compensare
compensare in 30 Sekunden
- Compensare is a C1 Italian verb meaning to balance, offset, or make up for a loss or deficiency in various contexts.
- It is primarily used as a transitive verb, taking a direct object without the mandatory preposition 'per' often found in English.
- The word is essential for professional, legal, and academic discussions involving reparations, economic balance, and technical adjustments.
- Common synonyms include 'bilanciare' for physical balance and 'rimediare' for fixing problems, while 'compensare' focuses on reaching equilibrium.
The Italian verb compensare is a multifaceted word that English speakers usually translate as 'to compensate,' 'to make up for,' or 'to offset.' At its core, it describes the act of providing something to balance out a loss, a deficiency, or a negative effect. In the Italian language, this word carries a weight of equilibrium and justice, often used when one is trying to restore a state of fairness or functionality after an imbalance has occurred. Whether you are talking about a financial transaction where a loss is covered or a personal relationship where an effort is made to rectify a mistake, compensare is the go-to term for restoration.
- Financial Context
- In the world of business and economics, compensare is used to describe the process of covering costs or losses. For instance, if a company loses money in one sector but makes a profit in another, the profit is said to compensare the loss. It is also used in the context of wages, where 'compensazione' refers to the total package of pay and benefits provided to an employee to balance the labor they provide.
- Emotional and Social Balance
- In social settings, the word is frequently used to describe efforts to fix a bad situation. If you arrive late to a dinner, you might bring a very expensive bottle of wine to compensare for your tardiness. Here, the physical gift is meant to balance the emotional or social 'debt' created by being late. It implies a conscious effort to restore harmony in a relationship or social dynamic.
- Scientific and Technical Use
- In technical fields, compensare refers to adjustments made to a system to ensure it functions correctly despite external variables. For example, a thermostat might compensare for a drop in outside temperature by increasing the heat inside. In aviation or navigation, instruments must often compensare for magnetic interference or wind speed to provide accurate readings. It is about maintaining a steady state through active adjustment.
“Dobbiamo lavorare sodo questo fine settimana per compensare il tempo che abbiamo perso durante lo sciopero.”
Understanding the nuance of compensare requires recognizing that it is usually a transitive verb in Italian, meaning it takes a direct object. You compensate something. While in English we often say 'to compensate for something,' in Italian, the preposition 'per' is frequently omitted when the object is the thing being balanced out. However, 'compensare per' is becoming more common due to English influence, though purists prefer the direct construction. This distinction is crucial for C1 learners who wish to sound more like native speakers and less like they are translating literally from English.
“La sua grande passione per lo studio riesce a compensare la mancanza di esperienza pratica nel settore.”
“L'azienda ha deciso di compensare tutti i clienti che hanno subito dei ritardi nelle consegne.”
“Il sapore dolce del dessert serve a compensare l'acidità della frutta fresca.”
“Non è sempre possibile compensare un danno morale con una semplice somma di denaro.”
Using compensare correctly involves understanding its syntactic flexibility. It can be used in various tenses and moods to express hypothetical situations, past regrets, or future plans for restoration. Because it is a C1 level word, you are expected to use it in complex sentence structures, often involving subordinate clauses or gerunds to explain the 'how' and 'why' of the compensation. Below, we explore the different ways this verb integrates into high-level Italian discourse.
- Direct Object Usage
- When compensare takes a direct object, the object is usually the deficit or the person receiving the benefit. For example: 'Compensare le perdite' (To compensate the losses) or 'Compensare i dipendenti' (To compensate the employees). This is the most direct and common way to use the verb in both formal and informal settings.
- Reflexive Form: Compensarsi
- The reflexive form compensarsi is used when two things balance each other out. For instance, 'I pregi e i difetti di questo piano si compensano' (The pros and cons of this plan balance each other out). This suggests a natural or inherent equilibrium where two opposing forces reach a neutral state.
- Using Prepositions
- While often transitive, compensare can be followed by 'con' (with) to specify the means of compensation. 'Compensare la mancanza di sonno con il caffè' (To compensate for the lack of sleep with coffee). This construction is vital for explaining the method used to achieve balance.
“Sebbene la squadra abbia perso il capitano, l'entusiasmo dei giovani giocatori sembra compensare ampiamente questa assenza.”
In formal writing, such as academic essays or legal documents, compensare is used to discuss reparations or the mitigation of environmental impacts. You might read about companies needing to 'compensare le emissioni di carbonio' (offset carbon emissions). In these contexts, the word carries a sense of mandatory responsibility. It is not just a kind gesture; it is a required action to nullify a negative footprint.
“Per compensare l'errore nel sistema, il tecnico ha dovuto riscrivere intere righe di codice durante la notte.”
“Il governo ha introdotto nuovi incentivi per compensare l'aumento del costo della vita per le famiglie a basso reddito.”
“In un ecosistema, la crescita di una specie può spesso compensare il declino di un'altra, mantenendo la biodiversità.”
