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circoscrivere

C1 verb 13分で読める

circoscrivere

練習する例文メモとヒント circoscrivere 30秒で

解説 circoscrivere in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'circoscrivere' might seem very long and scary, but it has a simple heart. Imagine you are drawing a circle with a pen. If you draw a circle around a picture of a cat, you are 'circoscrivendo' the cat. You are putting the cat inside a line. In Italian, 'circum' means 'around' and 'scrivere' means 'to write' or 'to draw'. So, 'circoscrivere' is just 'drawing around'. We don't use this word when we talk with friends about pizza or football. It is a word for school or for big news. If you see a fire on TV, the reporter might say they want to 'circoscrivere' the fire. This means they want to keep the fire in one small place so it doesn't move to the houses. Even if you don't use this word yet, remember it looks like 'circle' and 'write'. This will help you understand it when you read a book or watch the news. It is a 'big' word for a 'simple' action: making a boundary. Practice saying it slowly: cir-co-scri-ve-re. It sounds like a song! You can think of it like a fence for a dog. The fence 'circoscrive' the garden so the dog stays inside. Simple, right?

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As an A2 learner, you are starting to see more complex verbs. 'Circoscrivere' is a verb that means 'to limit' or 'to restrict'. It is like the word 'limitare', but more specific. You use it when you want to say that something is kept inside a certain area. For example, if you have a problem at work, you might want to 'circoscrivere il problema'. This means you want to focus only on that one problem and not let it affect everything else. In geometry class, if you draw a circle around a square, you are 'circoscrivendo' the square. The most important thing to remember at this level is that 'circoscrivere' is conjugated just like 'scrivere'. So, if you know 'io scrivo' (I write), you know 'io circoscrivo' (I limit/restrict). The past tense uses 'avere': 'ho circoscritto' (I have limited). You will often hear this word in the news when they talk about the police or doctors. For example, 'La polizia ha circoscritto la zona' (The police limited the area). This means no one can go inside or outside that circle. It is a very useful word for being precise about where things are happening.

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At the B1 level, you should begin to use 'circoscrivere' in more formal or written contexts. While 'limitare' is perfectly fine for daily conversation, 'circoscrivere' shows that you have a better grasp of Italian vocabulary. It is particularly useful when you need to define the scope of something. For instance, if you are writing an essay or a report, you might say, 'Dobbiamo circoscrivere la nostra analisi a questo periodo storico' (We must limit our analysis to this historical period). This sounds much more professional than using 'limitare'. You will also encounter it in medical or technical contexts. If a doctor says an infection is 'circoscritta', it means it hasn't spread to the rest of the body, which is usually good news! Pay attention to the passive form: 'L'incendio è stato circoscritto' (The fire was contained). This is the most common way you will see the word in newspapers. It implies a successful action of control. When you use it, remember that it is a transitive verb, so it needs an object. You can't just 'circoscrivere'—you have to 'circoscrivere' a problem, an area, or a situation. This word helps you sound more analytical and organized in your speech and writing.

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By the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'circoscrivere' to handle abstract concepts and professional situations. This verb is essential for discussing management, law, and social issues. In a business meeting, you might use it to manage a crisis: 'Dobbiamo circoscrivere le perdite' (We must contain the losses). Here, the word implies a strategic effort to stop a negative trend. It is also very common in legal discussions. An Italian lawyer might talk about 'circoscrivere le responsabilità', which means determining exactly who is responsible for what, so that blame isn't spread unfairly. At this level, you should also notice the relationship between the verb and the noun 'circoscrizione', which refers to an administrative or electoral district. Understanding this connection helps you see how the idea of 'drawing a line' applies to how a country is organized. You should also be able to distinguish 'circoscrivere' from 'delimitare'. While 'delimitare' is about marking the edges of something, 'circoscrivere' is about the act of containment. If you are describing a scientific experiment, you would use 'circoscrivere' to explain how you isolated certain variables. It’s a word that adds precision and authority to your Italian, marking you as an upper-intermediate speaker.

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At the C1 level, 'circoscrivere' becomes a vital tool for nuanced argumentation and high-level professional communication. You are expected to use it not just for physical containment, but for the precise definition of intellectual boundaries. In academic or philosophical discourse, 'circoscrivere' is used to isolate a specific phenomenon from its surrounding context to allow for a deeper analysis. For example, 'È fondamentale circoscrivere il fenomeno della corruzione all'interno delle istituzioni locali' (It is fundamental to limit/define the phenomenon of corruption within local institutions). This suggests a rigorous, methodological approach. You should also be adept at using the reflexive form, 'circoscriversi', to describe self-limiting situations: 'L'epidemia sembra circoscriversi a pochi focolai isolati' (The epidemic seems to be limiting itself to a few isolated clusters). Furthermore, at this level, you should appreciate the word's geometric precision. In a technical or architectural context, 'circoscrivere' implies a perfect fit where an outer boundary touches all the necessary points of an inner shape. This sense of 'perfect containment' carries over into metaphorical uses. When you use 'circoscrivere' in a formal debate, you are signaling that you are being extremely careful with your definitions and that you are not prone to overgeneralization. It is a hallmark of the 'lingua colta' (educated language) and is indispensable for anyone aiming for full professional proficiency in Italian.

