denunciare
denunciare 30秒で
- Denunciare is the essential Italian verb for reporting crimes, lost items, or social injustices to authorities.
- It also describes showing signs of something, like a face revealing tiredness or statistics revealing a trend.
- In formal contexts, it means to terminate a contract or treaty before its natural expiration date.
- It is a regular -are verb and is much more common and broad in Italian than 'denounce' is in English.
The Italian verb denunciare is a multi-faceted term that primarily resides in the realms of law, social justice, and formal observation. At its core, it refers to the act of making a formal statement to an authority regarding a crime, an irregularity, or a specific situation that requires official intervention. However, its usage extends far beyond the walls of a police station. To understand denunciare, one must recognize it as an act of 'bringing to light' something that was previously hidden, ignored, or suppressed. In a legal context, it is the standard term for reporting a theft, an assault, or any violation of the law. If you lose your passport in Rome, the first thing you are told is: 'Devi andare a denunciare lo smarrimento' (You must go and report the loss). This usage is neutral and procedural.
- Legal Reporting
- The formal act of informing the police (Carabinieri or Polizia di Stato) about a crime or a lost item. It is the first step in a legal proceeding.
Moving into the social and political sphere, denunciare takes on a more moralizing tone. It becomes 'to denounce' in the sense of publicly condemning an injustice or a systemic failure. When an activist speaks out against corruption, they are denunciando la corruzione. Here, the word carries the weight of civic duty and courage. It is not just about filling out a form; it is about taking a stand. This distinction is crucial for English speakers: while 'denounce' in English often feels very strong or even archaic, denunciare in Italian is the standard way to describe whistleblowing or public criticism of wrongdoing.
Il testimone ha deciso di denunciare l'accaduto alle autorità per senso di giustizia.
A third, more subtle layer of the word involves the manifestation of signs or symptoms. In medical or descriptive contexts, one might say 'il paziente denuncia forti dolori' (the patient reports/shows strong pains) or 'il suo sguardo denunciava una profonda stanchezza' (his look revealed/showed deep tiredness). In this sense, the verb acts as a synonym for rivelare (to reveal) or mostrare (to show), suggesting that the subject is 'testifying' to an internal state through external signs. This is a higher-register usage often found in literature or formal journalism.
- Public Condemnation
- To publicly state that something is morally wrong, such as 'denunciare la violenza'.
Finally, in the specialized language of international law and contracts, denunciare means to formally terminate an agreement. For example, a state might denunciare un trattato (denounce/terminate a treaty). This signifies a formal withdrawal from a commitment. Whether it is a stolen wallet, a corrupt politician, a hidden pain, or a diplomatic treaty, denunciare always involves a formal declaration that changes the status of the information from private to public or from active to inactive.
Le associazioni hanno voluto denunciare le pessime condizioni di lavoro nelle fabbriche.
Il volto della donna denunciava un'età molto più avanzata di quella dichiarata.
- Contractual Termination
- A formal notification that a contract or treaty will not be renewed or is being canceled.
Il governo ha deciso di denunciare l'accordo commerciale bilaterale.
Mastering the use of denunciare requires understanding its syntactic flexibility across different contexts. Most commonly, it follows the pattern [Subject] + [denunciare] + [Direct Object]. For instance, 'Ho denunciato il furto' (I reported the theft). Here, the direct object is the crime itself. You can also report a person: 'Lo hanno denunciato per frode' (They reported/charged him for fraud). Notice the use of the preposition per (for) to indicate the reason for the report. This is a very frequent construction in legal and journalistic Italian.
- The 'Per' Construction
- Denunciare qualcuno PER qualcosa (To report someone FOR something). Example: 'Denunciare qualcuno per diffamazione'.
In more complex sentences, denunciare can be followed by a subordinate clause introduced by che (that). For example: 'Molti cittadini denunciano che i servizi pubblici sono inefficienti' (Many citizens report/complain that public services are inefficient). In this context, the verb bridges the gap between 'reporting' and 'protesting'. It implies a formal complaint rather than just a casual remark. When using it this way, the speaker is highlighting a grievance that they believe should be addressed by those in power.
I sindacati hanno denunciato che le norme di sicurezza non vengono rispettate.
When denunciare is used to mean 'to reveal' or 'to show signs of', the subject is often an inanimate object or a physical feature. 'Questi dati denunciano una crisi economica imminente' (This data reveals an imminent economic crisis). Note how the verb here functions as a stronger version of indicare (to indicate). It suggests that the evidence is so strong that it 'shouts' the truth. This usage is common in academic writing, economic reports, and high-level journalism where the author wants to emphasize the gravity of the findings.
- Reflexive Form?
- The reflexive form 'denunciarsi' means to turn oneself in to the authorities. Example: 'Il colpevole si è denunciato alla polizia'.
