Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| riportare | /ri.porˈta.re/ |
| rimettere | /riˈmet.te.re/ |
| ristabilire | /ris.ta.biˈli.re/ |
In Italian, the choice of word for restore depends entirely on whether you are talking about a physical object, an abstract concept or putting something back in its place.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb riportare is composed of the prefix ri- (again/back) and portare (to carry), which literally means to carry back.
Which one should you use?
While riportare often refers to bringing something back to a previous state, ristabilire is used for abstract concepts such as restoring order, peace, balance or a relationship. If the sense of restoring involves putting something back into its original place or position, use rimettere.
How do you pronounce it?
The word riportare is pronounced /ri.porˈta.re/. It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- The verb riportare is also the standard Italian word for 'to report' news or a story, moving the information from one place to another.
- The verb rimettere is used in the common phrase rimettersi in sesto, which means to get one's act together or recover from an illness.
- When Italians talk about restoring a piece of art, they often use restaurare, a specialized term that is distinct from the general verbs riportare or rimettere.
Examples in context
- Una semplice pulita potrebbe riportare il cruscotto al suo antico splendore.A simple wipe-down could restore his dashboard's former shine.This sentence shows how to use riportare regarding the condition of a physical object.Tatoeba #13504309 by Nuel, translation #13504308 by Nuel
- Ripristineremo il palazzo storico per preservare la sua bellezza.We will restore the historic building to preserve its beauty.
- Stiamo rinnovando l'antico castello per farlo tornare al suo antico splendore.We are restoring the ancient castle to bring it back to its former glory.
- Ho riparato la bicicletta del mio amico. Ora è come nuova!I restored my friend's bicycle. Now it's good as new!
- Abbiamo recuperato la nostra amicizia dopo un litigio.We restored our friendship after a fight.
- Rimetto a posto il mio ufficio dopo una lunga giornata di lavoro.I restore order in my office after a long day of work.
- Voglio restaurare questa vecchia casa di famiglia per creare un luogo accogliente.I want to restore this old family house to create a welcoming place.
- Dobbiamo riportare l'ordine in questa stanza.We must restore order to this room.
- Il trattamento può riportare la pelle alla normalità.The treatment can restore the skin to normalcy.
Example conversation
Martina and Alessandro are talking about a broken relationship.
- MartinaPensi che sia possibile riportare l'armonia in famiglia?Do you think it's possible to restore harmony in the family?
- AlessandroSì, se tutti accettano di scusarsi.Yes, if everyone agrees to apologize.
- MartinaAllora proverò a parlare con mio fratello.Then I will try to talk to my brother.
- AlessandroÈ la cosa migliore da fare, Martina.It is the best thing to do, Martina.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “restore” translations and entries riportare, rimettere, ristabilire, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
