frantumare
/fran.tuˈma.re/
The English verb 'smash' can be translated into Italian as frantumare. Wiktionary also lists sfracellare.
Meaning: (transitive) to break violently (verb)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| frantumare | /fran.tuˈma.re/ |
| sfracellare | /sfra.t͡ʃelˈla.re/ |
The verb frantumare means to break something violently into many small fragments or shards. It is also used figuratively to describe smashing things like dreams, illusions or hopes. In the context of tennis, the English word smash is used as a noun.
Which one should you use?
While frantumare implies breaking something into many small pieces, sfracellare is used to express a more intense and violent way of smashing or shattering something.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/fran.tuˈma.re/. The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- The concept of 'smashing' a record (as in a world record) in Italian is expressed with verbs like abbattere or 'to knock down', rather than using a word for breaking fragments.
- When describing a 'smash' in a sporting context like tennis, Italians will actually use the English loanword smash rather than translating it into an Italian verb.
- The word frantume is often used in the plural frantumi to describe a total emotional breakdown. Saying one is in frantumi is the Italian equivalent of being 'shattered' or 'broken' after a tragedy.
Examples in context
- La bottiglia si è frantumataThe bottle smashed/shattered.
- Ha spezzato la catenaHe smashed/broke the chain.
- L'oggetto è stato distrutto con un potente colpoThe object was destroyed with a powerful blow.
- Ho sfracellato la lattina con la mazza da baseballI smashed the can with the baseball bat.
- L'auto si schiantò contro l'alberoThe car smashed/crashed into the tree.
- Mi ha spaccato la finestraHe smashed/broke my window.
- L'ho ammaccato con un colpo seccoI smashed/dented it with a single blow.
- Il colpo può frantumare il vetro.The blow can smash the glass.
- Non voglio frantumare il mio vecchio telefono.I don't want to smash my old phone.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Martina are cleaning up a broken mirror.
- AlessandroCome hai fatto a frantumare lo specchio?How did you manage to smash the mirror?
- MartinaÈ caduto dal tavolo per sbaglio.It fell off the table by mistake.
- AlessandroFai attenzione a non tagliarti.Be careful not to cut yourself.
- MartinaSì, Alessandro, sto usando la scopa.Yes, Alessandro, I am using the broom.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “smash” translations and entries frantumare, sfracellare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