In formal or administrative language, you will often see the past participle denunciato used as a noun to refer to the person who has been reported. 'Il denunciato ha negato ogni accusa' (The person reported/accused denied every charge). Similarly, the person who does the reporting is the denunciante. Understanding these derived forms helps in navigating Italian news or legal documents. Whether you are using it to report a lost cat to the local 'vigili' or to analyze social trends in a university essay, the structure remains consistent: clear, direct, and authoritative.
È importante denunciare subito ogni tentativo di estorsione.
Le crepe nei muri denunciano la fragilità strutturale dell'edificio.
- Passive Voice
- 'Il reato è stato denunciato da un passante' (The crime was reported by a passerby). This is common in formal reports.
Non aver paura di denunciare chi non rispetta la legge.
If you live in Italy or consume Italian media, denunciare is a word you will encounter daily. Its most frequent home is the evening news (il telegiornale). News anchors use it constantly when reporting on crime waves, political scandals, or social protests. Phrases like 'I residenti denunciano il degrado del quartiere' (Residents report/denounce the decay of the neighborhood) are staples of local journalism. In this context, the word serves as a bridge between the private frustration of citizens and the public sphere of the news.
- News Media
- Used to describe citizens speaking out against problems or the police reporting criminal activities.
Another common setting is the Questura (Police Headquarters) or the Caserma dei Carabinieri. If you are ever the victim of a minor crime, such as a pickpocketing incident in a crowded tourist area, the officer will ask you to 'sporgere denuncia' (to file a report). Here, denuncia (the noun) and denunciare (the verb) are technical necessities. You cannot get an insurance payout or a replacement ID without having 'denunciato' the loss. This bureaucratic necessity makes the word a vital part of any expat's or traveler's vocabulary, however unfortunate the circumstances might be.
Sono andato in caserma per denunciare lo smarrimento della carta d'identità.
In the world of Italian cinema and literature, especially in the genre of cinema di impegno civile (socially conscious cinema), denunciare is the operative verb. Directors like Francesco Rosi or Elio Petri made films to denunciare the influence of the Mafia or the corruption of the state. When Italians talk about these cultural works, they say the film 'denuncia le ingiustizie'. It implies that the art has a higher purpose: to expose a hidden truth to the public eye. This usage elevates the word from a simple police procedure to a noble act of artistic and civic expression.
- Political Activism
- To call out governmental or corporate misconduct. Often used in slogans during protests.
You will also hear it in everyday conversations, though often with a slightly hyperbolic or metaphorical twist. For example, if a friend is being treated unfairly at work, you might say, 'Dovresti denunciarli!' (You should report/sue them!). While in English 'denounce' might sound too dramatic for a workplace dispute, in Italian, it is the natural way to suggest taking formal action. Finally, look out for it in tax contexts: 'denunciare i redditi' (to declare/report one's income). Every year, millions of Italians 'denunciano' their earnings to the Agenzia delle Entrate, making it a word that literally touches everyone's wallet.
Molti scrittori hanno usato i loro libri per denunciare l'orrore della guerra.
Ricordati di denunciare correttamente tutti i tuoi guadagni nella dichiarazione.
- Workplace Rights
- Reporting exploitation or lack of safety measures to labor unions or inspectors.
L'inchiesta giornalistica serve a denunciare ciò che il potere vuole nascondere.
For English speakers, the most frequent pitfall is treating denunciare as a literal translation of 'to denounce' in every context. While they share a root, the Italian denunciare is much broader. In English, 'denouncing' is usually a moral or political act (e.g., denouncing a dictator). In Italian, you denunciare a lost wallet. Using 'denounce' for a lost wallet in English sounds like you are making a philosophical statement against the wallet itself! Conversely, English speakers often use riportare when they mean to report a crime. Riportare means to 'bring back' or 'report' a news story or data. If you tell a policeman 'Voglio riportare un furto', he will understand you, but it sounds like you are returning a stolen item rather than reporting the crime. Always use denunciare for legal reporting.
- False Friend Alert
- Don't use 'riportare' to report a crime. Use 'denunciare'. 'Riportare' is for bringing things back or reporting information/news.
Another mistake is confusing denunciare with annunciare (to announce). While they sound similar, their meanings are opposite in terms of intent. Annunciare is about sharing news, usually positive or neutral (announcing a wedding, a sale, or a result). Denunciare is almost always about something negative, illegal, or problematic. If you 'denunciare' a wedding, it sounds like you are reporting it as a crime! Make sure to distinguish the two: annunciare for news, denunciare for problems.
Errore: Ho riportato il furto alla polizia. Corretto: Ho denunciato il furto.
A subtle grammatical error involves the use of prepositions. Some learners try to use a (to) after denunciare when reporting a person, like in English 'I reported to the police about him'. In Italian, you report the person directly: 'Ho denunciato il mio vicino' (I reported my neighbor). You only use a when specifying the authority you are reporting to: 'Ho denunciato il fatto ALLA polizia'. Combining these incorrectly leads to clunky sentences. Remember: [Denunciare] + [What/Who] + [To Whom].
- Register Confusion
- Using 'denunciare' for trivial complaints (like a late bus) can sound overly dramatic or litigious. Use 'segnalare' or 'lamentarsi' for minor issues.
