illuminare
/il.lu.miˈna.re/
The English phrase 'light up' is translated into Italian as illuminare.
Meaning: to light a cigarette, etc. (verb)
Which one should you use?
While illuminare means to illuminate or light up a room, accendere is the standard verb used for lighting a cigarette or a match. The reflexive form accendersi is used when describing something lighting up or catching fire spontaneously.
How do you pronounce it?
The word illuminare is pronounced /il.lu.miˈna.re/. It has 5 syllables, and the stress is on the 4th syllable.
Did you know?
- The reflexive form accendersi can be used metaphorically to describe a person suddenly becoming very angry or 'heating up' during an argument.
- In Italian, the verb accendere is also the standard term used for 'turning on' electronic devices like a light or a television.
- In a religious context, illuminare is often used to describe the 'Enlightenment' or a spiritual awakening, moving beyond simple physical light.
Examples in context
- Il sole illumina la stradaThe sun lights up the road
- Le stelle risplendono nel cieloThe stars light up in the sky
- Accendi la candelaLight up the candle
- Mi fa brillare gli occhiIt makes my eyes light up
- Accendi una sigaretta.Light a cigarette.
Example conversation
Sofia and Matteo are waiting outside a cafe.
- SofiaMatteo, mi aiuti a illuminare questa sigaretta?Matteo, can you help me light this cigarette?
- MatteoCerto, Sofia, ho proprio l'accendino qui.Sure, Sofia, I have the lighter right here.
- SofiaGrazie mille, sei molto gentile.Thank you so much, you are very kind.
- MatteoPrego, non c'è problema.You're welcome, no problem.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry illuminare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
