compiere in 30 Seconds
- Compiere is the essential Italian verb for turning an age (birthdays).
- It is used for fulfilling duties, missions, and formal obligations.
- In legal contexts, it is the standard verb for committing a crime.
- It is more formal than 'fare' and implies a completed cycle.
The Italian verb compiere is a sophisticated and versatile term that every intermediate learner should master. At its core, it means to complete, fulfill, or carry out an action, a task, or a period of time. While in English we might use different verbs like 'to turn' (for age), 'to commit' (for a crime), or 'to perform' (for a duty), Italian often consolidates these under the umbrella of compiere. It carries a sense of totality and formal execution, making it more weighty than the simple fare (to do).
- The Birthday Milestone
- In everyday conversation, the most common use of compiere is related to age. When an Italian person says 'Domani compio trent'anni,' they are literally saying 'Tomorrow I fulfill thirty years.' Unlike the English 'to turn,' which suggests a change or transition, compiere emphasizes the completion of a full year cycle. It is the standard way to express reaching a specific age milestone.
Maria ha appena finito di compiere diciotto anni e ora può votare.
- Fulfilling Duties and Tasks
- Beyond birthdays, compiere is used for the execution of duties, missions, or complex tasks. It implies that there was a plan or a requirement that has now been satisfied. For example, a soldier might compiere il proprio dovere (fulfill his own duty), or a scientist might compiere una ricerca (carry out a research project). It suggests a level of professional or moral obligation that simple verbs lack.
Il cavaliere deve compiere un'impresa eroica per salvare il regno.
- Legal and Formal Contexts
- In legal jargon, compiere is the standard verb for committing an act, especially a crime (compiere un reato). It is also used for administrative procedures, such as compiere le formalità necessarie (to complete the necessary formalities). This usage is very common in news reports and official documents where precision and a formal register are required.
L'imputato è accusato di aver compiuto un furto aggravato.
Non possiamo tornare indietro; ormai il fatto è compiuto.
In summary, compiere is a bridge between the mundane (birthdays) and the monumental (heroic deeds or legal violations). It describes the arc of an action from its inception to its absolute conclusion. Whether you are talking about a child reaching their fifth year or a government fulfilling a promise, compiere provides the linguistic structure to denote a finished cycle or a realized goal.
Using compiere correctly requires an understanding of its conjugation and its transitive nature. As a second-conjugation verb ending in -ere, it follows a mostly regular pattern, but its past participle compiuto is the form you will encounter most frequently in compound tenses. Let's explore the various syntactic environments where this verb thrives.
- Direct Objects and Transitivity
- Compiere is a transitive verb, meaning it needs a direct object to complete its meaning. You don't just 'fulfill'; you fulfill *something*. This something can be an age, a crime, a duty, or a journey. For example: 'Il treno ha compiuto il suo percorso' (The train has completed its route). Notice how the object 'percorso' directly follows the verb.
Dobbiamo compiere ogni sforzo per vincere la gara.
- The 'Age' Construction
- When talking about birthdays, the structure is compiere + [number] + anni. In English, we say 'to turn 20,' but in Italian, you 'fulfill 20 years.' It is important not to use the verb 'diventare' (to become) in this context, as it sounds unnatural to native speakers. 'Ho compiuto vent'anni a maggio' is the perfect way to state your age milestone.
Quando compirai gli anni, faremo una grande festa.
- Passive Voice and Formal Writing
- In formal or journalistic writing, compiere is often used in the passive voice to emphasize the action itself rather than the person doing it. 'Il delitto è stato compiuto a mezzanotte' (The crime was committed at midnight). This construction is very common in police reports or historical accounts where the focus is on the event.
Molte opere caritatevoli vengono compiute in silenzio ogni giorno.
Solo compiendo il proprio dovere si può essere in pace con se stessi.
Finally, watch out for the alternative form compire. While you might see it in older literature, compiere is the standard modern form. However, some forms like compito (as in 'task') derive from this root. Mastery of compiere allows you to describe the realization of plans, the passing of time, and the execution of responsibilities with the precision of a native speaker.
If you are walking down the streets of Rome or Milan, or watching Italian television, where will you encounter compiere? It is not a rare word, but it is specific. It appears in high-frequency social situations as well as in the most formal of institutional settings.
- Birthdays and Celebrations
- The most likely place to hear this verb is at a birthday party. When someone asks, 'Quanti anni compi?' (How many years are you turning?), they are using compiere. It is the default verb for this social ritual. You will hear it in the lyrics of birthday songs or see it written on greeting cards: 'Auguri per i tuoi 50 anni compiuti!' (Best wishes for your completed 50 years!).
Mio nonno sta per compiere un secolo di vita!
- The Evening News (TG - Telegiornale)
- Turn on the RAI or Mediaset news, and you will hear journalists use compiere when reporting on crimes or political actions. Phrases like 'compiere un attentato' (to carry out an attack) or 'compiere una riforma' (to carry out a reform) are staples of journalistic Italian. It provides a formal tone that 'fare' cannot achieve.
La polizia sta indagando su chi possa aver compiuto il furto.