Finally, English speakers often overlook the 'reveal/show' meaning of denunciare. They might stick to mostrare or rivelare exclusively. While not an 'error', failing to use denunciare in these contexts prevents you from reaching a B2/C1 level of naturalness. For example, saying 'Il suo tremore denunciava la sua paura' is much more evocative and 'Italian' than simply using mostrava. Don't be afraid to use this 'literary' side of the verb to add flavor to your descriptions.
Non denunciare un crimine può essere considerato un reato di favoreggiamento.
Bisogna denunciare il contratto di affitto se si vuole lasciare l'appartamento.
- Reporting vs. Declaring
- In tax contexts, 'denunciare i redditi' is the formal term, but 'fare la dichiarazione dei redditi' is the most common way to say 'to file taxes'.
L'avvocato ha consigliato di denunciare subito l'azienda per mobbing.
To truly master denunciare, you must understand its neighbors in the Italian lexicon. The most common alternative is segnalare (to report/flag). While denunciare is formal and legal, segnalare is softer and more collaborative. You segnalare a broken streetlight to the city council or segnalare an error in a book. It doesn't necessarily imply a crime, just something that needs attention. If you use denunciare for a broken streetlight, it sounds like you are accusing the streetlight of a felony! Use segnalare for helpful reporting and denunciare for serious violations.
- Denunciare vs. Segnalare
- Denunciare: Formal, legal, serious (crime, injustice).
Segnalare: Informal, technical, helpful (errors, maintenance, suggestions).
Another close relative is querelare (to sue/file a complaint). In Italian law, a querela is a specific type of report for crimes that can only be prosecuted if the victim asks for it (like defamation or minor threats). While denunciare is a general term for reporting any crime, querelare is specifically about the victim taking legal action against a specific person. If someone insults you, you might querelarli for diffamazione. It implies a more personal legal battle than a general denuncia.
Invece di denunciare il fatto, ha preferito segnalare il problema all'amministratore.
When using the meaning 'to reveal' or 'to show', denunciare can be replaced by palesare (to make evident) or tradire (to betray/reveal). Palesare is very formal and often used for feelings or intentions. Tradire is used when someone tries to hide something but fails: 'La sua voce tradiva l'emozione' (His voice betrayed/revealed his emotion). In this context, denunciare is stronger than tradire; it suggests that the signs are an indictment of the truth rather than just a slip-up.
- Denunciare vs. Accusare
- Denunciare: To report to an authority.
Accusare: To directly blame someone for something (can be informal or legal).
Finally, consider condannare (to condemn). While denunciare is the act of bringing a problem to light, condannare is the act of passing judgment on it. A politician might denunciare a social problem and then condannare those responsible for it. Understanding these nuances allows you to choose the exact level of intensity and formality required for your situation, moving you from a basic learner to a nuanced communicator.
L'articolo vuole denunciare gli abusi, non solo descriverli.
Il medico ha dovuto denunciare la malattia infettiva alle autorità sanitarie.
- Formal Alternatives
- 'Deferire' (to refer/report to an authority, very formal) or 'Refertare' (specifically for medical reports).
Dobbiamo denunciare il contratto entro trenta giorni dalla scadenza.
How Formal Is It?
豆知識
The root 'nuntiare' also gives us words like 'nuncio' (a papal ambassador) and 'annunciare' (to announce). In ancient Rome, a 'denuntiatio' was a formal summons to court.
発音ガイド
- Pronouncing 'cia' as 'see-ah' instead of 'cha'.
- Adding an extra 'n' like the English 'denounce' (denunciare vs denounce).
- Failing to roll the 'r' at the end.
- Putting the stress on the first syllable.
- Pronouncing the initial 'd' too softly like a 'th'.
難易度
Easy to recognize due to English cognates, but nuances in meaning require attention.
Requires knowledge of specific prepositions (per, a) and bureaucratic contexts.
Pronunciation of 'cia' is the main hurdle for beginners.
Frequently heard in news and movies, usually clear in context.
次に学ぶべきこと
前提知識
次に学ぶ
上級
知っておくべき文法
Regular -are verb conjugation in the present tense.
Io denuncio, tu denunci, lui/lei denuncia...
Use of the auxiliary 'avere' in compound tenses.
Ho denunciato il furto stamattina.
Direct object pronouns with infinitives.
Se vedi un crimine, devi denunciarLO.
Preposition 'per' to indicate the cause of the report.
Lo hanno denunciato PER frode.
Reflexive verbs for turning oneself in.
Il ladro si è denunciato.
レベル別の例文
Devo denunciare il furto della mia borsa.
I must report the theft of my bag.
Simple present with 'devo' (must) + infinitive.
Lui denuncia lo smarrimento del passaporto.
He reports the loss of his passport.
Third person singular of the present tense.
Noi denunciamo il problema alla polizia.
We report the problem to the police.
First person plural 'noi' form.
Hai denunciato il furto del telefono?
Did you report the theft of the phone?
