Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| cavare | /kaˈva.re/ |
| cacciare | /katˈt͡ʃa.re/ |
The term 'to take out' in English has several specific meanings in Italian, so the translation depends on how you are removing something. Use cavare when the action involves extracting or pulling something out of a tight space or using effort. Use cacciare when the action implies forcefully removing or expelling someone or something from a location. Note that for general situations, such as taking a book out of a bag or clothes out of a drawer, the most common verb to use is togliere.
Which one should you use?
The choice between these words depends on the intent of the removal. cavare is used for extracting or pulling something out, often with effort, such as extracting a tooth or information. In contrast, cacciare is used when 'taking out' means to drive out or throw something or someone out of a place.
How do you pronounce it?
The word cavare is pronounced /kaˈva.re/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The expression cavarsela is a very common way to say 'to get by' or 'to manage' a difficult situation, literally meaning to 'take oneself out' of trouble.
- While cacciare can mean 'to take out' or 'to expel', it is also the standard verb used for 'to hunt' animals in the wild.
- In Italian, cacciare can be used as a slang term for 'to cough up' or 'to pay' money reluctantly.
Examples in context
- Hai il servizio di asporto?Do you have a take-out service?
- Vorrei portare via questo pranzo, per favore.I would like to take away this lunch, please.
- Specialità del giorno, anche da portare via!Daily specials, also available for takeout!
- Senti, oggi facciamo pizza da asporto?Hey, how about we get some take-out pizza today?
- Hai un menù da portare via? Mi piacerebbe ordinare qualcosa per portare a casa.Do you have a take-out menu? I would like to order something to take home.
- Andiamo a prendere una pizza da asporto e la mangiamo al parco?Shall we get some take-out pizza and eat it in the park?
- Possiamo portare via il pranzo e mangiarlo sulla spiaggia.We can take away the lunch and eat it on the beach.
Example conversation
Martina and Lorenzo are in the kitchen.
- MartinaLorenzo, puoi cavare il ripiano del frigo?Lorenzo, can you take out the fridge shelf?
- LorenzoCerto, Martina, lo faccio subito.Sure, Martina, I will do it right away.
- MartinaGrazie, devo pulire bene tutto.Thanks, I need to clean everything well.
- LorenzoEcco fatto, ora è fuori.There you go, now it is out.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “take out” translations and entries cavare, cacciare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
