strappare
/strapˈpa.re/
The Italian verb for 'rip' is strappare.
The verb strappare is used to describe the act of dividing or separating parts of something, such as ripping or tearing. It can also describe the action of snatching or plucking something away quickly, like plucking a flower or pulling a person's hand away.
Meaning: to divide or separate the parts of (verb)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
strappare is a regular -are verb. Its past participle is strappato, which means 'ripped' or 'torn'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable: /strapˈpa.re/.
When do people say it?
In a funerary or commemorative context, the abbreviation 'RIP' is used in Italian, while the formal phrase Riposi in Pace is a standard way to express condolences and say 'Rest in Peace'.
Did you know?
- The verb strappare is used in the common idiom strappare un sorriso, which means 'to wrest a smile' from someone who is sad or reluctant.
- The word strappare originates from the Gothic word strappōn, which is related to the Latin word for 'strap'.
- If you want to say you 'snatched' a glance or a look at something, you can use strappare un'occhiata, treating the visual act like a quick physical grab.
Examples in context
- Ha strappato un foglio dal quaderno.He ripped a sheet from the notebook.
- Non voglio strappare la carta.I don't want to rip the paper.
- Puoi strappare un foglio per me?Can you rip a sheet for me?
Example conversation
At a desk in an office.
- GiuliaMatteo, puoi strappare questo foglio?Matteo, can you rip this sheet?
- MatteoCerto, Giulia. Serve per l'ufficio?Sure, Giulia. Is it for the office?
- GiuliaSì, è troppo grande.Yes, it is too big.
- MatteoVa bene, lo faccio subito.Okay, I'll do it right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rip” translations and entries strappare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries strappare, CC BY-SA 4.0.