Passato prossimo question form.
Vado a denunciare il fatto subito.
I am going to report the fact immediately.
Verb 'andare' + a + infinitive.
Perché non denunci l'accaduto?
Why don't you report what happened?
Negative question in the present tense.
Il cittadino denuncia il crimine.
The citizen reports the crime.
Subject-verb-object structure.
Denunciare è importante per la sicurezza.
Reporting is important for safety.
Infinitive used as a noun/subject.
Ieri ho denunciato il furto della bicicletta in centro.
Yesterday I reported the theft of the bicycle downtown.
Use of 'ieri' with passato prossimo.
Molte persone denunciano il rumore eccessivo di notte.
Many people report the excessive noise at night.
Present tense with a plural subject.
Se perdi la carta, devi denunciarne lo smarrimento.
If you lose the card, you must report its loss.
Use of the pronominal particle 'ne'.
Hanno denunciato il vicino per il cane che abbaia.
They reported the neighbor because of the barking dog.
Past tense with the preposition 'per'.
Il testimone ha denunciato tutto quello che ha visto.
The witness reported everything that they saw.
Relative clause 'quello che'.
È necessario denunciare il cambio di residenza.
It is necessary to declare the change of residence.
Impersonal expression 'è necessario'.
Chi ha denunciato l'incidente stradale?
Who reported the car accident?
Interrogative pronoun 'chi'.
Non abbiamo ancora denunciato la perdita dei documenti.
We haven't reported the loss of the documents yet.
Negative form with 'ancora'.
Il film vuole denunciare le ingiustizie sociali nel paese.
The film wants to denounce social injustices in the country.
Verb 'volere' + infinitive for intent.
L'associazione ha deciso di denunciare l'azienda per inquinamento.
The association decided to report the company for pollution.
Past tense with a complex direct object.
Il suo viso denunciava una grande sofferenza interiore.
His face revealed great inner suffering.
Imperfect tense used for description.
Se vedi un reato, hai il dovere morale di denunciarlo.
If you see a crime, you have the moral duty to report it.
Infinitive with the direct object pronoun 'lo'.
Il colpevole si è denunciato alla polizia dopo due giorni.
The culprit turned himself in to the police after two days.
Reflexive form 'denunciarsi'.
I sindacati denunciano la mancanza di sicurezza sul lavoro.
The unions are denouncing the lack of safety at work.
Present tense in a social context.
Molti cittadini denunciano che le tasse sono troppo alte.
Many citizens report/complain that taxes are too high.
Reporting verb followed by 'che' + clause.
Hanno denunciato il politico per corruzione e frode.
They reported the politician for corruption and fraud.
Plural third person for an unspecified subject.
L'inchiesta giornalistica ha denunciato un vasto giro di mazzette.
The journalistic investigation exposed a vast bribery ring.
Use of 'inchiesta' as a subject.
Il governo ha minacciato di denunciare il trattato internazionale.
The government threatened to terminate the international treaty.
Technical meaning of 'terminate/denounce' a treaty.
Bisogna denunciare il contratto di locazione con sei mesi di anticipo.
You must terminate the lease agreement six months in advance.
Administrative meaning of 'cancel/terminate'.
Le crepe nel terreno denunciano la siccità prolungata.
The cracks in the ground reveal the prolonged drought.
Figurative meaning 'to reveal/show signs of'.
Nonostante le minacce, ha avuto il coraggio di denunciare l'estorsione.
Despite the threats, he had the courage to report the extortion.
Concessive clause with 'nonostante'.
Il reato è stato denunciato da un passante che ha assistito alla scena.
The crime was reported by a passerby who witnessed the scene.
Passive voice with 'da' + agent.
Le statistiche denunciano un calo demografico senza precedenti.
The statistics reveal an unprecedented demographic decline.
Scientific/descriptive usage.
È stato denunciato a piede libero per oltraggio a pubblico ufficiale.
He was reported while remaining at liberty for insulting a public official.
Legal idiom 'denunciare a piede libero'.
L'opera dello scrittore denuncia l'ipocrisia della borghesia del tempo.
The writer's work denounces the hypocrisy of the bourgeoisie of the time.
Literary analysis usage.
Il medico ha l'obbligo giuridico di denunciare i casi di malattie infettive.
The doctor has the legal obligation to report cases of infectious diseases.
Formal legal/professional context.
La sua prosa asciutta denuncia l'influenza del realismo americano.
His sparse prose reveals the influence of American realism.
Stylistic analysis using 'denunciare'.
La vittima ha sporto querela, denunciando il suo aggressore per lesioni.
The victim filed a complaint, reporting his attacker for injuries.
Nuance between 'sporgere querela' and 'denunciare'.
Il silenzio assordante della folla denunciava una tensione palpabile.
The deafening silence of the crowd revealed a palpable tension.
Metaphorical and evocative usage.
È necessario denunciare i redditi prodotti all'estero per evitare sanzioni.
It is necessary to declare income produced abroad to avoid penalties.