“Non credo che un regalo costoso possa compensare il tempo che non hai passato con i tuoi figli.”
When practicing, try to use compensare in the subjunctive mood to express desire or necessity: 'È necessario che l'azienda compensi i lavoratori per il rischio assunto.' This demonstrates a high level of grammatical control and conceptual understanding.
The word compensare is ubiquitous in Italian life, appearing in news broadcasts, legal proceedings, sports commentary, and daily conversations. Understanding where you will encounter it helps in grasping its various registers and social implications. It is a word that bridges the gap between technical jargon and everyday human emotion.
- The Evening News (TG1, TG5)
- In news reports about the economy, you will constantly hear about 'misure per compensare l'inflazione' (measures to compensate for inflation). Journalists use it to describe government interventions intended to shield citizens from economic shifts. It sounds authoritative and serious in this context.
- Sports Commentary
- Listen to a football (soccer) match on Sky Sport Italia, and you'll hear commentators discuss how a team's tactical discipline must compensare for a lack of individual talent. 'La grinta della squadra compensa la mancanza di tecnica.' Here, it describes a strategic balance on the field.
- Legal and Bureaucratic Documents
- In Italian law, 'compensazione' is a specific legal mechanism where two people who owe each other money can cancel out their debts. You will see compensare in contracts and court rulings regarding damages and reparations. It carries a heavy legal weight of obligation.
“Il giudice ha stabilito che la parte soccombente deve compensare interamente le spese legali sostenute dalla controparte.”
In literature and cinema, compensare is often used to explore the internal lives of characters. A protagonist might try to compensare a childhood trauma with professional success, or a tragic hero might find that no amount of glory can compensare the loss of a loved one. Italian directors like Paolo Sorrentino or Luca Guadagnino often use dialogue where characters reflect on what they are trying to balance in their lives.
“Nelle interviste, l'attore ha ammesso di aver usato il lavoro per compensare un profondo senso di solitudine.”
“Durante la conferenza stampa, il ministro ha spiegato come compensare il taglio dei fondi alla sanità.”
“I ricercatori stanno cercando nuovi modi per compensare la perdita di habitat naturale causata dall'urbanizzazione.”
“In cucina, se metti troppo sale, puoi provare a compensare aggiungendo una patata o un po' di zucchero.”
Whether you are reading a high-brow newspaper like Corriere della Sera or chatting with a friend at a bar about a missed appointment, compensare provides the linguistic tool to discuss the delicate art of balancing life's many variables.
Even at a C1 level, learners can stumble when using compensare. Most of these errors stem from 'linguistic interference'—applying English grammar rules to Italian words. Because the English 'compensate' and Italian compensare look so similar, it is easy to assume they behave identically in a sentence. However, there are subtle differences that can mark you as a non-native speaker.
- Overusing the Preposition 'Per'
- In English, we almost always say 'compensate FOR something.' In Italian, compensare is primarily transitive. Saying 'Voglio compensare per il mio errore' is understandable but often considered a calque of English. A more native-sounding version is 'Voglio compensare il mio errore.' The 'per' is redundant because the verb itself carries the meaning of 'making up for.'
- Confusing with 'Rimediare'
- While they are related, rimediare means 'to fix' or 'to remedy' a specific problem. Compensare is about balance. If you break a vase, you rimedia by gluing it back together. If you cannot fix it, you compensa the owner by buying a new one or doing a favor. Using compensare when you actually mean 'to fix' can sound slightly off.
- Misusing the Passive Voice
- Learners often struggle with the passive form 'essere compensato.' While correct ('I lavoratori devono essere compensati'), Italians often prefer the active voice or the 'si passivante' in formal writing: 'Si devono compensare i lavoratori.' Over-reliance on the English-style passive can make your Italian sound stiff and translated.
“Errore: Ho cercato di compensare per la mia assenza. Corretto: Ho cercato di compensare la mia assenza.”
Another common mistake is applying compensare to simple financial refunds. If you return a shirt to a store, they rimborsano (refund) you. They don't compensano you unless they give you something extra to make up for the inconvenience of the shirt being faulty. Compensare always implies an 'extra' effort to restore a balance that was lost.
“Non puoi compensare una mancanza di rispetto con un semplice 'scusa' detto a bassa voce.”
“È un errore pensare che il successo nel lavoro possa compensare il fallimento nella vita privata.”
“Dobbiamo stare attenti a non compensare eccessivamente, rischiando di creare un nuovo squilibrio.”
“Il tecnico ha cercato di compensare la pressione dell'acqua, ma ha finito per rompere la valvola.”
To avoid these mistakes, always ask yourself: 'Am I trying to balance two things?' If the answer is yes, compensare is likely the right choice. Just keep the grammar lean and avoid unnecessary prepositions.