For the C2 learner, 'circoscrivere' is more than just a verb; it is a conceptual framework. At this near-native level, you use 'circoscrivere' to navigate the most complex linguistic and philosophical landscapes. You might use it in a literary critique to discuss how an author 'circoscrive lo spazio narrativo' (limits the narrative space) to create a sense of claustrophobia or focus. You understand the deep etymological roots and how they interact with other 'scrivere' derivatives like 'proscrivere' (to proscribe/outlaw) or 'sottoscrivere' (to subscribe/sign). In high-level political analysis, you might discuss the 'circoscrizione' of powers within a constitutional framework, where the verb describes the delicate balance of keeping each branch of government within its legal 'circle'. You are also sensitive to the rhythmic and stylistic impact of the word; its four syllables and hard 'c' sounds provide a sense of finality and firmness to a sentence. You can use it in the most subtle ways, such as 'circoscrivere un'emozione' (to contain/define an emotion), suggesting a character's attempt to control their inner life. At C2, you don't just use the word correctly; you use it strategically to convey authority, precision, and a sophisticated understanding of the boundaries—both physical and metaphorical—that define the human experience. It is a word that embodies the Italian ideal of 'precisione' and 'chiarezza' in thought and expression.

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練習する例文メモとヒント

circoscrivere 30秒で

Circoscrivere means to limit or contain something within specific boundaries.
It is a formal verb derived from Latin 'circum' (around) and 'scrivere' (to write).
Commonly used for fires, epidemics, legal responsibilities, and academic topics.
The past participle 'circoscritto' is irregular and very common in the passive voice.

The Italian verb circoscrivere is a sophisticated and precise term that primarily means to restrict, limit, or define the boundaries of something. Originating from the Latin circum (around) and scribere (to write or draw), its literal sense is 'to draw a line around.' In modern Italian, while it retains its geometric meaning, it is most frequently used in abstract or technical contexts to describe the act of containing a situation, a problem, or an area of interest to prevent it from spreading or becoming too vague.

Literal Application: In geometry, it refers to drawing a figure around another so that they touch at certain points, such as a circle around a polygon.
Emergency Context: Used by firefighters or health officials when they 'contain' a fire or an outbreak of disease to a specific zone.
Intellectual Context: In academic or legal writing, it means to define the exact scope of an argument or a law, ensuring it doesn't apply to unintended cases.

I vigili del fuoco sono riusciti a circoscrivere l'incendio prima che raggiungesse il bosco vicino.

When you hear an Italian speaker use this word, they are usually trying to bring order to chaos. It is a word of control. If a politician says they want to 'circoscrivere la spesa pubblica,' they are promising to keep public spending within strict limits. If a scientist says they need to 'circoscrivere il campo di ricerca,' they are explaining that they cannot study everything and must focus on a specific niche. It is a high-register word, meaning you will find it more in newspapers, textbooks, and formal speeches than in a casual conversation at a bar, although an educated speaker might use it to precisely define a personal problem.

È necessario circoscrivere le responsabilità di ciascun membro del team per evitare confusione.

Il medico ha cercato di circoscrivere l'infezione somministrando antibiotici mirati.

Furthermore, the word carries a connotation of precision. It is not just about stopping something; it is about defining it. In a legal sense, to 'circoscrivere un reato' means to determine exactly what constitutes that crime and what does not. This linguistic precision is highly valued in Italian culture, where nuances in law and bureaucracy are common. Using this word correctly signals to your interlocutor that you have a high command of the language and an analytical mind.

Non possiamo risolvere tutto oggi; dobbiamo circoscrivere la discussione al primo punto dell'ordine del giorno.

Formal vs. Informal: In informal settings, Italians might use 'limitare' or 'chiudere,' but 'circoscrivere' adds a layer of professional authority.

Dobbiamo circoscrivere le ricerche a questa specifica zona geografica.

Ultimately, mastering 'circoscrivere' allows you to discuss complex topics like containment, definitions, and boundaries with the same level of nuance as a native speaker. It is a cornerstone of C1-level vocabulary because it moves away from simple actions ('putting a limit') to conceptual actions ('defining the sphere of influence'). Whether you are discussing a forest fire, a viral outbreak, or a philosophical debate, this verb provides the structural clarity needed for high-level communication.

Using circoscrivere correctly requires understanding its transitive nature—it always takes a direct object. You are always 'circoscrivendo' something. The most common objects are abstract nouns like problema (problem), area (area), responsabilità (responsibility), or fenomeno (phenomenon). Structurally, it follows the pattern of regular -ere verbs, specifically those derived from 'scrivere', meaning its conjugation is predictable if you know how to conjugate 'scrivere' (io scrivo, io circoscrivo).

Direct Object Usage: Soggetto + circoscrivere + Oggetto Diretto. Example: 'Il governo circoscrive l'area colpita.'
Purpose Clauses: Often used with 'per' (in order to). Example: 'Hanno transennato la piazza per circoscrivere la folla.'

