Gondolarsi

Gondolarsi is an Italian verb, used as a reflexive form of gondolare. In standard Italian it is relatively uncommon, and when it occurs it typically conveys a sense of movement akin to a gondola swaying or rocking.

Etymology and sense. The term derives from gondola, the Venetian boat, with the reflexive suffix -arsi signaling that the action relates to the subject itself. The primary sense is to rock or tilt gently, as a boat does in the water. In literary or descriptive prose it can also be used figuratively to evoke a mood of sinuosity, balance, or calm movement.

Conjugation and usage. Gondolarsi follows the regular -are verbs in the -arsi conjugation. Present tense forms include: io mi gondolo, tu ti gondoli, lui/lei si gondola, noi ci gondoliamo, voi vi gondolate, loro si gondolano. The passato prossimo is formed with essere: mi sono gondolato (m) / mi sono gondolata (f). Other tenses (imperfect, future, subjunctive) exist in the same pattern as other reflexive -arsi verbs. The imperative resembles other reflexive forms: gondolati (tu), si gondoli (Lei), gondoliamoci (noi), gondolatevi (voi), si gondolino (Loro).

Usage notes. Due to its rarity, gondolarsi is more likely to appear in poetic, descriptive, or regional contexts than in everyday speech. It is commonly used to emphasize physical movement or a mood of gentle fluctuation rather than to describe explicit action.

See also. gondola, gondolare, gondolier.