graffio
/ˈɡraf.fjo/
The Italian word for scratch is graffio.
The word graffio is used as a noun to describe a physical mark caused by scraping or digging, often with claws or fingernails.
Meaning: dig or scrape with claws or fingernails with the intention to injure (verb)
Which one should you use?
While graffio refers to the physical mark itself (the noun), the verb meaning 'to scratch' is graffiare.
How does it change in a sentence?
graffio is a masculine noun. Its plural form is graffi.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈɡraf.fjo/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- While graffiare means to scratch for the purpose of injuring, Italians use the verb grattare when they have an itch and need to scratch their skin for relief.
- While graffiare means to scratch, it is also the root of the word graffito, which refers to the artistic technique of scratching designs into walls.
- The word graffio is derived from the Lombardic word *krapfo, which comes from a Proto-West Germanic root.
Examples in context
- È solo un graffio, OK?It's just a scratch, OK?This sentence is useful for reassuring someone that a scratch is minor.Tatoeba #5076865 by Guybrush88, translation #2953112 by CK
- È soltanto un graffio.It's only a scratch.This sentence is useful for emphasizing that a scratch is only a single mark.Tatoeba #5614442 by dnnywld, translation #2195202 by Hybrid
- Mary ha un graffio sulla fronte.Mary has a scratch on her forehead.This sentence is useful for describing the location of a scratch on a person's forehead.Tatoeba #12831667 by Guybrush88, translation #7377657 by CF
- Ho graffiato accidentalmente la macchina nuova. Mi dispiace molto.I accidentally scratched the new car. I'm really sorry.
- Il gatto ha scalfito la porta. Dobbiamo sistemarla.The cat scratched the door. We need to fix it.
- Mi sono graffiato la gamba con un roveto.I scratched my leg with a bush.
- Ho grattato la parete per vedere che tipo di pittura aveva.I scratched the wall to see what type of paint it had.
- Ho graffiato la lavagna con la mia penna.I scratched the blackboard with my pen.
- Stamattina mi sono grattato la fronte, avevo una fastidiosa puntarella.This morning, I scratched my forehead, I had an annoying itch.
- Non toccare il mio cellulare! Potresti scalfirlo!Don't touch my phone! You might scratch it!
- Gratto sempre la testa quando sono concentrato. È un brutto vizio.I always scratch my head when I'm focused. It's a bad habit.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Martina are talking about a pet cat.
- LorenzoAttento, quel gatto graffio ogni volta che lo tocchi.Be careful, that cat scratches every time you touch it.
- MartinaMa è così carino e sembra calmo!But he is so cute and seems calm!
- LorenzoNon fidarti, se lo fissi graffio subito.Don't trust him, if you stare at him he scratches immediately.
- MartinaAllora meglio non avvicinarmi troppo.Then it's better not to get too close.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry graffio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries graffio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