Per risolvere il guasto, dobbiamo prima circoscrivere il malfunzionamento a un singolo componente.

In the passive voice, it is very common in news reporting. You will often see 'L'incendio è stato circoscritto' (The fire has been contained). Here, the past participle 'circoscritto' must agree in gender and number with the subject. This passive construction highlights that the action of containing is more important than who did it. In a professional setting, you might use the reflexive form 'circoscriversi' to say that something is limited to a certain scope: 'Il mio intervento si circoscriverà all'aspetto tecnico' (My intervention will be limited to the technical aspect).

La zona del contagio è stata circoscritta con successo dalle autorità sanitarie.

When using it metaphorically, it often pairs with prepositions like 'a' or 'entro'. For instance, 'circoscrivere il problema a pochi casi' (to limit the problem to a few cases) or 'circoscrivere l'indagine entro certi limiti' (to limit the investigation within certain bounds). These prepositions help define the container into which you are putting the subject. In academic essays, you might use it to introduce your thesis: 'Questo saggio intende circoscrivere l'analisi al periodo rinascimentale' (This essay intends to limit the analysis to the Renaissance period).

Non possiamo generalizzare; dobbiamo circoscrivere le nostre conclusioni ai dati raccolti.

Common Phrasings: 'Circoscrivere il perimetro' (to define the perimeter), 'Circoscrivere l'ambito' (to limit the scope), 'Circoscrivere un'epidemia' (to contain an epidemic).

One of the most elegant ways to use this verb is when discussing responsibilities. In a corporate or legal environment, people often try to 'circoscrivere le responsabilità' to ensure that only the guilty party or the specific department is held accountable. This prevents a generalized blame culture. It shows a desire for justice and precision. If you are writing a formal email in Italian, using 'circoscrivere' instead of 'limitare' will instantly make your writing sound more professional and authoritative.

L'avvocato ha cercato di circoscrivere l'accusa a un unico episodio specifico.

In summary, 'circoscrivere' is a tool for mental and physical mapping. Whether you are drawing a circle around a geometric shape, containing a literal fire, or narrowing the scope of a logical argument, the verb acts as a boundary-maker. It is essential for any speaker who wishes to move beyond basic descriptions and into the realm of precise, analytical Italian.

You will encounter circoscrivere in several specific Italian environments, each reflecting its core meaning of 'setting boundaries.' Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the word when it appears in the wild, from news broadcasts to technical manuals.

The Evening News (TG1, TG5): Journalists use it constantly when reporting on disasters. 'I soccorritori lavorano per circoscrivere la macchia d'olio in mare' (Rescuers are working to contain the oil slick at sea).
Scientific and Medical Journals: When discussing a virus or a localized medical condition: 'L'infiammazione è circoscritta al tendine' (The inflammation is limited to the tendon).

Il prefetto ha dichiarato che l'emergenza è stata ormai circoscritta alla periferia della città.

In the world of Italian law and bureaucracy, 'circoscrivere' is a favorite. When a new law is passed, legal experts will debate how to 'circoscrivere l'applicazione della norma'—that is, how to define exactly who the law applies to so it doesn't create unintended consequences. If you are reading the 'Gazzetta Ufficiale' (the official journal of the Italian government), you will see this word used to define electoral districts (circoscrizioni) or administrative boundaries. It is a word that provides the 'fences' of society.

Dobbiamo circoscrivere il dibattito parlamentare ai soli emendamenti approvati.

In the academic world, particularly in the humanities, professors use 'circoscrivere' to help students narrow down their thesis topics. A professor might say, 'Il tuo argomento è troppo vasto; devi circoscriverlo al diciannovesimo secolo' (Your topic is too broad; you must limit it to the 19th century). This usage is crucial for anyone studying at an Italian university (Università degli Studi). It represents the transition from a general interest to a specific, rigorous study.

Lo studio tenta di circoscrivere l'influenza del clima sulle migrazioni storiche.

Police and Investigations: Detectives 'circoscrivono i sospetti' (narrow down the suspects) to a small group based on evidence. You'll hear this in crime dramas like 'Montalbano'.

Lastly, in business management, 'circoscrivere' is used for risk management. 'Circoscrivere le perdite' (to contain losses) is a common phrase when a company is facing a financial crisis. It implies taking strategic action to ensure a bad situation doesn't sink the entire company. It’s a word used by leaders to show they have a handle on a situation. If you are working in an Italian office, using this word in a presentation about 'risk mitigation' will demonstrate a high level of professional fluency.

La nostra priorità è circoscrivere l'impatto negativo del nuovo regolamento sul fatturato.

In all these settings, 'circoscrivere' serves as a linguistic scalpel, allowing the speaker to cut away the unnecessary and focus precisely on what matters. It is a word of the elite, the expert, and the professional.

Even advanced learners often stumble when using circoscrivere, usually by confusing it with similar but less precise verbs or by misapplying its formal register. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid to ensure your Italian remains natural and accurate.

