graffiato
The English phrase "scratched" is translated into Italian as graffiato.
graffiato is used to describe something that has marks on its surface caused by something sharp or rough. For example, you might use it to describe a scratched car or scratched skin. If you want to describe the specific action of someone scratching themselves, you should use the reflexive verb graffiarsi.
Which one should you use?
Use graffiato when referring to surface marks on objects like a car or on the skin. In contrast, use rigato if you are describing long, thin scratches or streaks, such as those found on a lens or a piece of glass.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a past participle, graffiato must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. The forms change to graffiata for feminine singular, graffiate for feminine plural and graffiato for masculine singular.
Did you know?
- While graffiato describes a scratch, the word grattare describes the action of scratching an itch and is the same verb used for 'grating' cheese.
- In Italian, graffiare can be used figuratively to describe 'scratching' the surface of a topic, meaning to touch upon a subject only superficially.
- When describing a surface that is not just lightly scratched but deeply grooved, Italians use solcato, a word derived from the term for a furrow in a field.
Examples in context
- Mi ha graffiato un gatto.A cat scratched me.This sentence is useful for showing how a cat can use the form graffiato to describe being scratched.Tatoeba #399838 by Pharamp, translation #489749 by swagner
- Si è graffiato la guancia.He scratched his cheek.This sentence demonstrates using the form graffiato to describe a person scratching their own cheek.Tatoeba #8879625 by Guybrush88, translation #7390982 by CH
- Il mio gatto mi ha graffiato.My cat scratched me.This sentence shows another way to use the form graffiato when a cat has caused a scratch.Tatoeba #2721229 by Guybrush88, translation #2721215 by kieranjpball
- Ho subito un graffio alla mano.I got scratched on my hand.
- Mi sono graffiato sulla gamba.I scratched myself on the leg.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Martina are looking at a new car.
- FrancescoGuarda, il cofano è graffiato!Look, the hood is scratched!
- MartinaOh no, è un peccato.Oh no, that's a shame.
- FrancescoSpero che si possa riparare.I hope it can be repaired.
- MartinaSì, probabilmente lo ripareranno.Yes, they will probably repair it.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
