Bedeutung
Having a somewhat heavy body.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Grandmothers often use 'in carne' as a goal for their grandchildren. If a child is 'in carne', it means the grandmother is doing her job well. In the 1950s, 'maggiorate' (curvy actresses like Sophia Loren) were the national ideal of being 'in carne' and beautiful. In the South, being 'in carne' is often associated with 'salute' (health) more strongly than in the fashion-forward North. There is a growing 'body positive' movement in Italy that uses 'in carne' to reclaim beauty for all sizes.
The 'Un Po'' Rule
Always add 'un po'' (a bit) before 'in carne' to sound more natural and polite.
Gender Neutrality
Remember that 'carne' is feminine, but the phrase doesn't change for men. 'Lui è in carne' is correct.
Bedeutung
Having a somewhat heavy body.
The 'Un Po'' Rule
Always add 'un po'' (a bit) before 'in carne' to sound more natural and polite.
Gender Neutrality
Remember that 'carne' is feminine, but the phrase doesn't change for men. 'Lui è in carne' is correct.
Complimenting Babies
If you see an Italian baby, saying 'È bello in carne!' is one of the best compliments you can give.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Mio fratello mangia sempre pasta, per questo è un po' ___ ___.
The idiom is always 'in carne'.
Which sentence is the most polite way to describe someone who is overweight?
Come descriveresti un amico un po' grasso in modo gentile?
'In carne' is the standard polite euphemism.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: 'Hai visto il figlio di Maria?' B: 'Sì, è un bambino bellissimo, ___ ___ ___.'
'Bello in carne' is a common compliment for healthy babies.
Match the Italian phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
Don't confuse the two 'carne' idioms!
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Weight Descriptions in Italian
When to use 'In Carne'
People
- • Babies
- • Relatives
- • Friends
Contexts
- • Family dinner
- • Dating
- • Casual talk
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenMio fratello mangia sempre pasta, per questo è un po' ___ ___.
The idiom is always 'in carne'.
Come descriveresti un amico un po' grasso in modo gentile?
'In carne' is the standard polite euphemism.
A: 'Hai visto il figlio di Maria?' B: 'Sì, è un bambino bellissimo, ___ ___ ___.'
'Bello in carne' is a common compliment for healthy babies.
Ordne jedem Element links seinen Partner rechts zu:
Don't confuse the two 'carne' idioms!
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenGenerally no. It is specifically used to be polite. However, like any comment on weight, it depends on your relationship with the person.
Yes! It's a very common way to say you've gained a little weight without being too hard on yourself.
Only in the older expression 'essere in buone carni'. In the standard 'essere in carne', it stays singular.
The opposite is 'essere magro' (to be thin) or 'essere pelle e ossa' (to be skin and bones).
Yes, it's often used for pets that are a bit chubby.
It is used everywhere, but you might hear it more frequently in the South where traditional views on food and health persist.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
There isn't a perfect way, but 'molto in carne' is still better than 'molto grasso'.
Mostly, yes. For women, 'formosa' is closer to 'curvy', but 'in carne' covers the same ground.
Probably not. It's a bit too personal for a professional setting unless you are a doctor or a tailor.
Verwandte Redewendungen
mettere su carne
builds onTo gain weight
essere in buone carni
similarTo be very healthy and plump
paffuto
similarChubby
formoso
specialized formCurvy/Voluptuous
pieno
similarFull