Confusion with 'Limitare': While they are synonyms, 'limitare' is more general. You 'limit' your speed (limiti la velocità), but you 'circoscrivi' a fire. 'Circoscrivere' implies a surrounding action, whereas 'limitare' just means not going past a point.
Register Mismatch: Using 'circoscrivere' when talking about mundane things like food or time. Saying 'Devo circoscrivere il mio pranzo' sounds bizarre; 'Devo limitare il mio pranzo' is better. Keep 'circoscrivere' for complex or physical containment.

Errato: Ho circoscritto il numero di caffè che bevo. (Too formal/weird). Corretto: Ho limitato il numero di caffè.

Another common mistake is with the prepositional usage. Some learners try to use 'con' instead of 'a' or 'entro'. Remember, you are containing something *to* a certain area. 'Circoscrivere il problema *a* questo ufficio' (Limit the problem to this office). Using 'con' would imply you are using the office as a tool to draw the circle, which makes no sense. Additionally, pay close attention to the past participle 'circoscritto'. It is irregular (not 'circoscrivuto'), just like 'scritto' is the past participle of 'scrivere'.

Attenzione: Non dire mai 'circoscrivuto'. La forma corretta è sempre circoscritto.

Learners also struggle with the difference between 'circoscrivere' and 'delimitare'. While very similar, 'delimitare' is more about marking the edges (like putting up a fence), whereas 'circoscrivere' is about the act of containment (keeping something inside those edges). If you 'delimiti' a garden, you are showing where it ends. If you 'circoscrivi' an infection, you are stopping it from leaving a certain area. It’s a subtle but important distinction for C1 speakers.

Confusione: Delimitare i confini vs Circoscrivere un pericolo.

The 'Circoscrizione' Trap: Don't confuse the verb with the noun 'circoscrizione' (administrative district). While related, they are used in different contexts. You live in a 'circoscrizione', but you 'circoscrivi' a problem.

Finally, avoid using 'circoscrivere' as an intransitive verb. You cannot just say 'Il fuoco circoscrive' (The fire limits). You must say 'I pompieri circoscrivono il fuoco' (The firefighters limit the fire) or 'Il fuoco è circoscritto' (The fire is limited). The action always requires an agent and an object, or a passive construction. Forgetting the object makes the sentence feel incomplete to a native ear.

Errore grammaticale: 'Il contagio circoscrive.' Corretto: 'Le autorità hanno circoscritto il contagio.'

By avoiding these common errors, you will use 'circoscrivere' with the precision and elegance it demands, marking you as a truly advanced speaker of Italian.

Italian is a language of nuances, and while circoscrivere is a powerful word, knowing its synonyms and how they differ is key to achieving C1/C2 mastery. Depending on whether you are talking about a physical fence, a metaphorical limit, or a scientific definition, you might choose a different term.

Delimitare vs. Circoscrivere: 'Delimitare' is used for physical boundaries or marking the edges. 'Circoscrivere' is used for containment and preventing spread. You 'delimiti' a property; you 'circoscrivi' a virus.
Limitare vs. Circoscrivere: 'Limitare' is the everyday word for 'to limit' (speed, food, time). 'Circoscrivere' is the formal, precise version used for defining scope or containing threats.
Restringere vs. Circoscrivere: 'Restringere' means to narrow or shrink. You 'restringi' the options. 'Circoscrivere' doesn't necessarily mean shrinking; it just means drawing a line around the current state.

Possiamo restringere il campo delle opzioni, ma dobbiamo prima circoscrivere il problema principale.

Other alternatives include 'confinare', which suggests trapping something within a space (often used for people or prisoners), and 'isolare', which means to separate completely. If a doctor 'circoscrive' an infection, they are keeping it in one limb. If they 'isolano' the patient, they are putting them in a separate room. In academic contexts, 'definire' (to define) is a close cousin, but 'definire' focuses on meaning, whereas 'circoscrivere' focuses on the extent or scope of that meaning.

Dobbiamo confinare la protesta alla piazza principale per garantire la sicurezza.

For geometric contexts, 'circoscrivere' has a very specific antonym: 'inscrivere'. While 'circoscrivere' means to draw a figure around another (the outer figure), 'inscrivere' means to draw a figure inside another (the inner figure). This distinction is vital for students of architecture, engineering, or mathematics in Italy. In a more general sense, the opposite of 'circoscrivere' would be 'ampliare' (to expand) or 'estendere' (to extend), representing the removal of boundaries rather than their creation.

Invece di circoscrivere il mercato, l'azienda ha deciso di estendere le vendite all'estero.

Register Comparison: Formal: Circoscrivere. Neutral: Limitare. Informal: Mettere un freno a.

Lastly, consider 'localizzare' (to localize). This is often used when finding the source of a problem. Once you 'localizzi' (find) a gas leak, you then 'circoscrivi' (contain) the area to keep people safe. The two verbs often work in a sequence in technical reports. Understanding this workflow—locating then containing—will help you use these words naturally in a professional Italian environment.

Dopo aver localizzato l'errore nel codice, il programmatore è riuscito a circoscriverne gli effetti.

