bruciare
/bruˈt͡ʃa.re/
The English verb "scorch" is translated into Italian as bruciare.
The verb bruciare is used to describe the action of scorching or singeing surfaces. While it can also mean to burn something completely, it remains the standard way to express the act of scorching.
Meaning: to (cause to) become scorched or singed (verb)
Which one should you use?
bruciare is the standard verb for the action of scorching, whereas bruciatura is a noun used to refer to the physical mark or damage left behind by a scorch.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To describe something that has already been scorched, you can use the past participle bruciato.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /bruˈtʃa.re/. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The expression bruciare le tappe uses bruciare to mean 'to skip steps' or 'to rush through a process' rather than referring to fire.
- The word bruciare may have roots that are not Latin at all, but instead stem from ancient Germanic languages, making its origins a subject of debate among linguists.
- While bruciare means to burn or scorch, the Italian verb abbrustolire is used specifically for the way a chef might scorch or toast bread to a golden brown.
Examples in context
- Ho accidentalmente carbonizzato la torta nel forno.I accidentally scorched the cake in the oven.
- Ho scottato la mano toccando il bollitore bollente.I scalded my hand by touching the boiling kettle.
- Il sole può bruciare la pelle.The sun can scorch the skin.
- Fai attenzione a non bruciare il pane.Be careful not to scorch the bread.
- Il calore eccessivo può bruciare la pianta.Excessive heat can scorch the plant.
Example conversation
Francesco and Chiara are in the kitchen preparing lunch.
- FrancescoChiara, controlla il forno per non bruciare la pizza.Chiara, check the oven so you don't scorch the pizza.
- ChiaraSì, Francesco, sto guardando.Yes, Francesco, I am watching it.
- FrancescoIl calore è troppo alto.The heat is too high.
- ChiaraHai ragione, abbasso subito la temperatura.You are right, I will lower the temperature immediately.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bruciare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bruciare, CC BY-SA 4.0.
