What does it mean word for word?
The verb ricaricare is formed from the prefix ri- (meaning "again") and caricare (meaning "to load" or "to charge"), literally meaning "to charge again".
Which one should you use?
The word ricaricare refers to the action of charging an object. In contrast, the reflexive form ricaricarsi is used in informal contexts to refer to a person recharging their own energy or seeking rejuvenation. Additionally, the formal verb rifornire can be used to express the idea of recharging, though it predominantly means "to supply" or "to refuel".
How does it change in a sentence?
To describe a battery that has been recharged, you can use the past participle ricaricato.
How do you pronounce it?
The word ricaricare has 5 syllables, with the stress on the 4th syllable. Its IPA transcription is /ri.ka.riˈka.re/.
Did you know?
- Beyond electricity, ricaricare is the standard term used when adding credit to a prepaid SIM card or a travel pass.
- In a digital context, the English word 'upload' is translated as caricare, using the same root as ricaricare.
- The verb caricare shares its history with the English word 'cargo', as both stem from the same Latin root meaning 'to load a wagon'.
Examples in context
- Ho bisogno di ricaricare il mio telefono.I need to recharge my phone.
- Devo caricare un po' le mie energie.I need to recharge my energy a bit.
- Devo ricaricare la batteria del telefono.I need to recharge my phone battery.
- Dove posso ricaricare il mio laptop?Where can I recharge my laptop?
- Il caricabatterie serve per ricaricare la macchina elettrica.The charger is used to recharge the electric car.
Example conversation
Giulia and Lorenzo are at a cafe looking for a power outlet.
- GiuliaLorenzo, puoi aiutarmi a ricaricare il mio cellulare?Lorenzo, can you help me recharge my cell phone?
- LorenzoCerto, Giulia, ma non vedo nessuna presa qui.Sure, Giulia, but I don't see any outlet here.
- GiuliaForse possiamo ricaricare l'iPad invece.Maybe we can recharge the iPad instead.
- LorenzoSì, ottima idea, controllo subito.Yes, great idea, I'll check right away.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ricaricare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ricaricare, CC BY-SA 4.0.