By mastering these alternatives, you gain the ability to choose the exact 'flavor' of limitation or boundary-setting required for your specific situation, a hallmark of the C1/C2 proficiency levels.

How Formal Is It?

フォーマル

"Il comitato intende circoscrivere l'indagine ai fatti accertati."

ニュートラル

"Dobbiamo circoscrivere l'area del guasto."

カジュアル

"Cerca di circoscrivere i tuoi problemi e non lamentarti di tutto!"

Child friendly

"Fai un cerchio intorno al disegno per circoscriverlo."

スラング

"N/A"

豆知識

In ancient Rome, 'circumscribere' was also a legal term for 'to cheat' or 'to overreach', as if you were drawing a line around someone to trap them in a bad deal!

発音ガイド

UK /tʃir.koˈskri.ve.re/

US /tʃir.koˈskri.ve.re/

Penultimate syllable: circoscrìvere.

韻が合う語

scrivere iscrivere descrivere prescrivere proscrivere sottoscrivere trascrivere vivere

よくある間違い

Pronouncing 'ci' as 'ki' (it should be 'chi').
Stress on the wrong syllable (e.g., circòscrivere).
Muffling the final 're'.
Confusing the 'sc' sound (it is 'sk' here, not 'sh' because it is followed by 'r').
Shortening the 'i' in 'skri'.

難易度

読解 4/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'scrivere' and 'circle'.

ライティング 7/5

Requires knowledge of the irregular past participle 'circoscritto'.

スピーキング 8/5

Hard to use naturally without sounding overly formal.

リスニング 6/5

Common in news and lectures, easy to catch once learned.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

Scrivere Limite Cerchio Area Fuoco

次に学ぶ

Delimitare Prescrivere Proscrivere Fattispecie Ambito

上級

Esegesi Contemperare Sancire Ottemperare

知っておくべき文法

Irregular Past Participles in -ere

Scrivere -> Scritto; Circoscrivere -> Circoscritto.

Passive Voice with 'Essere'

L'incendio è stato circoscritto dai pompieri.

Reflexive Verbs for Spontaneous Action

Il problema si circoscrive da solo con il tempo.

Transitive Verb Direct Objects

Circoscriviamo (noi) il campo (oggetto).

Agreement of Past Participle with Subject in Passive

Le zone (f.pl.) sono state circoscritte (f.pl.).

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レベル別の例文

Io circoscrivo il disegno con la penna rossa.

I circle the drawing with the red pen.

Present tense, 1st person singular.

Lui circoscrive la parola difficile.

He circles the difficult word.

Present tense, 3rd person singular.

Noi circoscriviamo la zona di gioco.

We define the play area.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

Puoi circoscrivere il cerchio?

Can you draw a circle around it?

Modal verb 'potere' + infinitive.

Hanno circoscritto l'area con il nastro.

They circled the area with tape.

Passato prossimo, 3rd person plural.

Dobbiamo circoscrivere il fuoco.

We must contain the fire.

Modal verb 'dovere' + infinitive.

La maestra circoscrive l'errore.

The teacher circles the error.

Present tense, 3rd person singular.

Io ho circoscritto la mia casa sulla mappa.

I circled my house on the map.

Passato prossimo, 1st person singular.

I vigili del fuoco vogliono circoscrivere l'incendio subito.

The firefighters want to contain the fire immediately.

Infinitive after 'volere'.

È importante circoscrivere il problema a un solo ufficio.

It is important to limit the problem to just one office.

Impersonal construction 'È importante' + infinitive.

L'area del mercato è circoscritta da transenne.

The market area is bounded by barriers.

Passive voice with 'essere'.

Dobbiamo circoscrivere le spese questo mese.

We need to limit the expenses this month.

Dovere + infinitive.

Il dottore ha circoscritto l'infezione al braccio.

The doctor limited the infection to the arm.

Passato prossimo.

Hanno circoscritto la ricerca a tre città.

They narrowed the search to three cities.

Passato prossimo.

Per favore, circoscrivi la tua risposta a poche parole.

Please, limit your answer to a few words.

Imperative, 2nd person singular.

La polizia circoscriverà la piazza per il concerto.

The police will cordone off the square for the concert.

Future tense.

Il relatore ha cercato di circoscrivere il dibattito ai temi principali.

The speaker tried to limit the debate to the main themes.

Cercare di + infinitive.

L'epidemia è stata circoscritta grazie alla quarantena.

The epidemic was contained thanks to the quarantine.

Passive voice, passato prossimo.

Dovresti circoscrivere il tuo raggio d'azione per essere più efficace.

You should limit your range of action to be more effective.

Conditional mood.

Il contratto circoscrive chiaramente i doveri del dipendente.

The contract clearly defines the duties of the employee.

Present tense.

Non possiamo risolvere tutto; dobbiamo circoscrivere le nostre priorità.

We can't solve everything; we must limit our priorities.

Dovere + infinitive.

L'indagine si circoscrive ai fatti accaduti ieri sera.

The investigation is limited to the events that happened last night.

Reflexive form 'si circoscrive'.

Hanno circoscritto la perdita d'acqua in pochi minuti.

