avere il cuore spezzato
to have a broken heart; to be heartbroken
Intermediate Phrase
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Pronunciation
/aˈve.re il ˈkwɔ.re spetˈtsa.to/
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Cultural Note
The metaphor of a broken heart is universal, but Italian intensifies it with the visceral verb 'spezzare' (to shatter/break). Italian songs, from classic Sanremo ballads to modern pop, are filled with references to 'cuori spezzati.' The expression 'crepacuore' (heartbreak, literally heart-burst) is even more dramatic.
📝 Example Sentences
Ha il cuore spezzato dopo la fine della relazione.
She has a broken heart after the end of the relationship.
Mi hai spezzato il cuore.
You broke my heart.
Non voglio avere il cuore spezzato un'altra volta.
I don't want to have a broken heart again.