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ricambiare

to reciprocate, to return

verb ree-kahm-BYAH-reh Rare

Also means

to exchange (gifts, favours)

Usage Note

Ricambiare combines ri- (again/back) and cambiare (to change/exchange). It is used for reciprocating feelings (ricambiare l'amore = to return love) or exchanging objects (ricambiare un regalo = to exchange a gift). Uses avere as auxiliary. Common in both formal and informal registers.

Examples

"Ha ricambiato il suo sorriso con calore."

Natural Translation

She returned his smile warmly.

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