smarrirsi

Smarrirsi is an Italian verb, reflexive form of smarrire, meaning to lose oneself or to get lost. It can describe physical disorientation—losing the way in a city, forest, or during travel—as well as a figurative sense of confusion or lack of direction in a situation, in thoughts, or in a discussion. The reflexive construction emphasizes the subject’s own experience of becoming lost.

As a pronominal verb, smarrirsi is used intransitively in the reflexive form (mi smarrisco, ti smarrisci, si smarrisce, ci smarriamo, vi smarrite, si smarriscono). It is commonly paired with locations or contexts: smarrirsi per strada, smarrirsi nel bosco, smarrirsi tra i contorni di un problema. In addition, smarrire, the non-reflexive form, means to misplace or lose something (ho smarrito le chiavi; ho smarrito l’orientamento), while smarrirsi focuses on the subject losing their way.

Figuratively, smarrirsi is used to express bewilderment or a loss of sense of purpose: “si è smarrito tra i ricordi,” “si è smarrito nel labirinto di pensieri.” The expression often conveys a sense of temporary disorientation rather than permanent ruin, and can be used in personal, travel, or intellectual contexts.

Related terms include perdersi (to get lost, common synonym), sbagliare strada, and smarrire (to lose something). The term appears in literary and everyday Italian, frequently in descriptions of navigation, decision-making, or introspection.

Examples: “Mi sono smarrito nel centro storico.” “Durante il viaggio ci siamo smarriti, ma alla fine abbiamo ritrovato la via.”