Did you know that you can learn at least five different Italian words and expressions starting with the word buttare – to throw away? If not, you’re about to learn them.
Are you ready? Let’s start!
1. Buttare l’occhio – Buttare un occhio
Buttare l’occhio is an informal Italian expression that means to look at something/someone quickly, sometimes stealthily.
Ex: Passeggiando ho sentito un rumore, così ho buttato un occhio nel canale e ho visto un gattino in difficoltà.
I was walking along and heard a noise, so I cast an eye into the canal and saw a kitten in distress.
In Italian there’s also the informal expression buttare un occhio, which means to supervise, control, look after something or someone usually for a limited time.
Ex: Butteresti un occhio a casa mia mentre sono in vacanza?
Would you keep an eye my house while I’m on vacation?
2. Buttarla là
The informal expression buttare là means to make a proposal by flaunting indifference when in reality you care a lot about what you’re asking and about the answer that people will give you.
Ex: Ieri eravamo al bar e tra un aperitivo e l’altro, gli ho buttato là una proposta imprenditoriale e lui ha accettato.
Yesterday we were at the bar, and between one drink and another, I casually threw a business proposal at him, and he accepted.
3. Buttarsi
Buttarsi is a verb that can have several meanings in Italian. Let’s see some of them:
The first meaning is to let oneself fall, generally on a couch, a bad, on the ground, etc.
Ex: Matteo era stanchissimo. Così non appena è rientrato, si è buttato sul divano.
Matthew was so tired. So as soon as he came back home, he threw himself on the couch.
The second meaning is to jump, generally out of the window, out of a plane, or into the sea/pool.
Ex: Non avendo più vie di fuga, il ladro si è buttato dalla finestra.
With no escape route left, the thief jumped out the window.
The third meaning is to throw yourself against somebody, generally roughly or violently.
Ex: Si è buttato su di lui all’improvviso. Non sono riuscita a fermarlo!
He suddenly jumped on him. I couldn’t stop him!
The fourth meaning is to wholeheartedly engage in something with enthusiasm and dedication.
Ex: Penso che l’anno prossimo mi butterò in politica.
I think I’ll throw myself into politics next year.
Finally, the last meaning of buttarsi is to dare, to risk.
Ex: Se lei ti piace tanto, buttati e chiedile di uscire!
If you really like her, jump in and ask her out!
4. Buttafuori
Buttafuori is a term used to indicate those in charge of turning away harassing customers, especially in nightclubs.
Es: Il locale in cui vuoi portarmi ha i buttafuori?
Does the club you want to take me have bouncers?
5. Buttadentro
Finally, the opposite of buttafuori is buttadentro. It’s not a very commonly used word, in my opinion but it indicates those who are in charge of customer selection at the entrance of discos, nightclubs, etc.
Es: Ma non ci posso credere! Hanno anche i buttadentro qui?!
I can’t believe it! They even have people luring you in in here?!
How many of these five Italian words and expressions with the verb buttare did you already know? Will you try and use one of these five Italian words and expressions during this week?
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Credits
Original image by FabricioMacedoPhotos
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