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balzare

to leap

verb bahl-TSAH-reh Rare
Body & Health Movement

Also means

to jump up

Usage Note

Balzare describes a sudden, energetic leap or spring — balzare in piedi (to leap to one's feet) is a common collocation. It takes essere as its auxiliary in compound tenses: è balzato in piedi ('he leapt to his feet'). The noun balzo ('leap, bound') shares the same root. It is more vivid and literary than the everyday saltare.

Examples

"Il gatto è balzato sul tavolo."

Natural Translation

The cat leapt onto the table.

Literal Translation

The cat is leapt onto-the table

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