Financial/taxation usage.
L'attivista ha denunciato pubblicamente le violazioni dei diritti umani.
The activist publicly denounced human rights violations.
Usage in the sense of public condemnation.
Il decadimento degli affreschi denuncia l'incuria delle autorità locali.
The decay of the frescoes reveals the neglect of the local authorities.
Usage to assign blame through evidence.
La mancata denuncia di un reato perseguibile d'ufficio configura l'omissione.
Failure to report a crime prosecutable ex officio constitutes omission.
Highly technical legal terminology.
Il diplomatico ha formalizzato la volontà di denunciare l'alleanza militare.
The diplomat formalized the intention to terminate the military alliance.
Geopolitical/diplomatic usage.
Ogni suo gesto, benché studiato, denunciava una profonda inquietudine.
Every gesture of his, though studied, revealed a deep restlessness.
Nuanced psychological description.
La sentenza ha ribadito l'importanza di denunciare tempestivamente ogni illecito.
The ruling reaffirmed the importance of promptly reporting every illegality.
Judicial register.
L'opera architettonica denuncia una chiara derivazione dal razionalismo.
The architectural work reveals a clear derivation from rationalism.
Art/architectural criticism.
Il querelante ha facoltà di denunciare nuovi fatti nel corso del processo.
The plaintiff has the right to report new facts during the trial.
Procedural law usage.
La scarsa qualità del materiale denunciava il tentativo di risparmio sui costi.
The poor quality of the material revealed the attempt to save on costs.
Inferential usage.
Si è proceduto a denunciare il reo all'autorità giudiziaria competente.
They proceeded to report the offender to the competent judicial authority.
Impersonal passive in formal writing.
よく使う組み合わせ
よく使うフレーズ
— To report something to the people in power or the police. It is the standard way to describe formal reporting.
Il fatto è stato subito denunciato alle autorità competenti.
— To report someone for damaging your reputation with false statements. This is a common legal threat in Italy.
Ti denuncio per diffamazione se continui a dire queste bugie!
— To publicly complain about the poor condition of a place or service. Often used by residents of cities.
I cittadini denunciano il degrado dei parchi pubblici.
— To bring attention to a problematic state of affairs. It implies the situation is unacceptable.
Il rapporto denuncia una situazione di povertà allarmante.
— To report an act of power or violence that is illegal or unethical. It is a very strong and moral phrase.
Non bisogna mai aver paura di denunciare un abuso di potere.
— To report something that is not true, which is itself a crime in Italy. It refers to perjury or false claims.
È stato accusato di aver denunciato il falso alla polizia.
— A legal term meaning that a person is reported for a crime but not taken into custody immediately.
Il giovane è stato denunciato a piede libero per rissa.
— To flag something that is functioning incorrectly or looks suspicious. Often used in technical or financial contexts.
Il sistema ha denunciato un'anomalia nel software.
— A literary way to say that someone's appearance makes their true age obvious. It 'gives away' their age.
Le rughe intorno ai suoi occhi denunciavano la sua vera età.
— The legal requirement to report certain facts or crimes. Failure to do so can result in punishment.
In alcuni casi, i cittadini hanno l'obbligo di denunciare i reati.
よく混同される語
English speakers use 'riportare' to mean 'report a crime', but in Italian, 'riportare' means 'to bring back' or 'to report news/data'. Use 'denunciare' for crimes.
Annunciare is for sharing news (usually positive or neutral). Denunciare is for reporting something wrong or illegal.
Lamentarsi is for personal complaints about minor things. Denunciare is for formal, serious reporting to authorities.
慣用句と表現
— To show or reveal one's own weaknesses or lack of ability, often unintentionally.
Quella prova ha denunciato tutti i suoi limiti tecnici.
neutral— To show signs of slowing down or being unable to keep up with a rhythm or pace. Often used in sports or economics.
L'economia mondiale inizia a denunciare il passo dopo anni di crescita.
journalistic— To show signs of exhaustion or being at the end of one's resources. Similar to 'showing the strain'.
Dopo dieci ore di lavoro, la sua pazienza cominciava a denunciare la corda.
figurative— To give a clear and often critical description of a current situation. To tell it like it is.
Il libro denuncia lo stato delle cose nella sanità pubblica.
formal— To make it obvious that something is missing. The lack of something is so strong it 'reports' itself.
Il muro vuoto denunciava l'assenza del quadro rubato.
literary— To show that one has been affected or hurt by an event or a remark. To show the impact.
Nonostante cercasse di sorridere, il suo sguardo denunciava il colpo ricevuto.
figurative— When someone's accent, manners, or features make it obvious where they come from.
Il suo accento denunciava chiaramente le sue origini siciliane.
neutral— When an object or style clearly shows the time period it belongs to.
L'arredamento della casa denunciava chiaramente gli anni '70.
descriptive— To express or show that one is feeling unwell, either physically or mentally.
Non riusciva più a nascondere il viso che denunciava il suo malessere.
neutral— To make it clear that immediate action is needed. The situation itself 'reports' the need for speed.
