Salto vs. balzo
The Italian words 'salto' and 'balzo' both relate to jumping or leaping, but they have subtle differences in usage and connotation.
Salto
'Salto' typically refers to a more deliberate, athletic, or acrobatic jump. It often implies a jump with a specific technique or purpose.
Il ginnasta ha eseguito un salto mortale.
(The gymnast performed a somersault.)
Fece un salto in lungo di sei metri.
(He made a long jump of six meters.)
Il salto con l'asta è una disciplina olimpica.
(Pole vaulting is an Olympic discipline.)
Balzo
'Balzo' generally indicates a more sudden, spontaneous, or instinctive leap. It can also imply a quick, short jump or a figurative leap.
Il gatto fece un balzo sul divano.
(The cat made a leap onto the couch.)
Con un balzo, raggiunse la cima del muro.
(With a bound, he reached the top of the wall.)
L'azienda ha fatto un balzo in avanti nel mercato.
(The company made a leap forward in the market.)
Summary
While both 'salto' and 'balzo' refer to jumping actions, 'salto' is more often used for planned, technical jumps in sports or acrobatics, while 'balzo' typically describes quick, instinctive leaps or figurative jumps. 'Salto' tends to be more formal or specific, whereas 'balzo' is often used in everyday language for spontaneous actions.