They contained the water leak in a few minutes.

Passato prossimo.

È necessario circoscrivere l'uso della plastica monouso.

It is necessary to restrict the use of single-use plastic.

Impersonal construction.

L'azienda deve circoscrivere i rischi finanziari prima di investire.

The company must contain financial risks before investing.

Dovere + infinitive.

L'avvocato ha tentato di circoscrivere la testimonianza ai fatti oggettivi.

The lawyer tried to limit the testimony to objective facts.

Tentare di + infinitive.

Le nuove norme servono a circoscrivere il potere dei dirigenti.

The new rules serve to limit the power of the executives.

Servire a + infinitive.

Se non circoscriviamo la protesta, potrebbe degenerare in violenza.

If we don't contain the protest, it could degenerate into violence.

Hypothetical sentence (periodo ipotetico).

Il guasto è stato circoscritto al sistema di raffreddamento.

The fault has been limited to the cooling system.

Passive voice.

Dobbiamo circoscrivere il campo delle ipotesi per non perdere tempo.

We must narrow down the field of hypotheses to not waste time.

Dovere + infinitive.

Il successo del film è rimasto circoscritto al pubblico giovanile.

The film's success remained limited to the young audience.

Past participle as adjective.

La zona rossa è stata circoscritta per motivi di sicurezza nazionale.

The red zone was cordoned off for national security reasons.

Passive voice.

Il saggio mira a circoscrivere l'influenza del neorealismo nel cinema moderno.

The essay aims to define the scope of neorealism's influence in modern cinema.

Mirare a + infinitive.

È arduo circoscrivere con precisione i confini della libertà d'espressione.

It is difficult to precisely define the boundaries of freedom of expression.

Adjective 'arduo' + infinitive.

L'analisi si circoscrive deliberatamente al contesto socio-economico italiano.

The analysis deliberately limits itself to the Italian socio-economic context.

Reflexive form with adverb.

Bisogna circoscrivere il fenomeno per comprenderne le cause profonde.

It is necessary to define the scope of the phenomenon to understand its deep causes.

Bisogna + infinitive.

Il dibattito epistemologico tende a circoscrivere il concetto di verità scientifica.

The epistemological debate tends to define the scope of the concept of scientific truth.

Tendere a + infinitive.

La responsabilità penale deve essere circoscritta all'autore materiale del reato.

Criminal liability must be limited to the actual perpetrator of the crime.

Passive construction with 'deve essere'.

Il governo ha circoscritto l'intervento statale ai settori strategici.

The government has limited state intervention to strategic sectors.

Passato prossimo.

Riuscire a circoscrivere un'emozione così complessa è il compito del poeta.

Being able to contain such a complex emotion is the task of the poet.

Infinitive as a subject.

L'opera tenta di circoscrivere l'ineffabile attraverso un linguaggio scarno.

The work attempts to define the ineffable through sparse language.

Transitive usage with abstract object.

La giurisprudenza ha faticato a circoscrivere la fattispecie del danno esistenziale.

Jurisprudence has struggled to define the scope of existential damage.

Faticare a + infinitive.

Il pensiero di Heidegger circoscrive l'essere entro la dimensione del tempo.

Heidegger's thought limits being within the dimension of time.

Present tense, philosophical context.

Non si può circoscrivere l'estro creativo entro schemi predefiniti.

One cannot limit creative inspiration within predefined patterns.

Impersonal 'si' with modal 'può'.

La critica ha circoscritto il genio di Leopardi a una visione puramente pessimistica.

Criticism has limited Leopardi's genius to a purely pessimistic vision.

Passato prossimo, literary context.

L'indagine storiografica deve circoscrivere le fonti per evitare anacronismi.

Historiographical inquiry must limit sources to avoid anachronisms.

Dovere + infinitive.

Il trattato internazionale circoscrive le zone di influenza delle superpotenze.

The international treaty defines the spheres of influence of the superpowers.

Present tense, geopolitical context.

L'architetto ha saputo circoscrivere lo spazio senza soffocarlo.

The architect knew how to define the space without suffocating it.

Sapere + infinitive.

よく使う組み合わせ

Circoscrivere l'incendio

Circoscrivere le responsabilità

Circoscrivere il problema

Circoscrivere l'area

Circoscrivere il campo

Circoscrivere un'epidemia

Circoscrivere le perdite

Circoscrivere un cerchio

Circoscrivere il dibattito

Circoscrivere l'ambito

よく使うフレーズ

Entro limiti circoscritti

— Within well-defined limits. Used to describe a controlled situation.

Il fenomeno si è manifestato entro limiti circoscritti.

Circoscrivere il perimetro

— To define the outer boundary. Often used in construction or security.

Dobbiamo circoscrivere il perimetro del cantiere.

Circoscrivere i danni

— To contain the damage. Used after an accident or error.

Hanno fatto di tutto per circoscrivere i danni dell'alluvione.

Circoscrivere il raggio d'azione

— To limit the area where one can operate or influence.

Il manager ha deciso di circoscrivere il raggio d'azione del team.

Circoscrivere la ricerca

— To narrow down a search or investigation.

