scoppiare
to break up (relationship) / to burst
Intermediate Verb
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Pronunciation
/skop.ˈpja.re/
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Cultural Note
When a couple 'scoppia' (bursts), the relationship has explosively ended — the metaphor of bursting captures the dramatic Italian approach to breakups. It implies the relationship couldn't contain the pressure anymore. Italians often use 'sono scoppiati' in gossip: it's how friends share the news that a couple has split, usually with dramatic hand gestures included.
📝 Example Sentences
Sono scoppiati dopo tre anni.
They broke up after three years.
La loro relazione è scoppiata all'improvviso.
Their relationship burst apart suddenly.
Scoppiare non è mai facile.
Breaking up is never easy.