Italian is a language rich in synonyms, and compensare has several 'cousins' that you should know to vary your vocabulary and achieve C1/C2 level precision. Choosing the right alternative depends on whether you are talking about money, physics, emotions, or logic.
- Bilanciare vs. Compensare
- Bilanciare is more physical or literal. You balance a checkbook or balance on one leg. Compensare is more about the action of adding something to reach that balance. Use bilanciare for the state of equilibrium and compensare for the corrective measure.
- Rimediare vs. Compensare
- As mentioned before, rimediare is 'to fix.' If you fail an exam, you rimedi by retaking it. If you fail an exam and then study twice as hard for the next one to keep your GPA high, you are compensando for the low grade.
- Controbilanciare
- This is a stronger version of compensare, often used in political or scientific contexts to mean 'to counterbalance.' It implies two powerful forces working against each other to maintain stability. 'Il potere legislativo deve controbilanciare quello esecutivo.'
- Indennizzare
- This is the legal term for 'to indemnify' or 'to provide restitution.' Use this instead of compensare when speaking specifically about insurance payouts or court-ordered damages for physical or property harm.
“Dobbiamo equilibrare il budget prima della fine dell'anno fiscale per evitare sanzioni.”
In more informal settings, you might hear 'farsi perdonare' (to make oneself be forgiven). For example, 'Voglio farmi perdonare per il ritardo' is a very common way to say 'I want to compensate for being late.' While compensare is perfectly correct, 'farsi perdonare' sounds more natural and warm in personal relationships.
“L'azienda ha dovuto indennizzare i residenti per l'inquinamento acustico prodotto dalla fabbrica.”
“Il suo ottimismo riesce sempre a neutralizzare il pessimismo del resto del gruppo.”
“Per integrare il suo stipendio basso, ha deciso di fare delle lezioni private la sera.”
“È difficile colmare il vuoto lasciato dalla scomparsa di un grande artista come lui.”
By mastering these alternatives, you show that you don't just know the word compensare, but you understand the entire semantic field of balance and restoration in Italian.
How Formal Is It?
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Wusstest du?
The root 'pensare' is the same as the Italian word for 'to think'. This is because 'thinking' was originally conceptualized as 'weighing ideas' in one's mind.
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing the 's' as a 'z' (it should be voiceless /s/ because it follows 'n').
- Stressing the first syllable like the English 'COMPensate'.
- Making the final 'e' silent like in French.
- Nasalizing the 'en' too much like in French.
- Over-rolling the 'r' (it only needs a single flick of the tongue).
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Easy to recognize due to the English cognate, but requires context to understand the specific domain.
Requires care with prepositions and avoiding English-style 'per' over-usage.
Needs correct stress placement and fluid use in social/professional nuances.
Clearly articulated in most registers, though fast speech can blend the 'ns' sound.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
First Conjugation Verbs (-are)
Io compens-o, Tu compens-i, Lui/Lei compens-a.
Transitive vs Intransitive
Compensare is transitive: 'Compensare il danno' (No preposition needed).
Reflexive Pronouns
I due fattori si compensano (They balance each other).
Subjunctive Mood for Necessity
È necessario che lui compensi il debito.
Past Participle as Adjective
Un danno non compensato (An uncompensated damage).
Beispiele nach Niveau
Io compenso il mio amico con un regalo.
I compensate my friend with a gift.
Present tense, first person singular.
Tu compensi il tempo perso?
Do you make up for the lost time?
Question in the second person singular.
Lui compensa l'errore con un sorriso.
He makes up for the mistake with a smile.
Third person singular with 'con'.
Noi compensiamo il lavoro domani.
We will make up for the work tomorrow.
First person plural, present used for near future.
Voi compensate sempre i vostri amici.
You always compensate your friends.
Second person plural with the adverb 'sempre'.
Loro compensano la mancanza di pane con la pasta.
They make up for the lack of bread with pasta.
Third person plural.
Voglio compensare questo problema.
I want to compensate for this problem.
Modal verb 'volere' followed by the infinitive.
È importante compensare gli altri.
It is important to compensate others.
Impersonal expression 'È importante' + infinitive.
Ho lavorato molto per compensare il ritardo di ieri.
I worked a lot to make up for yesterday's delay.
Passato prossimo used to describe a completed action.
Puoi compensare la cena se io pago il cinema.
You can make up for the dinner if I pay for the cinema.
Conditional logic in a simple sentence.
Il caffè compensa la stanchezza della mattina.
Coffee makes up for the morning tiredness.
Subject-verb-object structure.
Dobbiamo compensare le ore di sonno perse nel weekend.
We must make up for the hours of sleep lost over the weekend.
Modal verb 'dovere' + infinitive.
Lei ha compensato il suo errore con un'ottima torta.
She made up for her mistake with an excellent cake.
Passato prossimo with 'con'.
L'azienda compensa i dipendenti per le ore extra.
The company compensates employees for extra hours.
Present tense describing a general policy.
