accoltellare

to stab

verb ahk-kohl-tel-LAH-reh Rare

Origin: From coltello ('knife'), from Latin cultellus, diminutive of culter.

Usage Note

Accoltellare specifically means to attack or wound someone with a knife (coltello). It takes avere as auxiliary (lo hanno accoltellato). The noun form accoltellamento ('stabbing') is used in news reports. Do not confuse with pugnalare ('to stab with a dagger'), which implies a longer blade.

Examples

"L'uomo è stato accoltellato per strada."

Natural Translation

The man was stabbed in the street.

Literal Translation

The man is been stabbed on street.

Free starter pack

Building your Italian vocabulary?

Get the 100 most common Italian words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.

Related Words

Explore Italian by topic

ItalianNow

Tu vs Lei: Formal & Informal "You" in Italian

When in doubt, use Lei. Here's exactly when to use tu vs Lei in Italian — the who-to-use-with map, the verb and possessive shifts, and how to switch politely.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

ItalianNow

Days & Months in Italian: A Beginner's Guide

Days of the week in Italian are lowercase, all masculine except la domenica, and il lunedì means every Monday. Learn the days, months, dates, and seasons.

June 5, 2026 4 min read

ItalianNow

Avere Fame: Why Italians "Have" Hunger, Not "Are"

In Italian you say Ho fame (I have hunger), never sono fame. Learn the avere + noun rule for fame, freddo, paura, age, and the sono caldo trap to avoid.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

Italian Reflexive Verbs: Mi Chiamo, Mi Alzo & More

Italian reflexive verbs use mi, ti, si, ci, vi, si — learn the pronouns, conjugate chiamarsi and alzarsi, master your daily routine, and the modal-verb rule.

June 5, 2026 5 min read