colpire

hit

verb kohl-PEE-reh Less Common

Origin: from Latin colaphus, 'a blow'

Also means

strike

Usage Note

Colpire is an -isc- verb (io colpisco, tu colpisci) and means to strike physically or to impress emotionally, as in mi ha colpito molto ('it really struck me'). Note the irregular past participle colpito. The noun colpo means 'a blow, hit'.

Examples

"La palla colpisce il muro."

Natural Translation

The ball hits the wall.

Literal Translation

The ball hits the wall.

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