sbuffare
/zbufˈfa.re/
To snort in Italian is sbuffare.
The verb sbuffare means to exhale roughly through the nose. While it can describe the physical act of snorting, it is most commonly used to describe huffing or sighing out of annoyance or impatience. You can also use the phrase sbuffare con disprezzo to specifically describe the physical act of snorting as a sign of disdain.
Meaning: to exhale roughly through the nose (verb)
Which one should you use?
The verb sbuffare can mean to snort through the nose, but it is most often used to express huffing or sighing due to impatience or annoyance. Regarding the related nouns, the masculine noun sbuffo refers to the sound or the act of a single snort.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun sbuffo is used to refer to a single snort or the specific sound made during the act.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /zbufˈfa.re/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word sbuffo is occasionally used in fashion to describe a 'puff' sleeve or a gathered piece of fabric that creates a rounded shape.
- In the culinary world, a 'sbuffo' is not just a sound but can refer to a light, airy puff of pastry. This connection links the physical sensation of air-pressure in 'sbuffare' to the texture of certain treats.
- While sbuffare describes the sound of a snort, it is frequently used metaphorically to describe a sudden burst of wind or a gust of air, such as a 'sbuffo di vento'.
Examples in context
- Non smettere di sbuffare per ogni cosa.Don't keep snorting at every little thing.
- Lui ha iniziato a sbuffare per la frustrazione.He started to snort out of frustration.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Chiara are arguing about a broken appliance.
- AlessandroNon è colpa mia se non funziona!It is not my fault that it is not working!
- ChiaraSmettila di sbuffare, sei sempre così nervoso.Stop snorting, you are always so nervous.
- AlessandroNon sto sbuffando, sono solo stanco.I am not snorting, I am just tired.
- ChiaraSi vede proprio dal tuo tono.It really shows from your tone.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “snort” translations and entries sbuffare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
