nuotare
/nwoˈta.re/
The Italian verb for swim is nuotare. If unsure, use nuotare. Wiktionary also lists natare.
Meaning: move through water (verb)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| nuotare | /nwoˈta.re/ | |
| natare | /naˈta.re/ | obsolete, poetic |
The verb means to move through water. When referring to people who perform this action, you use the noun nuotatore for a male swimmer and nuotatrice for a female swimmer.
Which one should you use?
While nuotare is the standard verb, you may encounter natare, which is an obsolete and poetic form. For related nouns, use nuotata to describe a single session or instance of swimming, such as 'going for a swim', whereas nuoto refers to the sport or the general activity of swimming.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /nwoˈta.re/.
Did you know?
- While 'nuotare' is the standard verb, the obsolete form natare is a direct relative of the English word 'navigate'. Both stem from the same Latin root 'natare', meaning to swim or float.
- The obsolete form natare is still found in classic Italian poetry to evoke a more ancient or formal tone.
Examples in context
- Io non so nuotare.I don't know how to swim.This sentence shows how to express the ability or lack thereof to use the form nuotare.Tatoeba #3251420 by Guybrush88, translation #255189 by CK
- Andò lì a nuotare.She went there to swim.This sentence demonstrates the use of the form nuotare to express purpose.Tatoeba #12516728 by Guybrush88, translation #312640 by CK
- Lui non sa nuotare.He can't swim.This sentence uses the form nuotare to express a lack of ability.Tatoeba #929860 by Guybrush88, translation #293929 by CH
- Mi piace nuotareI like to swim
- Vuoi imparare a nuotare?Do you want to learn how to swim?
- Mi piace fare il bagno in mareI enjoy swimming in the sea
- Nuoto velocementeI swim quickly
- Nuota elegantementeHe/She swims elegantly
- Nuoto nel mareI swim in the sea
- Nuotano con le pinneThey swim with fins
- Mi piace partecipare alle gare di nuotoI enjoy participating in swimming competitions
- Voglio unirmi alla squadra di nuotoI want to join the swim team
- 759 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Chiara are at the beach.
- FrancescoChiara, vuoi venire a nuotare con me?Chiara, do you want to come swim with me?
- ChiaraSì, mi piace molto nuotare in questo mare.Yes, I really like swimming in this sea.
- FrancescoL'acqua è perfetta per nuotare oggi.The water is perfect for swimming today.
- ChiaraAndiamo, iniziamo a nuotare subito!Let's go, let's start swimming right now!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “swim” translations and entries nuotare, natare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries natare, nuotare, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