Il tono della sua voce denunciava un'urgenza estrema.
formal間違えやすい
Both mean 'to report'.
Segnalare is for flagging problems, errors, or suggestions (helpful). Denunciare is for reporting crimes or serious injustices (punitive/legal).
Segnala l'errore nel sito, ma denuncia il furto dell'auto.
Both involve legal action.
Querelare is specifically for private citizens taking legal action against someone for personal offenses. Denunciare is the general term for reporting any crime.
Lo ha querelato per le offese ricevute su Facebook.
Both involve pointing out a wrongdoer.
Accusare is to directly blame someone. Denunciare is to report the matter to an authority. You can accuse a friend of lying, but you denounce a criminal to the police.
Lo ha accusato di aver mentito, poi lo ha denunciato.
Both can mean 'to show'.
Rivelare is neutral (revealing a secret). Denunciare in this sense implies that the signs are 'testifying' to a deeper, often negative, truth.
Il test ha rivelato la verità, ma i sintomi denunciavano la malattia già da tempo.
Both mean 'to declare'.
Dichiarare is more general (declaring war, declaring love, declaring taxes). Denunciare is more specific to reporting something illegal or terminating a contract.
Ha dichiarato il suo amore, ma ha denunciato il furto.
文型パターン
[Subject] denuncia [Object].
Maria denuncia il furto.
[Subject] ha denunciato [Object] ieri.
Ho denunciato la perdita ieri.
[Subject] denuncia [Object] per [Reason].
Lo denunciano per furto.
[Subject] si è denunciato alla polizia.
Il colpevole si è denunciato alla polizia.
[Subject] denuncia che [Clause].
I residenti denunciano che la strada è buia.
[Inanimate Object] denuncia [Sign/Quality].
I dati denunciano una crisi.
Sporgere denuncia contro [Person].
Ha sporto denuncia contro il suo ex socio.
L'obbligo di denunciare [Crime].
Sussiste l'obbligo di denunciare i reati gravi.
語族
名詞
動詞
形容詞
関連
使い方
High in news, law, and administrative contexts. Medium in everyday conversation.
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Using 'riportare' for reporting a crime.
→
Denunciare un crimine.
In English, we 'report' a crime. In Italian, 'riportare' means to bring something back or to report news. For legal reporting, you must use 'denunciare'.
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Spelling it as 'denounciare' with an 'o'.
→
Denunciare.
Learners often carry over the English spelling of 'denounce'. In Italian, there is no 'o' in the second syllable.
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Using 'denunciare' for a wedding announcement.
→
Annunciare un matrimonio.
Denunciare is for negative or formal/legal reports. Annunciare is for news. Reporting a wedding with 'denunciare' makes it sound like a crime!
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Saying 'Denunciare a la polizia'.
→
Denunciare ALLA polizia.
You must use the articulated preposition (a + la = alla). Also, remember that you report 'something' (direct object) 'to someone' (indirect object).
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Using 'denunciare' for a minor complaint about a waiter.
→
Lamentarsi del cameriere.
Denunciare is very formal. Using it for a slow waiter sounds like you are calling the police on them. Use 'lamentarsi' for daily complaints.
ヒント
Verb Conjugation
It's a regular -are verb. Practice the present tense: denuncio, denunci, denuncia, denunciamo, denunciate, denunciano. Note that the 'i' in 'denunci' and 'denunciamo' is absorbed.
Noun Form
The noun is 'denuncia'. You 'fai una denuncia' (make a report) or 'sporgi denuncia' (file a report). 'Sporgere' is the more sophisticated, idiomatic verb to use with the noun.
Civic Duty
In Italy, 'denunciare' is often discussed as a civic duty. Using the word shows you understand the importance of law and public order in Italian society.
The Soft C
Ensure the 'c' is soft before 'i'. The syllable 'cia' is pronounced like 'cha' in 'chat'. This is a common area where learners make mistakes.
Against Unknown Persons
If someone stole your bike but you don't know who, you 'denunci contro ignoti' (report against unknown persons). This is a very common legal phrase.
Literary Use
Use 'denunciare' to describe signs or symptoms in your writing to sound more advanced. For example: 'Il suo silenzio denunciava un segreto'.
Speaking out
When activists speak at a rally, they 'denunciano' problems. It's the standard verb for political and social activism in Italy.
Contract Termination
If you need to cancel a service, look for the section in the contract labeled 'Denuncia del contratto' to find the rules for canceling.
Police Calls
If you call 112, you can start by saying: 'Vorrei denunciare un'emergenza/un furto'. It immediately alerts them to the formal nature of your call.
Avoid 'Riportare'
Never say 'Voglio riportare un crimine'. It's a direct translation from English that doesn't work. Always use 'denunciare'.
暗記しよう
記憶術
Think of it as a 'DE-ANNOUNCEMENT'. While an 'announcement' is for good news, a 'DE-nouncement' is for reporting something bad (DE-grading) to the police.