Cerco di compensare la mancanza di sole con le vitamine.
I try to make up for the lack of sun with vitamins.
First person singular 'cerco di' + infinitive.
Il bel tempo compensa il lungo viaggio in auto.
The beautiful weather makes up for the long car journey.
Abstract subject 'il bel tempo'.
La sua simpatia compensa ampiamente la sua timidezza iniziale.
His friendliness more than makes up for his initial shyness.
Use of the adverb 'ampiamente' to add nuance.
Abbiamo deciso di compensare il danno offrendo uno sconto.
We decided to compensate for the damage by offering a discount.
Gerund phrase 'offrendo' explaining the method.
È difficile compensare la perdita di un vecchio amico.
It is difficult to make up for the loss of an old friend.
Impersonal construction with an abstract object.
Se non studi oggi, dovrai compensare studiando il doppio domani.
If you don't study today, you will have to make up for it by studying twice as much tomorrow.
Future tense 'dovrai' and gerund 'studiando'.
Il sapore forte del formaggio compensa la dolcezza del miele.
The strong taste of the cheese balances the sweetness of the honey.
Verbs of sensory experience.
Molte persone usano lo sport per compensare lo stress del lavoro.
Many people use sport to make up for work stress.
Purpose clause with 'per'.
Non basta una scusa per compensare un comportamento così sgarbato.
An apology is not enough to make up for such rude behavior.
Negative construction 'Non basta'.
Il successo del progetto ha compensato tutti i nostri sacrifici.
The success of the project made up for all our sacrifices.
Passato prossimo with a collective subject.
Le due forze si compensano perfettamente, mantenendo l'oggetto in equilibrio.
The two forces perfectly balance each other out, keeping the object in equilibrium.
Reflexive form 'si compensano' for mutual action.
L'azienda deve compensare i costi di produzione con un aumento dei prezzi.
The company must offset production costs with a price increase.
Economic context with 'deve' and 'con'.
I benefici a lungo termine compensano i rischi immediati dell'investimento.
The long-term benefits outweigh the immediate risks of the investment.
Comparison of abstract business concepts.
Per compensare l'inflazione, il governo ha approvato nuovi sussidi.
To compensate for inflation, the government approved new subsidies.
Infinitive of purpose at the start of the sentence.
La qualità del servizio riesce a compensare il prezzo leggermente elevato.
The quality of the service manages to make up for the slightly high price.
Phrase 'riesce a' + infinitive.
In questo ecosistema, la pioggia abbondante compensa l'aridità del suolo.
In this ecosystem, the abundant rain makes up for the soil's aridity.
Scientific/Environmental context.
Spero che il premio possa compensare la tua delusione per la sconfitta.
I hope the prize can make up for your disappointment over the defeat.
Subjunctive mood 'possa' after 'spero che'.
L'atleta ha cercato di compensare la mancanza di tecnica con la forza fisica.
The athlete tried to make up for the lack of technique with physical strength.
Historical past 'ha cercato' with 'mancanza di'.
Bisogna chiedersi se il progresso tecnologico possa davvero compensare l'alienazione sociale.
One must wonder if technological progress can truly compensate for social alienation.
Complex philosophical question using 'Bisogna' and subjunctive.
Il sistema di welfare mira a compensare le disuguaglianze nate dal mercato libero.
The welfare system aims to compensate for the inequalities arising from the free market.
Formal academic vocabulary ('mira a', 'disuguaglianze').
Nonostante le critiche, la sua visione innovativa compensa le lacune gestionali.
Despite the criticism, his innovative vision makes up for the management gaps.
Concessive clause with 'Nonostante'.
Le aziende sono ora obbligate a compensare le proprie emissioni di CO2 tramite progetti di riforestazione.
Companies are now obliged to offset their CO2 emissions through reforestation projects.
Passive-like construction 'sono obbligate a'.
In poesia, il ritmo può compensare l'assenza di rime baciate, creando un'armonia diversa.
In poetry, rhythm can make up for the absence of rhyming couplets, creating a different harmony.
Literary analysis context.
L'esperienza accumulata negli anni le ha permesso di compensare il calo dei riflessi fisici.
The experience accumulated over the years allowed her to compensate for the decline in physical reflexes.
Use of the past participle as an adjective ('accumulata').
Si tenta di compensare il deficit pubblico attraverso un inasprimento della pressione fiscale.
An attempt is made to compensate for the public deficit through a tightening of fiscal pressure.
Si passivante ('Si tenta') for a formal, impersonal tone.
L'autore usa l'ironia per compensare la tragicità degli eventi narrati nel romanzo.
The author uses irony to offset the tragedy of the events narrated in the novel.
Analysis of literary devices.
La giurisprudenza recente tende a compensare il danno biologico con criteri più elastici e soggettivi.
Recent jurisprudence tends to compensate for biological damage using more flexible and subjective criteria.
Highly specialized legal terminology.
