spazzare

Spazzare is an Italian verb of the first conjugation meaning to sweep, typically with a broom or similar tool. In its literal sense it refers to cleaning a surface by moving dust or debris, as in spazzare il pavimento or spazzare la neve. The verb is transitive and commonly takes a direct object.

In addition to its physical sense, spazzare is also used metaphorically to mean clearing away or eliminating something, often with the particle via: spazzare via ostacoli, spazzare via una legge. The form spazzare via is separable, so pronoun placement can vary (for example, l’ho spazzato via).

Conjugation follows the standard -are pattern. Present indicative: spazzo, spazzi, spazza, spazziamo, spazzate, spazzano. Imperfect: spazzavo, spazzavi, spazzava, spazzavamo, spazzavate, spazzavano. Passato prossimo is formed with avere: ho spazzato, hai spazzato, ha spazzato, abbiamo spazzato, avete spazzato, hanno spazzato. Gerund: spazzando. Past participle: spazzato. Imperative: spazza, spazzate.

Usage notes: Spazzare is common in everyday Italian and covers both the literal act of sweeping and the broader notion of clearing something away. The separable phrasal verb spazzare via is frequently used to emphasize removal or erasure, as in sweeping away obstacles or opponents. In formal contexts, prefer precise wording when describing cleaning tasks, while metaphorical uses are common in journalistic and literary styles. Regional speech may vary in nuance or frequency of use.