視覚的連想
Imagine a person pointing a finger (denouncing/accusing) at a stolen bicycle while holding a phone to call the '112' emergency number.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Try to write three sentences using 'denunciare': one about a lost item, one about a social problem, and one describing someone's face. Use the correct conjugation for each!
語源
Derived from the Latin verb 'denuntiare', which is composed of the prefix 'de-' (down from/formally) and 'nuntiare' (to announce/to report).
元の意味: In Latin, it meant to give a formal notice, to summon, or to declare war. It carried a sense of official and solemn proclamation.
Romance (Latin root).文化的な背景
Be careful when using 'denunciare' toward people in informal settings; it can sound like a legal threat. Use 'lamentarsi' (to complain) for minor personal grievances.
In English, 'denounce' is very strong and rare. In Italian, 'denunciare' is the standard, everyday word for reporting a lost item to the police. Don't be afraid to use it for small things!
実生活で練習する
実際の使用場面
At the Police Station
- Vorrei denunciare un furto.
- Dove posso sporgere denuncia?
- Ho denunciato lo smarrimento ieri.
- Mi serve la copia della denuncia.
Discussing Social Issues
- Dobbiamo denunciare questa ingiustizia.
- Il libro denuncia la povertà.
- L'attivista ha denunciato gli abusi.
- Bisogna denunciare la corruzione.
Administrative/Legal
- Devo denunciare il contratto.
- Hai denunciato i redditi?
- La denuncia va presentata entro 24 ore.
- Il denunciato è stato interrogato.
Describing Someone/Something
- Il suo viso denunciava la verità.
- Questi dati denunciano un problema.
- I sintomi denunciano un'infezione.
- Il silenzio denunciava la paura.
International Relations
- Il paese vuole denunciare l'accordo.
- Hanno denunciato il trattato di pace.
- La denuncia del patto è stata ufficiale.
- Hanno denunciato le violazioni dei confini.
会話のきっかけ
"Hai mai dovuto denunciare qualcosa alla polizia in Italia?"
"Secondo te, è difficile denunciare un atto di corruzione oggi?"
"Pensi che i giornali facciano abbastanza per denunciare i problemi della città?"
"Cosa faresti se dovessi denunciare lo smarrimento del tuo passaporto all'estero?"
"Quale film italiano che denuncia le ingiustizie ti è piaciuto di più?"
日記のテーマ
Descrivi una situazione in cui hai dovuto denunciare un problema o un furto. Com'è andata?
Qual è un problema sociale nel tuo paese che vorresti denunciare pubblicamente?
Rifletti sull'importanza di denunciare i reati per il benessere della comunità.
Immagina di essere un giornalista: scrivi un breve articolo per denunciare un'ingiustizia.
Pensa a un momento in cui il viso di qualcuno ha 'denunciato' un'emozione nascosta.
よくある質問
10 問Yes, in 95% of cases, 'denunciare' refers to a crime, a loss, an injustice, or a problem. The only neutral uses are in technical contexts like terminating a contract or describing physical signs, but even then, it often implies a deficiency or a change. You wouldn't use it for good news.
A 'denuncia' is a report for crimes that the state must investigate anyway (like murder or theft). A 'querela' is a report for crimes that only the victim can decide to prosecute (like defamation or stalking). If you don't file a 'querela', the police often cannot act on minor personal crimes.
Yes! If you want the authorities to have an official record of the loss (which helps if the dog is found or causes an accident), you should 'denunciare lo smarrimento' to the local police or veterinary services.
Historically, yes. 'Denunciare i redditi' means to declare your income. Today, people more commonly say 'fare la dichiarazione dei redditi', but you will still see 'denuncia' in many official tax documents and older texts.
You use the reflexive form: 'Mi sono denunciato'. This literally means 'I reported myself'. It is used when someone goes to the police to confess to a crime they committed.
No. This is a common mistake for English speakers. 'Announce' is 'annunciare'. While they share a root, their usage in modern Italian is strictly separated. 'Annunciare' is for news; 'denunciare' is for reports/complaints.
It means to give formal notice that you are ending a contract. For example, if you have a gym membership or a rental agreement, you 'denunci il contratto' to stop it from renewing automatically. It's a formal way of saying 'I'm canceling this'.
Yes, doctors have an 'obbligo di denuncia' for certain diseases (like tuberculosis or COVID-19) and for injuries that look like they came from a crime (like a gunshot wound). It means they must report these cases to the health or judicial authorities.
The 'i' is silent; it just serves to turn the 'c' into a 'ch' sound. So it sounds like 'denun-CHA-re'. Think of the 'cha-cha-cha' dance. It's one of the most important pronunciation rules in Italian.
It's better to use 'segnalare un bug'. 'Denunciare' would sound like you are taking the software company to court! 'Segnalare' is the standard technical term for reporting issues that aren't crimes.
