Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| spazzare | /spatˈt͡sa.re/ |
| scopare | /skoˈpa.re/ |
| ramazzare | /ra.matˈt͡sa.re/ |
These verbs are used to describe the action of cleaning a surface using a broom or brush. You can also use the noun spazzata to describe a single sweeping motion or one pass with a broom. Additionally, there are two common idioms: Fare piazza pulita means 'making a clean sweep' (clearing something out entirely) and Mettere sotto il tappeto means 'to sweep under the rug' (to avoid or hide an issue).
Which one should you use?
spazzare is the most common and neutral term for the action. scopare is a common informal synonym, but it is also a vulgar slang term for having sexual intercourse. ramazzare is another form available for this action.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
spazzare is pronounced /spatˈtsa.re/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The verb spazzare evolved from the Latin word spatiārī, which actually meant 'to go for a walk'.
- The idiom fare piazza pulita literally means 'to make the town square clean', reflecting the historical importance of the central plaza in Italian civic life.
- The term spazzata can be used in sports to describe a long, clearing kick or hit that 'sweeps' the ball away from the goal.
Examples in context
- Devo spazzare la mia camera.I have to sweep my room.This sentence is useful for practicing the verb spazzare.Tatoeba #3100886 by Guybrush88, translation #3100884 by CM
- Tutto ciò che devi fare è spazzare il pavimento.All you have to do is sweep the floor.Tatoeba #13651988 by mervert1, translation #1369535 by CK
- La signora pulisce il cortile.The lady sweeps the courtyard.
- Devo spazzare la polvere.I need to sweep the dust.
- Ti prego, spazza prima che arrivi la visita.Please sweep before guests arrive.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Martina are cleaning their house together.
- FrancescoMartina, devi spazzare sotto il tavolo.Martina, you need to sweep under the table.
- MartinaVa bene, lo faccio subito.Okay, I will do it right away.
- FrancescoGrazie, dopo posso spazzare io il corridoio.Thanks, then I can sweep the hallway.
- MartinaPerfetto, così finiamo presto.Perfect, that way we finish quickly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sweep” translations and entries spazzare, scopare, ramazzare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ramazzare, scopare, spazzare, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