In un sistema termodinamico chiuso, ogni variazione di energia deve essere compensata da un lavoro esterno.
In a closed thermodynamic system, every energy variation must be compensated by external work.
Scientific precision in the passive voice.
Resta da vedere se l'entusiasmo della base potrà compensare la frammentazione dei vertici del partito.
It remains to be seen whether the enthusiasm of the grassroots can offset the fragmentation of the party leadership.
Sophisticated political commentary structure 'Resta da vedere se'.
L'artista cerca di compensare l'effimerità dell'esistenza attraverso l'eternità della forma marmorea.
The artist seeks to compensate for the ephemerality of existence through the eternity of the marble form.
Abstract philosophical concepts and elevated vocabulary.
La politica monetaria espansiva non è riuscita a compensare lo shock dal lato dell'offerta causato dalla crisi.
The expansive monetary policy failed to offset the supply-side shock caused by the crisis.
Advanced economic analysis.
Occorre un intervento strutturale che compensi la carenza di infrastrutture nelle zone periferiche.
A structural intervention is needed that compensates for the lack of infrastructure in peripheral areas.
Subjunctive mood 'compensi' in a relative clause expressing necessity.
Il virtuosismo tecnico del pianista non bastava a compensare una certa aridità interpretativa.
The pianist's technical virtuosity was not enough to make up for a certain interpretive dryness.
Nuanced artistic criticism using the imperfect tense.
Le neuroscienze studiano come il cervello possa compensare lesioni focali attraverso la plasticità sinaptica.
Neurosciences study how the brain can compensate for focal lesions through synaptic plasticity.
Advanced scientific terminology.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
— To make up for something using a specific tool or action.
Compensa la sua bassa statura con un grande carisma.
— To ensure one gets paid or rewarded for a service.
Si fa compensare profumatamente per le sue consulenze.
— To recover or make up for lost time.
Dobbiamo correre per compensare il tempo perso nel traffico.
— To attempt to restore balance, often with difficulty.
Cerca di compensare il vuoto affettivo con lo shopping.
— To more than make up for something.
La bellezza del panorama compensa ampiamente la fatica della salita.
— To cover the costs incurred.
I guadagni della serata sono bastati a compensare le spese.
— They balance each other out (reciprocal).
In una coppia, i caratteri spesso si compensano a vicenda.
— To fill a gap in knowledge or resources.
Il corso intensivo serve a compensare la lacuna linguistica.
— A psychological or biological process to restore balance.
Il corpo ha attivato un meccanismo di compensazione per il freddo.
— To make amends for harm caused.
Nulla può compensare il danno d'immagine subito dall'azienda.
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Rimborsare is strictly giving money back; compensare is balancing a situation with anything equivalent.
Rimediare is fixing a specific problem; compensare is providing a counterweight to a loss.
Ricompensare is to reward someone for a good deed; compensare is to balance a deficit or loss.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— To mistakenly try to balance something with an unrelated or wrong item.
Ha cercato di compensare la sua maleducazione con i soldi, ma ha scambiato fischio per fiasco.
Informal— To use a temporary or inadequate fix to make up for a large problem.
Assumere un nuovo stagista è solo un tappo per compensare la falla del dipartimento.
Metaphorical— To try to fill an emotional or existential lack with something else.
Molti compensano il vuoto interiore con il potere.
Psychological— Often used alongside compensare to mean making things balance out financially or logically.
Dobbiamo compensare le uscite per far quadrare i conti.
Common— To be the factor that needs compensation.
La sua assenza peserà sulla bilancia, dovremo compensare in qualche modo.
Figurative— While usually meaning 'tit for tat,' it is the 'negative' version of compensating a wrong.
Non voleva compensare l'offesa, voleva rendere pan per focaccia.
Idiomatic— To put a patch on something; to compensate for a flaw poorly.
Hanno messo una pezza per compensare l'errore del software.
Informal— To compensate a good deed with another.
Mi hai aiutato molto, voglio restituire il favore per compensare il tuo tempo.
Neutral— To ensure fairness by compensating the weaker side.
Il moderatore deve compensare i tempi per bilanciare i pesi del dibattito.
Formal— To pay the price; the opposite of being compensated for an effort.
Ha dovuto pagare il fio per non aver compensato i suoi errori passati.
LiteraryLeicht verwechselbar
Looks like the verb.
Compenso is the noun for a fee or payment; compensare is the verb for the action of balancing.
Ho ricevuto un compenso per compensare il tempo perso.
Abstract noun.
The process of reaching equilibrium, often used in legal or technical contexts.
La compensazione dei crediti è una procedura bancaria.
Antonym.
To throw out of balance, often used for health (heart failure) or psychology.
Lo stress improvviso lo ha scompensato.
Synonym.
More formal and implies two active, opposing forces balancing each other.
Dobbiamo controbilanciare la pressione della concorrenza.
Synonym.
