scarabocchiare
To scribble in Italian is to scarabocchiare. If unsure, use scarabocchiare. Wiktionary also lists schiccherare.
Meaning: to write or draw carelessly and in a hurry (verb)
Ways to say it
| Italian |
|---|
| scarabocchiare |
| schiccherare |
The verb refers to the act of writing or drawing carelessly and in a hurry, such as scribbling or doodling. The noun scarabocchio is the standard translation for a scribble, referring to the result of such writing. If you wish to describe messy handwriting, you can use the phrase grafia disordinata or use appunti veloci to describe quick notes that might represent a rough draft or hurriedly written thoughts.
Which one should you use?
While scarabocchiare is the standard verb, schiccherare can also be used to mean scribble, though it carries a different tone.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun form of the verb scarabocchiare is scarabocchio.
Did you know?
- In some Italian dialects, scarabocchiare can be used metaphorically to mean 'to mess up' or 'to ruin' a situation or a piece of work.
- The verb scarabocchiare shares a conceptual space with the word scarabocchio, which can also refer to a small, insignificant detail or a trivial matter in certain idiomatic contexts.
- In Italian, the word scarabocchio is often used as a term of endearment for a child's drawings, celebrating their messy charm rather than criticizing the lack of skill.
Examples in context
- Ho fatto uno scarabocchio sul margine della paginaI made a scribble on the margin of the page
- Mi dispiace se la mia grafia risulta disordinataI apologize if my handwriting is messy
- Quando sono annoiato, mi piace scarabocchiare su cartaWhen I'm bored, I like to scribble on paper
- Non voglio scarabocchiare sul tuo quaderno.I don't want to scribble in your notebook.
- Il bambino continua a scarabocchiare sui muri.The child keeps scribbling on the walls.
- Puoi solo scarabocchiare un appunto veloce?Can you just scribble a quick note?
Example conversation
Matteo and Martina are in a cafe and Matteo is distracted.
- MartinaMatteo, smetti di scarabocchiare sul tovagliolo!Matteo, stop scribbling on the napkin!
- MatteoScusa, Martina, è solo un segno.Sorry, Martina, it's just a mark.
- MartinaÈ molto disordinato.It is very messy.
- MatteoHai ragione, mi dispiace.You're right, I'm sorry.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “scribble” translations and entries scarabocchiare, schiccherare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