Dobbiamo circoscrivere la ricerca a fonti affidabili.

Circoscrivere la zona

— To isolate a specific zone, usually for safety.

La zona è stata circoscritta immediatamente.

Circoscrivere le spese

— To keep spending within a strict budget.

In tempo di crisi bisogna circoscrivere le spese.

Circoscrivere il sospetto

— To narrow down suspicion to a specific person or group.

Le prove hanno permesso di circoscrivere il sospetto.

Circoscrivere un fenomeno

— To define the boundaries of a social or scientific trend.

È difficile circoscrivere un fenomeno così vasto.

Essere circoscritto a

— To be limited to a specific thing or place.

Il guasto è circoscritto alla rete locale.

よく混同される語

circoscrivere vs Iscrivere

Means to enroll or to write inside. Do not confuse with drawing around.

circoscrivere vs Descrivere

Means to describe. Related root, but different action.

circoscrivere vs Prescrivere

Means to prescribe (medicine or rules).

慣用句と表現

"Circoscrivere il cerchio"

— While mainly technical, it can metaphorically mean reaching the final, most precise stage of a process.

Stiamo circoscrivendo il cerchio intorno al colpevole.

Formal

"Mettere i paletti"

— A more idiomatic way to say 'to set boundaries' or 'to circoscrivere' behavior.

Devi mettere i paletti con quel collega.

Informal

"Tracciare una linea"

— To set a limit beyond which one will not go, similar to circoscrivere.

Dobbiamo tracciare una linea e circoscrivere le richieste.

Neutral

"Fare terra bruciata"

— To isolate someone completely, an extreme form of circoscrivere.

Hanno fatto terra bruciata intorno a lui per circoscriverne l'influenza.

Informal

"Chiudere il recinto"

— To close the fence; containing a situation after it has started.

Hanno chiuso il recinto troppo tardi per circoscrivere la fuga.

Informal

"Mettere in recinto"

— To pen in, similar to the literal 'circoscrivere'.

Dobbiamo mettere in recinto queste nuove idee.

Neutral

"Delimitare il campo"

— To set the rules or boundaries of a debate.

Prima di iniziare, delimitiamo il campo della discussione.

Formal

"Stare nel proprio seminato"

— To stay within one's own limits/field, the result of being circoscritto.

Ognuno deve stare nel proprio seminato.

Informal

"Tagliare i ponti"

— To cut bridges, used to isolate or circoscrivere a relationship.

Ha tagliato i ponti per circoscrivere il dolore.

Informal

"Puntare il dito"

— To point the finger, often used to circoscrivere responsibility to one person.

Non puntare il dito se non puoi circoscrivere la colpa.

Neutral

間違えやすい

circoscrivere vs Limitare

Both mean to limit.

Limitare is general and common. Circoscrivere implies drawing a boundary around to contain something specifically.

Limito la velocità (I limit speed). Circoscrivo l'incendio (I contain the fire).

circoscrivere vs Delimitare

Both involve boundaries.

Delimitare is about marking the edge/border. Circoscrivere is about the containment within those borders.

Delimitiamo il confine del parco. Circoscriviamo l'area infetta.

circoscrivere vs Confinare

Both mean keeping something in a space.

Confinare often suggests forced isolation or being adjacent to something else.

L'Italia confina con la Francia. Hanno confinato il virus in laboratorio.

circoscrivere vs Inscrivere

Opposite geometric meaning.

Inscrivere means drawing a figure inside another. Circoscrivere means drawing it outside.

Un quadrato inscritto in un cerchio.

circoscrivere vs Definire

Both set boundaries.

Definire sets intellectual/meaning boundaries. Circoscrivere sets physical/scope boundaries.

Definiamo la parola. Circoscriviamo il tema della tesi.

文型パターン

Io circoscrivo [oggetto].

Io circoscrivo il cerchio.

Dobbiamo circoscrivere [oggetto].

Dobbiamo circoscrivere l'area.

[Oggetto] è stato circoscritto.

L'incendio è stato circoscritto.

Circoscrivere [oggetto] a [limite].

Dobbiamo circoscrivere il problema a questo ufficio.

L'analisi si circoscrive a [ambito].

L'analisi si circoscrive al settore terziario.

Al fine di circoscrivere [concetto]...

Al fine di circoscrivere il rischio finanziario...

Risulta arduo circoscrivere [astrazione]...

Risulta arduo circoscrivere la nozione di estetica.

Circoscrivere [oggetto] entro i confini di...

Circoscrivere l'azione politica entro i confini della legge.

語族

名詞

動詞

形容詞

使い方

frequency

Common in formal written Italian; moderate in professional spoken Italian.

よくある間違い

Using 'circoscrivuto' as a past participle. → Circoscritto.
The verb follows the irregular conjugation of 'scrivere'.
Using 'circoscrivere' for speed limits. → Limitare la velocità.
'Circoscrivere' implies a boundary around an area, not a numerical limit.
Forgetting gender agreement: 'La zona è stato circoscritto'. → La zona è stata circoscritta.
In passive voice, the participle must agree with the subject.
Using 'con' to indicate the limit: 'Circoscrivere con questo ufficio'. → Circoscrivere a questo ufficio.
The preposition 'a' indicates the destination or limit of the containment.
Confusing it with 'descrivere'. → N/A
'Descrivere' is to describe; 'circoscrivere' is to limit. They sound similar but are very different.