Focuses on the state of being level (static); compensare focuses on the corrective action (dynamic).
Bisogna equilibrare i pesi sulla bilancia.
Satzmuster
Io compenso [Object] con [Object].
Io compenso l'errore con un fiore.
Devo compensare il tempo [Adjective].
Devo compensare il tempo perso.
[Subject] compensa la mancanza di [Noun].
La velocità compensa la mancanza di forza.
Si devono compensare le [Noun] con [Noun].
Si devono compensare le uscite con nuove entrate.
Nonostante [Fact], [Subject] compensa [Object].
Nonostante la crisi, l'export compensa il calo interno.
È fondamentale che [Subject] compensi [Object].
È fondamentale che l'azienda compensi i danni.
[Abstract Noun] mira a compensare [Abstract Noun].
La giustizia sociale mira a compensare le contingenze storiche.
Resta da vedere come [Subject] possa compensare [Object].
Resta da vedere come il mercato possa compensare lo shock.
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Adjektive
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
High in professional and news contexts; medium in daily speech.
-
Compensare per il ritardo.
→
Compensare il ritardo.
In Italian, 'compensare' is primarily a transitive verb. The 'per' is redundant and stems from a literal translation of the English 'compensate for'.
-
Il mio stipendio è un buon compenso.
→
Il mio stipendio è buono.
'Compenso' usually refers to a specific fee or reward, while 'stipendio' is the fixed monthly wage. Using 'compenso' for your regular salary is slightly unnatural.
-
Ho ricompensato il danno.
→
Ho compensato il danno.
'Ricompensare' means to reward someone for a good action. 'Compensare' is the correct verb for balancing out a negative event like a 'danno' (damage).
-
La perdita si è compensata con la vincita.
→
La perdita è stata compensata dalla vincita.
While 'compensarsi' exists, it is used when two things balance each other mutually. If one thing balances another, the passive 'essere compensato da' is more precise.
-
Dobbiamo rimediare il tempo perso.
→
Dobbiamo compensare il tempo perso.
'Rimediare' usually takes 'a' (rimediare a un errore). When talking specifically about 'making up' for lost time, 'compensare' is the more standard choice.
Tipps
Direct Object
Always try to use 'compensare' as a transitive verb. Instead of saying 'He compensated for the mistake,' say 'Lui ha compensato l'errore.' This sounds much more native and sophisticated than using 'per' after the verb.
Compenso vs Stipendio
Distinguish between 'compenso' (a fee or reward) and 'stipendio' (a regular salary). Use 'compenso' when talking about a specific payment for a one-off task or to balance a specific effort.
Business Italian
In a professional setting, use 'compensare gli straordinari' to talk about paying for overtime. This is a very common phrase in Italian labor law and workplace discussions.
Pronunciation
Ensure the 's' in 'compensare' is voiceless (like in 'sun'). It is easy for English speakers to make it sound like a 'z' because of the 'n' that precedes it, but in Italian, it remains sharp.
Reflexive Clarity
Use 'compensarsi' when describing two elements that naturally balance each other. This is highly effective in analytical writing, such as 'I fattori demografici ed economici si compensano'.
Farsi Perdonare
For social situations like being late or making a small mistake, 'farsi perdonare' is often more natural than 'compensare.' Use it to sound warmer and more relatable in casual conversations.
Engineering Context
If you work in a technical field, remember that 'compensare' is used for any adjustment made to maintain a steady state, like 'compensare la pressione dell'olio' in an engine.
Legal Precision
In legal contexts, 'compensazione' is a specific term for canceling out mutual debts. If you are discussing a legal dispute, using 'compensare' shows a high level of technical proficiency.
Sustainability
When discussing green initiatives, 'compensare le emissioni' is the standard phrase. It is a great way to talk about modern environmental responsibility in Italian.
Etymological Link
Remember that 'compensare' and 'pensare' share a root. Just as you weigh ideas when you think, you weigh things together when you compensate. This connection can help you remember the meaning of balance.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Think of a 'Compass' (similar sound) that helps you find your way back to the center or balance. When you 'com-pen-sate', you are finding the center again.
Visuelle Assoziation
Visualize a scale (bilancia). One side is empty (the loss), and you are putting a 'pen' (from com-PEN-sare) on the other side to make it level.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to use 'compensare' three times today: once for a physical balance, once for a work situation, and once for a personal feeling.
Wortherkunft
From the Latin verb 'compensare', which is the frequentative form of 'compendere'.
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To weigh one thing against another (cum 'with/together' + pensare 'to weigh').
Romance (Italic)Kultureller Kontext
Avoid using 'compensare' in a way that sounds like you are trying to 'buy' someone's forgiveness for a very serious moral wrong, as it can sound dismissive.
