macchina ha sbattuto contro il muro.The car hit the wall.
- 31 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Martina are talking about a boxing match.
- MatteoGuarda come riesce a colpire l'avversario!Look how he manages to hit the opponent!
- MartinaSì, ha un colpo molto potente.Yes, he has a very powerful hit.
- MatteoMa l'altro boxer è più veloce.But the other boxer is faster.
- MartinaVero, è difficile colpire qualcuno così rapido.True, it is difficult to hit someone so quick.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hit” translations and entries colpire, picchiare, battere, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries battere, colpire, picchiare, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