ヒント

The Circle Scribe

Think of a scribe drawing a circle around a map. Circle + Scribe = Circoscrivere.

Irregularity Alert

Always remember it follows 'scrivere'. If you know 'scritto', you know 'circoscritto'.

Professionalism

Use this word in business meetings to sound more analytical when discussing risks or problems.

Scope

Whenever you want to say 'limit the scope' in an essay, use 'circoscrivere l'ambito'.

News Trigger

When you hear 'vigili del fuoco', listen for 'circoscrivere' immediately after.

Soft 'C'

Ensure the first 'ci' is soft like 'cheese', while the 'co' is hard like 'coat'.

Fire Containment

This is the #1 most common real-world use of the word. Memorize 'circoscrivere l'incendio'.

Thesis Tip

When presenting your research, say 'Ho circoscritto la mia ricerca a...' to sound like a pro.

Passive Voice

In reports, use 'L'area è stata circoscritta' to focus on the result rather than the agent.

Latin Roots

Remember 'circum' (around) as in 'circumference'. It helps you visualize the boundary.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Imagine you are holding a pen and drawing a giant CIRCLE around a PROBLEM you want to solve. CIRCLE + WRITE = CIRCO-SCRIVERE.

視覚的連想

Visualize a firefighter using a yellow tape to draw a circle around a small fire to keep it from moving.

Word Web

Circle Write Limit Contain Boundary Fire Law Geometry

チャレンジ

Try to use 'circoscrivere' in a sentence about your daily schedule. For example: 'Devo circoscrivere il tempo che passo sui social media' (I must limit the time I spend on social media).

語源

From the Latin verb 'circumscribere', which is a compound of 'circum' (around) and 'scribere' (to write/draw).

元の意味： Literally 'to draw a circle around' or 'to encompass with a line'.

Italic -> Latin -> Romance -> Italian.

文化的な背景

No particular sensitivities, but it is a very formal word that might sound cold if used to describe people's movements.

The English 'circumscribe' is a direct cognate but is much rarer in common speech than 'circoscrivere' is in formal Italian.

Used in Dante Alighieri's 'Paradiso' to describe the divine. Common in Italian Geometry textbooks (Teoremi sui poligoni circoscritti). Frequently found in the 'Costituzione della Repubblica Italiana'.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Fire Safety

Circoscrivere le fiamme
Incendio circoscritto
Intervento tempestivo
Evacuare la zona

Legal/Business

Circoscrivere l'ambito
Responsabilità circoscritta
Clausola limitativa
Definire i termini

Medicine

Infezione circoscritta
Circoscrivere il contagio
Focolaio isolato
Trattamento mirato

Geometry

Circonferenza circoscritta
Poligono circoscritto
Raggio del cerchio
Punti di tangenza

Academic Writing

Circoscrivere l'oggetto di studio
Limiti della ricerca
Analisi circoscritta
Inquadramento teorico

会話のきっかけ

"Come possiamo circoscrivere meglio gli obiettivi del nostro progetto?"

"Pensi che sia possibile circoscrivere l'uso dell'intelligenza artificiale?"

"In che modo il governo dovrebbe circoscrivere la diffusione delle fake news?"

"È meglio ampliare i propri orizzonti o circoscrivere le proprie passioni?"

"Come riesci a circoscrivere lo stress durante le giornate di lavoro intenso?"

日記のテーマ

Descrivi una situazione in cui hai dovuto circoscrivere un problema per non farti sopraffare.

Quali sono i limiti che vorresti circoscrivere nella tua vita personale quest'anno?

Rifletti sull'importanza di circoscrivere le responsabilità in un lavoro di squadra.

Se fossi un politico, quali aree della spesa pubblica cercheresti di circoscrivere?

Scrivi un breve saggio su come la tecnologia stia rendendo difficile circoscrivere la nostra privacy.

よくある質問

10 問

Rarely. It is mostly used in professional, academic, or news contexts. In a bar, you would say 'limitare' or 'mettere un freno'.

It is irregular: 'circoscritto'. For example: 'Abbiamo circoscritto il danno'.

Yes, but it sounds very clinical or legal, like 'circoscrivere i movimenti dei sospettati'.

'Contenere' is simpler and means to hold something back. 'Circoscrivere' is about defining the exact area where it is held.

Yes, 'circoscrizione', which means a district or the act of circumscribing.

Absolutely. It's the standard term for drawing a circle around a polygon.

It takes 'avere' in the active voice: 'Ho circoscritto'. It takes 'essere' in the passive: 'È stato circoscritto'.

Yes, 'si circoscrive' means 'it is limited to' or 'it limits itself to'.

The most professional way is 'circoscrivere l'incendio'.

'Ampliare' (to expand) or 'estendere' (to extend) are the most common opposites.

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