Italian Phrase
Soffica le fiamme.
Meaning
Literally, ‘Blow out the flames.’ It’s a direct command telling someone to extinguish a fire by blowing on it. The phrase can be used literally for a small fire or figuratively to calm a heated situation.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to ask someone to put out a candle, a campfire, or any small blaze. It can also appear in figurative contexts, like urging someone to calm down a heated argument.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sofficalefiamme
Verb Imperative (Second Person Singular)
‘Soffica’ is the imperative form of ‘soffiare’ for ‘tu’, used to give a direct command.
Definite Article ‘le’
‘le’ is the feminine plural definite article, agreeing with the noun ‘fiamme’.
Noun ‘fiamma’ (plural ‘fiamme’)
‘Fiamma’ means ‘flame’; the plural ‘fiamme’ refers to multiple flames or a fire.
🗨In Conversation
Le candele stanno per spegnersi, ma il vento le sta facendo riaccendere.
The candles are about to go out, but the wind is making them relight.
Allora soffica le fiamme e tieni la stanza al sicuro.
Then blow out the flames and keep the room safe.
✕Common Mistakes
Soffico le fiamme.
‘Soffico’ is first‑person singular present, not a command.
Soffica le fiamma.
‘Fiamma’ is singular; the article must match the noun’s number.
Soffi le fiamme.
Exclamation mark is fine, but avoid using the formal ‘Lei’ form ‘Soffi le fiamme’ unless speaking politely.
↔Alternatives
Spegni le fiamme.
Turn off the flames.
Estingui il fuoco.
Extinguish the fire.
Soffia via il fuoco.
Blow the fire away.
Cultural Tip
In Italian households, it’s common to ask someone to ‘soffiare le fiamme’ when dealing with candles during celebrations like Christmas or religious festivals. The imperative form is informal; for a polite request you’d say ‘Soffi le fiamme, per favore.’