自分をテスト 180 問
Write a sentence reporting a stolen phone to the police.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about reporting a lost passport.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'denunciare' to mean 'to reveal' (e.g., someone's face).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about citizens reporting a problem in their neighborhood.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about an activist denouncing corruption.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about terminating a rental contract.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about turning yourself in to the police.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about reporting a neighbor for making too much noise.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'denunciare' in the passive voice.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about a doctor reporting a disease.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about reporting a company for pollution.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about reporting taxes.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using the word 'denunciante'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about a book denouncing the horrors of war.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about reporting someone for defamation.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about reporting a lost credit card.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about an investigation exposing a scandal.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about the duty to report a crime.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about a symptom revealing a condition.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about a politician denouncing violence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Roleplay: You are at a police station in Rome. Tell the officer you want to report your stolen wallet.
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Opinion: Why is it important to denounce corruption in society?
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Describe: How does someone's face 'denounce' their age?
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Roleplay: Call your bank to say you lost your card and then say you will report it to the police.
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Explanation: What does 'denunciare un contratto' mean to a friend?
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Social: Denounce a problem in your city (noise, traffic, etc.).
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Legal: What is the difference between denunciare and querelare?
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Literature: Talk about a book that denounces war.
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Roleplay: You witnessed a crime. Tell the police what you saw.
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Ethics: Is there a duty to report a friend who committed a minor crime?
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Medical: A doctor explaining why they must report a certain injury.
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Taxes: Explain to a newcomer that they must declare their income.
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Architecture: How can a building 'denounce' its style?
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Protest: Shout a slogan denouncing social inequality.
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History: Talk about why 'denunciare' was dangerous in the past.
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Workplace: Tell a boss you are denouncing the lack of safety.
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Environment: Denounce the pollution of a local river.
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Idioms: Use 'denunciare la corda' in a sentence.
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Roleplay: You are a witness in court. Confirm your report.
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Summary: Explain the three meanings of 'denunciare' to a student.
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Listen and identify: 'Ho denunciato il furto.' What happened?
Listen and identify: 'Il testimone si è denunciato.' Who is the culprit?
Listen and identify: 'Denunciamo la violenza.' What is the speaker doing?
Listen and identify: 'Il contratto è stato denunciato.' Is the contract still active?
Listen and identify: 'Il suo accento denuncia le sue origini.' How do we know where he is from?
Listen and identify: 'Sporgere denuncia.' Is this formal or informal?
Listen and identify: 'Denuncia dei redditi.' What is this about?
Listen and identify: 'Denunciato a piede libero.' Is the person in jail?
Listen and identify: 'Denunciare un'anomalia.' Is this positive?
Listen and identify: 'Denuncia di nascita.' What happened?
Listen and identify: 'Denunciare il degrado.' What are they talking about?
Listen and identify: 'L'obbligo di denuncia.' Is it a choice?
Listen and identify: 'Denunciato per truffa.' What is the crime?
Listen and identify: 'Il silenzio denunciava la paura.' What was the feeling?
Listen and identify: 'Denunciare un trattato.' What context is this?
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'denunciare' is your go-to verb for any formal reporting. Whether you are at a police station reporting a stolen wallet (denunciare un furto) or criticizing a social issue (denunciare la povertà), it conveys authority and formality. Example: 'Devo denunciare lo smarrimento della mia carta di credito' (I need to report the loss of my credit card).
- Denunciare is the essential Italian verb for reporting crimes, lost items, or social injustices to authorities.
- It also describes showing signs of something, like a face revealing tiredness or statistics revealing a trend.
- In formal contexts, it means to terminate a contract or treaty before its natural expiration date.
- It is a regular -are verb and is much more common and broad in Italian than 'denounce' is in English.
Verb Conjugation
It's a regular -are verb. Practice the present tense: denuncio, denunci, denuncia, denunciamo, denunciate, denunciano. Note that the 'i' in 'denunci' and 'denunciamo' is absorbed.
Noun Form
The noun is 'denuncia'. You 'fai una denuncia' (make a report) or 'sporgi denuncia' (file a report). 'Sporgere' is the more sophisticated, idiomatic verb to use with the noun.
Civic Duty
In Italy, 'denunciare' is often discussed as a civic duty. Using the word shows you understand the importance of law and public order in Italian society.
The Soft C
Ensure the 'c' is soft before 'i'. The syllable 'cia' is pronounced like 'cha' in 'chat'. This is a common area where learners make mistakes.
関連コンテンツ
lawの関連語
accertamento
B2The act of verifying or investigating.
accusa
B1告発とは、誰かが何か悪いことをしたという発言や主張のことです。
accusare
B1誰かを罪で告発すること。また、痛みを感じたり、手紙の受け取りを通知したりする場合にも使われます。
adempimento
C1the carrying out of a duty, promise, or rule
ammissibile
B2Admissible, allowable, or acceptable.
appello
B1A serious or urgent request.
arrestare
B1誰かを逮捕するか、機械を止める。警察は泥棒を逮捕した。
assassinio
B2ケネディ大統領の暗殺は歴史を変えた。
assoluzione
C1formal release from guilt
assolvere
B2To absolve, acquit, or perform a duty.