scomparso
The English phrase "passed away" is translated into Italian as scomparso.
What does it mean word for word?
The term scomparso literally means 'disappeared' or 'vanished'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Using scomparso is considered polite. For a formal way to say "he/she passed away," you can also use È deceduto/a, or the even more indirect È venuto/a a mancare to say "he/she is no longer with us."
How does it change in a sentence?
The form must agree in gender with the person who died: use scomparso for a man and scomparsa for a woman.
When do people say it?
When offering sympathy after someone has passed, you can use the phrase Le mie più sentite condoglianze to say "my deepest condolences".
Did you know?
- While scomparso is used for people, it is also the standard word for a 'missing person' in police reports, which can make the term feel strangely clinical or investigative.
- In very traditional settings, some may use the phrase ha consegnato l'anima, which means 'he delivered the soul' to God.
- The verb mancare in È venuto a mancare is the same word used to say 'I miss you' (Mi manchi), linking death to the act of being missed.
Examples in context
- Mi dispiace informarti che il signor Rossi è deceduto ieri sera.I'm sorry to inform you that Mr. Rossi passed away last night.
- Abbiamo appreso con tristezza che Maria è venuta a mancare.We learned with sadness that Maria passed away.
- Sono spiacente di dirtelo, ma il nostro caro amico Luigi è morto.I'm sorry to tell you, but our dear friend Luigi passed away.
- Il mio caro nonno è scomparso l'anno scorso.My dear grandfather passed away last year.
- È molto triste che il professore sia scomparso così presto.It is very sad that the professor passed away so soon.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a mutual acquaintance at a cafe.
- GiuliaHai saputo che il signor Bianchi è scomparso?Did you hear that Mr. Bianchi passed away?
- LorenzoNo, non lo sapevo, mi dispiace molto per lui.No, I didn't know, I am very sorry for him.
- GiuliaEra un uomo gentile e molto amato da tutti.He was a kind man and very loved by everyone.
- LorenzoSì, lo ricordo con molto affetto.Yes, I remember him with great affection.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
