Bedeutung
To be very skilled at something.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Italian sports newspapers like 'La Gazzetta dello Sport', 'asso' is frequently used to describe star players, especially those who are decisive in big matches. The term is inseparable from Francesco Baracca, Italy's top WWI fighter ace. His 'cavallino rampante' (prancing horse) was adopted by Enzo Ferrari for his cars. Calling someone 'un asso' is a way to build 'simpatia'. It’s a warm, non-threatening way to acknowledge someone's superiority in a specific task. The concept of the 'Ace' as the best card is universal in Western culture, making this idiom one of the easiest for English or French speakers to adopt.
The Gender Rule
Always use 'un asso' even for women. Saying 'una assa' is a common mistake that sounds very strange to Italians.
Sarcasm Alert
Be careful with your tone. 'Sei proprio un asso' can mean 'You're an idiot' if said with a rolling of the eyes.
Bedeutung
To be very skilled at something.
The Gender Rule
Always use 'un asso' even for women. Saying 'una assa' is a common mistake that sounds very strange to Italians.
Sarcasm Alert
Be careful with your tone. 'Sei proprio un asso' can mean 'You're an idiot' if said with a rolling of the eyes.
The 'In' vs 'A' trick
If you follow with a noun (like 'matematica'), use 'in'. If you follow with a verb (like 'cantare'), use 'a'.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the missing preposition (in / a / del).
Mio cugino è un asso ___ riparare i motori.
We use 'a' before an infinitive verb (riparare).
Which sentence is grammatically correct for a woman?
How do you say 'Sara is an ace at chess'?
'Asso' is a masculine noun and does not change for gender.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: 'Ho aggiustato il rubinetto in due minuti!' B: '________'
'Sei un asso!' is the standard idiomatic compliment for a job well done.
Match the person to the description.
Chi è un 'asso del volante'?
'Volante' means steering wheel, so an 'asso del volante' is a great driver.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Where to use 'Essere un Asso'
Sports
- • Calcio
- • Tennis
- • Nuoto
School
- • Matematica
- • Storia
- • Lingue
Daily Life
- • Cucina
- • Bricolage
- • Guida
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenMio cugino è un asso ___ riparare i motori.
We use 'a' before an infinitive verb (riparare).
How do you say 'Sara is an ace at chess'?
'Asso' is a masculine noun and does not change for gender.
A: 'Ho aggiustato il rubinetto in due minuti!' B: '________'
'Sei un asso!' is the standard idiomatic compliment for a job well done.
Chi è un 'asso del volante'?
'Volante' means steering wheel, so an 'asso del volante' is a great driver.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenIt's better to be modest. Use it for others. If you must, say 'Dicono che io sia un asso...' (They say I'm an ace...).
Yes, if you're describing a skill you've mastered, but 'esperto' sounds more professional.
The plural is 'essere degli assi'. For example: 'Loro sono degli assi'.
No, it applies to any skill—cooking, math, driving, video games, etc.
'Un asso' is much stronger. It means you are among the best, not just 'good'.
Yes, but usually only for specific domains like 'un asso del volante' or 'un asso della finanza'.
Not at all. It's a timeless idiom used by all generations.
Use the opposite: 'essere una frana' (to be a landslide/failure).
'Campione' implies winning a title; 'asso' implies having the raw skill.
Yes! 'Il mio cane è un asso a prendere la pallina'.
Verwandte Redewendungen
avere un asso nella manica
builds onTo have an ace up one's sleeve.
essere un mostro
synonymTo be a monster (at something).
essere un fuoriclasse
synonymTo be a class apart.
essere una frana
contrastTo be a landslide / a total failure.
asso pigliatutto
specialized formThe ace that takes everything.
