buttare
Lemma: buttare
Translation: to throw; to toss; to discard; to waste; to throw away (verb)
Etymology: From Late Latin *buttare, from Greek βυτίον (bytion, 'small cask'). The semantic shift from 'cask' to 'throw' likely occurred through the action of emptying containers. The word shares distant connections with English 'butt' (as in a barrel or container) and 'button' (originally something that protrudes). The physical action of forcefully moving something away from oneself is central to the word's development.
Example Usage
Non buttare la carta per terra.
Don't throw the paper on the ground.
Ha buttato via tutte le sue vecchie fotografie.
He threw away all his old photographs.
Non buttare il tuo tempo con questi videogiochi.
Don't waste your time with these video games.
Si è buttato in piscina dal trampolino.
He threw himself into the pool from the diving board.
Butta giù qualche idea per la riunione.
Write down some ideas for the meeting.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'butt' as in 'to butt heads' - a forceful action similar to throwing something.
- Imagine 'buttare' as 'putting' something away forcefully - 'put' + 'tare'.
- Associate with 'button' - when you press a button, you're applying force, similar to throwing.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Italian culture, 'buttare' is frequently used in everyday speech, often with various prepositions to create different meanings. The expression 'buttare via' (to throw away) is particularly common in discussions about waste and recycling, which are important topics in modern Italian society.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'buttare' means 'to throw', 'bussare' means 'to knock' (as on a door). They look and sound similar but have completely different meanings.
Confused word:
Ho bussato alla porta ma nessuno ha risposto.
I knocked on the door but nobody answered.
Notes: The confusion often happens because both verbs start with 'bu' and involve physical actions.
Mnemonic: Remember: 'buttare' has one 's' and is about throwing things; 'bussare' has double 's' and is about making noise (knocking).
Explanation: 'Buttare' means 'to throw' while 'gustare' means 'to taste' or 'to enjoy'. They have similar endings but very different meanings.
Notes: The 'are' ending is common to many Italian verbs, which can cause confusion for learners.
Mnemonic: 'Gustare' contains 'gust' which can remind you of 'gusto' (enjoyment) - related to taste and enjoyment.