scottare

to burn; to scorch

verb skot-TAH-reh Rare

Also means

to sting; to smart (of a wound)

Usage Note

Scottare describes the burning sensation of touching something too hot (scottarsi, to burn oneself) as well as the stinging of a wound. Figuratively it means to cause embarrassment or to be a 'hot potato' (un argomento che scotta, a touchy subject). It uses avere as auxiliary for transitive use; the reflexive scottarsi uses essere.

Examples

"Attento, la padella scotta ancora!"

Natural Translation

Careful, the pan is still burning hot!

Literal Translation

Careful, the pan burns still!

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