English speakers often use 'compensate' primarily for money or physics. Italian speakers use 'compensare' more broadly in daily social interactions to mean 'making up for' anything.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Workplace
- Compensare gli straordinari
- Compensazione salariale
- Compensare la mancanza di personale
- Compenso professionale
Economy/Finance
- Compensare il debito
- Compensare le perdite in borsa
- Meccanismo di compensazione fiscale
- Compensare l'inflazione
Personal Relationships
- Compensare un'assenza
- Compensare un torto
- Farsi compensare il disturbo
- Compensare con l'affetto
Science/Technology
- Compensare la pressione
- Compensare l'errore di misura
- Vaso di compensazione
- Compensare la temperatura
Law
- Compensare le spese legali
- Compensazione dei crediti
- Compensare il danno morale
- Atto di compensazione
Gesprächseinstiege
"Come pensi di compensare il tempo che abbiamo perso oggi?"
"Credi che un aumento di stipendio possa davvero compensare lo stress di questo lavoro?"
"In cucina, cosa usi per compensare un piatto troppo salato?"
"Pensi che le aziende facciano abbastanza per compensare le loro emissioni di carbonio?"
"Qual è stata la volta in cui hai dovuto compensare un errore davvero grande?"
Tagebuch-Impulse
Rifletti su una tua debolezza. In che modo cerchi di compensarla con i tuoi punti di forza?
Descrivi una situazione in cui qualcuno ha cercato di compensare un torto fatto a te. È stato sufficiente?
Pensi che nella vita tutto si compensi alla fine, o credi che esistano squilibri permanenti?
Come gestisci il tuo tempo per compensare i momenti di pigrizia con quelli di produttività?
Quali sono le misure che il tuo paese dovrebbe adottare per compensare le disuguaglianze sociali?
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, 'compensare' is primarily a transitive verb in Italian. You can say 'compensare il danno' directly. However, you can use 'con' to specify the means of compensation, such as 'compensare il danno con un pagamento'. Using 'per' (compensare per il danno) is technically correct but often considered a calque of English.
While they look similar, 'compensare' is about balancing a loss or a deficit (e.g., 'compensare le perdite'). 'Ricompensare' is about rewarding someone for a positive action or merit (e.g., 'ricompensare un eroe'). Use 'compensare' for restoration and 'ricompensare' for recognition.
Yes, it is very common. If you forget a friend's birthday, you can say 'Voglio compensare la mia dimenticanza portandoti a cena'. It shows you are trying to restore the social balance that was damaged by your forgetfulness.
No, 'stipendio' is a regular monthly salary from an employer. 'Un compenso' is more general and often refers to a one-time fee or payment for a specific professional service or 'lavoretto' (small job).
It is the reflexive form used when two things naturally balance each other out. For example, 'I suoi pregi e i suoi difetti si compensano' means 'His strengths and weaknesses balance each other out' to create a neutral or balanced result.
It takes 'avere' in the active voice: 'Ho compensato il debito'. In the passive voice, it takes 'essere': 'Il debito è stato compensato'. In the reflexive form, it always takes 'essere': 'Si sono compensati'.
Yes, extensively. It describes technical adjustments, such as 'compensare la dilatazione termica' (compensating for thermal expansion) or 'compensare l'errore sistematico' (compensating for systematic error) in measurements.
Yes, both come from the Latin 'pendere' (to weigh). 'Compensare' is weighing together, and 'pensare' is weighing ideas in your head. It's a fascinating connection between physical and mental balance!
Absolutely. The common term in Italian for carbon offsetting is 'compensazione delle emissioni di CO2'. Companies use the verb 'compensare' to describe these environmental activities.
Very common. Journalists use it to talk about 'misure per compensare l'inflazione' (measures to offset inflation) or 'compensare il calo delle nascite' (compensating for the decline in births) in demographic reports.
Teste dich selbst 190 Fragen
Scrivi una frase usando 'compensare' per parlare di lavoro straordinario.
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Spiega come compensi la mancanza di tempo per studiare.
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Scrivi una frase usando 'si compensano' per descrivere una coppia.
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Usa 'compensare' in una frase formale sull'ambiente.
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Cosa faresti per compensare un ritardo a un appuntamento importante?
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Scrivi una frase usando il congiuntivo di 'compensare'.
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Descrivi come il caffè compensa la tua stanchezza.
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Scrivi una frase usando 'compensare' in ambito economico.
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Usa 'compensare' per descrivere il sapore di un piatto.
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Scrivi una breve riflessione sull'importanza di compensare i propri errori.
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Come può un'azienda compensare un cliente insoddisfatto?
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Scrivi una frase con 'compensare' e 'nonostante'.
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Usa 'compensare' per parlare di sport.
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Scrivi una frase usando 'compensare' in ambito tecnico.
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Cosa significa per te 'compensare il vuoto'?
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Scrivi una frase con 'compensare' e 'ampiamente'.
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Usa 'compensare' per parlare di una perdita finanziaria.
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Scrivi una frase su come la tecnologia compensa le disabilità.
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Usa 'compensare' in una frase ipotetica.