- Religious and Spiritual Settings
- In a country with deep Catholic roots, compiere is frequently used in religious contexts. You might hear about 'compiere la volontà di Dio' (fulfilling God's will) or 'compiere un pellegrinaggio' (completing a pilgrimage). Here, the verb takes on a sacred, intentional meaning, suggesting that the action is part of a higher purpose.
Il fedele deve compiere un atto di penitenza.
Il portiere ha compiuto un vero miracolo parando quel rigore.
Whether in the intimacy of a family gathering or the formality of a courtroom, compiere is the verb that marks the successful realization of an event. It tells the listener that something has been brought to its full conclusion, leaving nothing undone.
Even for intermediate learners, compiere can be a bit of a minefield. The most frequent errors involve confusion with similar verbs, incorrect auxiliary choice, or misapplication of its various meanings. Let's break down these pitfalls so you can avoid them.
- Mistake 1: Using 'Diventare' for Birthdays
- English speakers often translate 'to turn [age]' as 'diventare.' However, saying 'Sono diventato 20 anni' is incorrect and sounds like you physically transformed into the number 20. The correct verb is always compiere. Correct: 'Ho compiuto 20 anni.'
Sbagliato: Ieri mio figlio è diventato sei anni.
Corretto: Ieri mio figlio ha compiuto sei anni.
- Mistake 2: Confusing 'Compiere' with 'Finire'
- While both verbs imply an end, finire is more general. You 'finire' (finish) a book or a meal, but you compiere (fulfill/complete) a mission or a cycle. Compiere has a more formal and 'grand' connotation. Using compiere for simple daily tasks like washing dishes would sound overly dramatic.
Non si dice 'compiere la cena', ma si dice 'compiere un'opera d'arte'.
- Mistake 3: The Auxiliary Verb 'Essere'
- Because compiere is transitive, it takes avere in compound tenses. A common error is using essere, perhaps because 'to be [age]' uses 'essere' in other contexts. Remember: 'Lui HA compiuto,' not 'Lui È compiuto' (unless you are using 'compiuto' as an adjective meaning 'he is complete/mature').
Il ladro ha compiuto il furto prima dell'alba.
Oggi compiamo dieci anni di matrimonio!
By keeping these distinctions in mind—especially the specific use for age and the formal tone required for actions—you will use compiere like a true Italophone. It's a word that adds elegance and precision to your speech, provided it's used in the right context.
To truly enrich your vocabulary, you must understand how compiere relates to its synonyms. While it means 'to complete' or 'to fulfill,' other verbs might be more appropriate depending on whether you are talking about a project, a crime, or a simple task.
- Compiere vs. Eseguire
- Eseguire is more technical and often refers to following instructions or performing a specific technical action (like 'eseguire un comando' or 'eseguire un brano musicale'). Compiere is broader and often implies a more significant or holistic completion.
Il soldato ha compiuto la missione, mentre il tecnico ha eseguito l'ordine.
- Compiere vs. Commettere
- When talking about crimes or mistakes, compiere and commettere are often interchangeable. However, commettere is more specific to negative actions ('commettere un errore,' 'commettere un peccato'). Compiere is more neutral and can be used for both good and bad deeds.
È difficile compiere un'impresa così grande senza aiuto.
- Compiere vs. Realizzare
- Realizzare often implies making something real or concrete, like a dream or a film project. Compiere focuses more on the act of completion itself. You 'realizzare' a dream, but you 'compiere' a journey.
Dopo anni di lavoro, ha compiuto il suo capolavoro.
Oggi compio gli anni, ma non mi sento più vecchio.
Understanding these nuances allows you to choose the most precise word for the situation. While compiere is a powerful all-rounder, knowing when to swap it for eseguire or realizzare will make your Italian sound much more natural and sophisticated.
Examples by Level
Oggi compio sette anni.
Today I turn seven years old.
Present tense, 1st person singular.
Quanti anni compi domani?
How many years are you turning tomorrow?
Present tense, 2nd person singular.
Mio fratello compie diciotto anni.
My brother is turning eighteen.
Present tense, 3rd person singular.
La mia gatta compie tre anni.
My cat is turning three.
Subject is 'la mia gatta'.
Noi compiamo gli anni lo stesso giorno.
We have our birthdays on the same day.
Present tense, 1st person plural.
I gemelli compiono dieci anni.
The twins are turning ten.
Present tense, 3rd person plural.
Voglio compiere gli anni in Italia.
I want to have my birthday in Italy.
Infinitive after 'voglio'.
Lei compie gli anni a luglio.
She has her birthday in July.
Preposition 'a' before the month.
Ho compiuto un lungo viaggio.
I have completed a long journey.
Passato prossimo with 'avere'.
Dobbiamo compiere questo lavoro entro sera.
We must complete this work by evening.
Infinitive after 'dobbiamo'.
Hai compiuto i tuoi compiti?
Have you finished your chores/homework?
Passato prossimo, 2nd person singular.
L'atleta ha compiuto un giro di pista.
The athlete has completed a lap of the track.
Direct object is 'un giro'.
Compiere vent'anni è un traguardo importante.
