verb

fregare

cheat · to rip off

Ingannare qualcuno o prendere qualcosa senza permesso; può anche significare strofinare una superficie.

Word: fregare

Language: Italian

Meaning and Explanation

Fregare is an Italian verb that primarily means:

To rub or scrub: This is its literal, physical meaning related to moving something back and forth or rubbing it against a surface. For example:
- Devo fregare il pavimento.
  (I have to scrub the floor.)
To cheat, trick, or swindle: In a colloquial or figurative sense, fregare means to deceive or take advantage of someone. This usage is common in everyday speech and informal contexts.
- Mi ha fregato soldi.
  (He cheated me out of money.)
To annoy or bother: Occasionally, it means to bother or trouble someone.
- Non mi fregare!
  (Don’t bother me!)

Parts/Conjugation

fregare is a regular verb belonging to the first conjugation in Italian (-are verbs).

Example in present tense (indicative):

Pronoun	Verb (to cheat/rub)
io	‘frego’
tu	‘fregi’
lui/lei	‘frega’
noi	‘fregiamo’
voi	‘fregate’
loro	‘fregano’

Synonyms

For "to rub": strofinare, sfregare
For "to cheat/trick": ingannare, truffare, raggirare, imbrogliare
For "to bother": scocciare, infastidire

Antonyms

For "to rub": pulire (to clean), asciugare (to dry)
For "to cheat/trick": onestà (honesty), rispettare (to respect, to honor)
For "to bother": lasciare in pace (to leave alone), aiutare (to help)

Notes

The figurative and colloquial use of fregare to mean "to cheat" or "to sting someone financially" is very common in informal Italian.
When used reflexively (fregarsene), it means "to not care" or "to not give a damn."
- Non me ne frega niente!
  (I don't care at all!)

Summary:
Fregare can mean "to rub/scrub" or "to cheat/trick," with figurative uses ranging from deception to annoyance. The context determines the specific meaning.