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Scrivi una frase con 'compensare' e 'giustizia'.
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Pronuncia correttamente la parola 'compensare' sottolineando l'accento.
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Racconta una volta in cui hai dovuto compensare un errore al lavoro.
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Spiega a un amico perché il caffè compensa la tua stanchezza.
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Discuti l'importanza di compensare le emissioni di carbonio.
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Come descriveresti il concetto di 'compensazione' a un bambino?
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Cosa diresti per scusarti e compensare un ritardo?
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Pensi che i soldi possano compensare la mancanza di tempo libero?
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Quali qualità compensano la mancanza di talento in uno sportivo?
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Descrivi un piatto dove due sapori si compensano.
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Come si può compensare la solitudine in una grande città?
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Pensi che la tecnologia compensi davvero la mancanza di contatto umano?
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Spiega il termine 'compensare le spese' in un contesto legale.
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Usa 'compensare' per descrivere una situazione climatica.
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Cosa compensa la fatica di imparare una lingua straniera?
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Come compensi una giornata di pioggia durante le vacanze?
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Pensi che le leggi debbano compensare le disuguaglianze di nascita?
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Qual è il modo migliore per compensare un favore ricevuto?
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Cosa compensa la mancanza di sole nei paesi del nord?
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Discuti come l'ironia compensa la tragedia in letteratura.
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Come compensi lo stress accumulato durante la settimana?
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Ascolta e scrivi la frase: 'Dobbiamo compensare il tempo perso.'
Identifica il verbo nella frase: 'Il successo compensa ogni fatica.'
Ascolta e scrivi: 'Le due forze si compensano.'
Ascolta e scrivi: 'Voglio compensare il mio errore.'
Identifica il sostantivo: 'Riceverai un compenso adeguato.'
Ascolta e scrivi: 'Compensare le emissioni è un dovere.'
Ascolta e scrivi: 'L'acidità si compensa con lo zucchero.'
Ascolta e scrivi: 'Bisogna compensare il deficit pubblico.'
Ascolta e scrivi: 'Il giudice ha compensato le spese.'
Ascolta e scrivi: 'Il talento compensa la mancanza di studi.'
Ascolta e scrivi: 'Si devono compensare gli sforzi fatti.'
Ascolta e scrivi: 'L'azienda compensa i danni subiti.'
Ascolta e scrivi: 'Tutto si compensa alla fine.'
Ascolta e scrivi: 'Vogliamo compensare la tua assenza.'
Ascolta e scrivi: 'Il sapore compensa la brutta presentazione.'
/ 190 correct
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Summary
The verb <span class='italic'>compensare</span> is the ultimate Italian tool for describing the restoration of balance. Whether you are paying back a debt, using a strength to hide a weakness, or adjusting a machine, you are performing an act of <span class='italic'>compensazione</span>. Example: 'Il suo coraggio compensa la paura' (His courage makes up for the fear).
- Compensare is a C1 Italian verb meaning to balance, offset, or make up for a loss or deficiency in various contexts.
- It is primarily used as a transitive verb, taking a direct object without the mandatory preposition 'per' often found in English.
- The word is essential for professional, legal, and academic discussions involving reparations, economic balance, and technical adjustments.
- Common synonyms include 'bilanciare' for physical balance and 'rimediare' for fixing problems, while 'compensare' focuses on reaching equilibrium.
Direct Object
Always try to use 'compensare' as a transitive verb. Instead of saying 'He compensated for the mistake,' say 'Lui ha compensato l'errore.' This sounds much more native and sophisticated than using 'per' after the verb.
Compenso vs Stipendio
Distinguish between 'compenso' (a fee or reward) and 'stipendio' (a regular salary). Use 'compenso' when talking about a specific payment for a one-off task or to balance a specific effort.
Business Italian
In a professional setting, use 'compensare gli straordinari' to talk about paying for overtime. This is a very common phrase in Italian labor law and workplace discussions.
Pronunciation
Ensure the 's' in 'compensare' is voiceless (like in 'sun'). It is easy for English speakers to make it sound like a 'z' because of the 'n' that precedes it, but in Italian, it remains sharp.
Verwandte Inhalte
Mehr business Wörter
abbonamento
B1A subscription to a service or publication.
acquisire
B2To acquire, gain, or obtain knowledge or assets.
acquistare
A2To buy or purchase something
affare
B1Ein Geschäft oder ein Schnäppchen. 'Das war ein gutes Geschäft!'
affittare
A2To pay money to use something temporarily
affitto
A1Periodic payment for the use of property.
aggiuntivo
B2Added to something else as a supplement.
andamento
B1Die Art und Weise, wie sich eine Situation entwickelt; der Verlauf oder Trend.
annullare
B2Einen Flug oder einen Vertrag stornieren. Der Schiedsrichter musste das Tor wegen eines Fouls annullieren.
annuncio
A2Announcement or advertisement