circondare
/t͡ʃir.konˈda.re/
The English verb 'surround' is translated into Italian as circondare.
The verb circondare is used to describe the act of encircling something or extending in all directions simultaneously around an object or area.
Meaning: to encircle something or simultaneously extend in all directions (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle of circondare is circondato. In the present indicative, you can use circondi for the second-person singular informal 'you surround' and circondano for the third-person plural 'they surround'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has four syllables, with the stress on the third syllable: /tʃir.konˈda.re/.
Did you know?
- If you are physically 'surrounded' by a crowd in a way that feels restrictive or overwhelming, Italians might use the verb stringere, which literally means 'to squeeze' or 'to tighten'.
- The verb circondare shares its roots with the English word 'circumference', as both stem from the same Latin building blocks of 'around' and 'to carry'.
- In military contexts, the term accerchiare is often used instead of circondare to specifically describe the act of surrounding an enemy to prevent their escape.
Examples in context
- È importante circondare il paziente di attenzione e cura.It's important to surround the patient with attention and care.
- L'incantevole villa era avvolta da un paesaggio mozzafiato.The enchanting villa was surrounded by a breathtaking landscape.
- La città è circondata da montagne spettacolari.The city is surrounded by spectacular mountains.
- Il presidente è stato circondato da una folla festante.The president was surrounded by a cheering crowd.
- Le montagne circondano la città.The mountains surround the city.
- Voglio circondare la foto con dei fiori.I want to surround the photo with some flowers.
Example conversation
Sofia and Matteo are looking at a map of a historic castle.
- SofiaGuarda, un grande fossato deve circondare il castello.Look, a large moat must surround the castle.
- MatteoSì, è un ottimo modo per difenderlo.Yes, it is a great way to defend it.
- SofiaPensi che ci siano dei sentieri intorno?Do you think there are paths around it?
- MatteoProbabilmente sì, Matteo lo pensa.Probably yes, Matteo thinks so.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “surround” translations and entries circondare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries circondare, CC BY-SA 4.0.