Turning twenty is an important milestone.
Infinitive used as a noun.
Mio nonno ha compiuto ottant'anni ieri.
My grandfather turned eighty yesterday.
Passato prossimo.
Spero di compiere presto questa missione.
I hope to complete this mission soon.
Infinitive after 'spero di'.
Loro hanno compiuto molte attività oggi.
They have completed many activities today.
Plural direct object.
Il soldato deve compiere il suo dovere.
The soldier must fulfill his duty.
Formal use of 'compiere'.
Abbiamo compiuto grandi progressi quest'anno.
We have made great progress this year.
Abstract direct object.
È necessario compiere una scelta difficile.
It is necessary to make a difficult choice.
Impersonal construction.
Il ricercatore ha compiuto un'importante scoperta.
The researcher has made an important discovery.
Professional context.
Bisogna compiere ogni sforzo per aiutare.
Every effort must be made to help.
'Bisogna' + infinitive.
L'azienda ha compiuto cinquant'anni di attività.
The company has completed fifty years of business.
Age applied to an entity.
Hai compiuto la promessa che mi avevi fatto?
Have you fulfilled the promise you made to me?
Relative clause.
L'opera è finalmente compiuta.
The work is finally completed.
Past participle used as an adjective.
Il reo ha compiuto il delitto con premeditazione.
The culprit committed the crime with premeditation.
Legal terminology.
Dobbiamo compiere le formalità burocratiche.
We need to complete the bureaucratic formalities.
Administrative context.
La missione è stata compiuta con successo.
The mission was successfully completed.
Passive voice.
Il governo intende compiere una riforma fiscale.
The government intends to carry out a tax reform.
Political context.
Non si può compiere un'azione senza riflettere.
One cannot perform an action without reflecting.
Impersonal 'si'.
L'indagine è stata compiuta in modo meticoloso.
The investigation was carried out meticulously.
Passive with 'essere'.
Hanno compiuto atti di grande valore civile.
They performed acts of great civil value.
Formal register.
Il destino si deve ancora compiere.
Destiny has yet to be fulfilled.
Reflexive use (passive meaning).
L'artista ha compiuto la sua parabola creativa.
The artist has completed his creative trajectory.
Metaphorical usage.
Egli sentiva di dover compiere un alto mandato.
He felt he had to fulfill a high mandate.
Literary tone.
Il tempo è giunto per compiere l'antico rito.
The time has come to perform the ancient rite.
Ceremonial context.
L'uomo compiuto non teme il giudizio altrui.
The mature/accomplished man does not fear others' judgment.
Adjectival use of the past participle.
Ogni gesto compiuto lascia una traccia indelebile.
Every action performed leaves an indelible trace.
Philosophical reflection.
Hanno compiuto un'analisi sviscerando ogni dettaglio.
They carried out an analysis, gutting every detail.
Academic context.
Il disegno divino si compie attraverso noi.
The divine plan is fulfilled through us.
Theological usage.
Senza compiere sacrifici, non si ottiene nulla.
Without making sacrifices, nothing is obtained.
Gerundial sense (without performing).
L'opera omnia compie il percorso intellettuale dell'autore.
The complete works fulfill the author's intellectual journey.
Sophisticated subject-verb agreement.
Si è compiuta la profezia che tutti temevano.
The prophecy everyone feared has been fulfilled.
Reflexive passive.
Compiere il proprio destino richiede abnegazione.
Fulfilling one's destiny requires self-denial.
High-level vocabulary.
Il reato è stato compiuto in concorso di colpa.
The crime was committed with contributory negligence.
Technical legal jargon.
Egli si sforzava di compiere la perfezione formale.
He strove to achieve formal perfection.
Abstract direct object.
La vendetta fu compiuta con fredda determinazione.
The revenge was carried out with cold determination.
Narrative past.
Il ciclo delle stagioni si compie incessantemente.
The cycle of seasons completes itself incessantly.
Natural cycle description.
Tutto è compiuto, disse l'eroe prima di spirare.
'It is finished,' said the hero before dying.
Biblical/Literary reference.
Common Collocations
Summary
The verb 'compiere' is your go-to word for milestones. Whether you are 'turning' 30, 'committing' a crime, or 'fulfilling' a duty, this verb emphasizes that the action has been brought to its full and final conclusion. Example: 'Ho compiuto il mio dovere' (I have fulfilled my duty).
- Compiere is the essential Italian verb for turning an age (birthdays).
- It is used for fulfilling duties, missions, and formal obligations.
- In legal contexts, it is the standard verb for committing a crime.
- It is more formal than 'fare' and implies a completed cycle.
Related Content
More work words
affermarsi
C1To establish oneself or succeed in a field
affrontare
B1To confront or deal with a problem.
agenda
A2A book for recording appointments and tasks
agevolare
B2To facilitate or make something easier
aggirare
C1To circumvent or bypass a rule or obstacle.
aiutante
B1A person who provides assistance.
allestire
C1To prepare, set up, or organize an event
ambizioso
B2Having a strong desire to succeed
amministrazione
B1The process of managing an organization.
appuntamento
A2A fixed time to meet someone
