sbloccare
/zblokˈka.re/
The Italian verb for 'unblock' is sbloccare.
sbloccare is used to enable communication again, such as via telephone, instant messaging or other digital platforms, with someone who was previously blocked. In the context of digital communication, sbloccare un contatto is the standard way to say 'to unblock a contact'.
Meaning: to enable communication again, via telephone, instant messaging, etc., with (somebody previously blocked) (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The verb is formed by the prefix s-, which indicates reversal or removal and bloccare, which means 'to block'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle sbloccato is used to describe someone or something that has been unblocked.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /zblokˈka.re/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The verb sbloccare is often used in psychology or coaching to describe a breakthrough when someone overcomes a mental or emotional plateau.
- The root word bloccare was not an original Italian creation but was borrowed from the French word 'bloquer'.
- In the world of finance, sbloccare is the specific term used when a bank releases frozen assets or funds from an account.
Examples in context
- È necessario rimuovere il blocco per accedere al sito.You need to remove the block to access the website.
- Si richiede di annullare il blocco sulla carta di credito.Please cancel the block on the credit card.
- Ho bisogno di sbloccare il mio telefono.I need to unblock my phone.
- Togli il blocco, voglio vedere cosa c'è dentro!Remove the block, I want to see what's inside!
- Ho deciso di cancellare il blocco sull'app.I decided to cancel the block on the app.
- Ho dimenticato la password del mio account. Come faccio a sbloccarlo?I forgot my account password. How can I unblock it?
- Mi scuso per avervi bloccato per sbaglio. Vi ho sbloccati ora!I apologize for mistakenly blocking you. I unblocked you now!
- Ho bisogno di sbloccare lo scarico del lavandino. Hai qualche suggerimento?I need to unblock the sink drain. Do you have any suggestions?
- Scusate, siete a conoscenza di un modo per sbloccare questa strada?Excuse me, are you aware of a way to unblock this road?
- Ho bisogno di sbloccare la mia creatività. Come posso fare?I need to unblock my creativity. How can I do it?
- Ho sbloccato il suo numero.I unblocked his/her number.
- Puoi sbloccare il mio numero?Can you unblock my number?
- Devo sbloccare Giulia su WhatsApp.I need to unblock Giulia on WhatsApp.
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Giulia are talking about a disagreement.
- LorenzoGiulia, mi hai bloccato su Instagram!Giulia, you blocked me on Instagram!
- GiuliaSì, perché eri troppo insistente.Yes, because you were too insistent.
- LorenzoScusa, puoi sbloccare me adesso?Sorry, can you unblock me now?
- GiuliaVa bene, ti sblocco subito.Alright, I'll unblock you right away.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sbloccare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sbloccare, CC BY-SA 4.0.
