At the A1 level, 'bramosia' is a very advanced word that you probably won't use. At this stage, you should focus on the word 'voglia' (want/desire). For example, 'Ho voglia di un gelato' (I want an ice cream). 'Bramosia' is like 'voglia' but much, much stronger. Imagine you don't just want an ice cream, but you feel like you MUST have it, and you've been thinking about it for days. That extreme feeling is what 'bramosia' describes. Even though it's a hard word, knowing it exists helps you understand that Italian has many different words for 'wanting' depending on how strong the feeling is. For now, just remember: Bramosia = Super Strong Wanting.
At the A2 level, you are starting to learn more adjectives and nouns for feelings. 'Bramosia' is a feminine noun (la bramosia). You can think of it as a synonym for 'un desiderio molto forte' (a very strong desire). In A2, you might see this word in simple stories or fairy tales, where a character might have a 'bramosia di oro' (a greed for gold). You should continue to use 'volere' (to want) and 'desiderare' (to desire) for your daily needs, but start recognizing 'bramosia' as a word used in books to describe a character's big, intense goals or their greed. It's a 'Level 10' desire.
At the B1 level, you are moving into intermediate territory and can start using more descriptive language. 'Bramosia' is useful when you want to talk about abstract things like power, fame, or knowledge. Instead of saying 'Lui vuole molto potere,' you can say 'Lui ha una bramosia di potere.' This makes your Italian sound more sophisticated and precise. It's important to notice that 'bramosia' often has a negative tone—it's a desire that might be a bit too much or even unhealthy. You will often find it followed by the preposition 'di'. Use it when you are discussing movies, books, or historical figures who were driven by intense cravings.
At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'bramosia' in your writing and formal speaking. You should understand the difference between 'bramosia' and 'ambizione'. 'Ambizione' is usually good (wanting to succeed), while 'bramosia' is often selfish or uncontrolled. For example, in an essay about the environment, you might write about the 'bramosia di profitto' (greed for profit) of big companies. You should also recognize the adjective 'bramoso' (greedy/desirous). At this level, you are expected to understand the nuance that 'bramosia' is a high-register word, meaning it's used in serious or literary contexts rather than in casual conversation with friends.
At the C1 level, 'bramosia' should be a natural part of your high-level vocabulary. You should be able to use it to discuss complex psychological motivations and literary themes. You understand that 'bramosia' is not just 'greed,' but a 'consuming passion' or 'yearning.' You can use it metaphorically and pair it with a wide range of abstract nouns (bramosia di riscatto, bramosia di infinito). You should also be aware of its literary roots, particularly in the works of Dante, where it represents a spiritual or moral failing. In professional or academic Italian, using 'bramosia' correctly shows that you can navigate the subtle emotional and moral landscape of the language.
At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'bramosia' and its stylistic implications. You can use it to create specific rhetorical effects, perhaps contrasting it with 'anelito' (a noble yearning) to highlight a character's moral struggle. You are comfortable with archaic or poetic uses of the word and can identify it in classical texts without hesitation. You understand how 'bramosia' fits into the broader history of Italian thought regarding human desire and vice. Your usage is flawless, including the plural 'bramosie' when appropriate for poetic effect, and you can explain the word's Germanic etymology and how it differs from Latin-based synonyms in meaning and weight.

bramosia in 30 Sekunden

  • Bramosia means an intense, often greedy or unquenchable desire for something abstract like power or wealth.
  • It is a high-register, literary word, much stronger and more formal than the common 'desiderio'.
  • Grammatically, it is a feminine noun and is almost always used with the preposition 'di'.
  • It often carries a negative connotation of being out of control or morally questionable.

The Italian word bramosia is a sophisticated noun that translates primarily to 'intense desire,' 'craving,' or 'greed.' While the English word 'desire' can be neutral or positive, bramosia often carries a weightier, more visceral, and sometimes darker connotation. It is not merely wanting something; it is an unquenchable thirst, an almost obsessive longing that consumes the individual. In the hierarchy of Italian words for 'wanting,' desiderio is the standard term, voglia is the casual or physical urge, but bramosia is the literary and psychological peak of yearning.

Register and Context
This is a high-register word, typical of formal literature, philosophical discourse, and dramatic storytelling. You will rarely hear it at a supermarket, but you will find it in a political analysis regarding a dictator's 'bramosia di potere' (lust for power) or in a classic novel describing a tragic hero's 'bramosia di conoscenza' (craving for knowledge).
The Nuance of Excess
Unlike 'ambizione' (ambition), which is usually viewed as a positive trait in professional contexts, bramosia implies a lack of control. It suggests that the desire has become a hunger that might lead to ethical compromises. It is the 'insatiability' factor that defines this word.

La sua bramosia di ricchezza lo portò alla rovina totale.

Historically, the term is deeply rooted in the Italian literary tradition. Dante Alighieri and other masters used it to describe the human condition and the various 'vices' that plague the soul. When you use bramosia, you are tapping into a linguistic lineage that views human emotion through a lens of intensity and moral complexity. It is frequently paired with abstract nouns like potere (power), successo (success), or vendetta (revenge).

Sentiva una bramosia incontrollabile di scoprire la verità nascosta.

Semantic Range
While often negative, it can occasionally be used for positive but overwhelming intellectual pursuits, such as 'bramosia di sapere' (a burning desire to know). However, even here, it implies a certain restlessness.

Non era semplice curiosità, era una vera bramosia di vita.

In contemporary Italian, you might find it in high-level journalism or psychological essays. It serves to distinguish between 'wanting' and 'craving.' If you are writing a formal essay or a piece of creative fiction in Italian, mastering bramosia allows you to describe characters with deep, complex motivations. It is the linguistic equivalent of a dark, rich espresso—intense, slightly bitter, and full-bodied.

La bramosia di primeggiare oscurava ogni suo altro sentimento.

Guardava quei gioielli con una bramosia che spaventava chi gli stava accanto.

Using bramosia correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role and its typical collocates. As a feminine noun, it is preceded by feminine articles (la, una, della) and followed by the preposition di (of) to specify the object of the craving. It is rarely used on its own without a qualifier or a prepositional phrase because the word itself begs the question: 'Bramosia for what?'

The 'Bramosia di...' Structure
The most common construction is [Noun] + [di] + [Abstract Noun/Infinitive Verb]. For example: 'bramosia di guadagno' (lust for profit) or 'bramosia di apparire' (desire to be seen/to show off).

La bramosia di conquista ha guidato molti imperatori verso la rovina.

When used with verbs, bramosia often acts as the subject or the direct object of verbs that denote feeling, suppressing, or being driven. Verbs like sentire (to feel), nutrire (to nourish/harbor), frenare (to curb), and essere accecato da (to be blinded by) are perfect companions for this word. It paints a picture of an internal force that is difficult to manage.

Egli nutriva una segreta bramosia per il trono del padre.

Adjective Pairings
To intensify the meaning, use adjectives like 'insaziabile' (insatiable), 'sfrenata' (unbridled), 'ardente' (burning), or 'morbosa' (morbid/unhealthy). These adjectives highlight the extreme nature of the feeling.

La sua bramosia insaziabile di attenzioni stancava tutti i suoi amici.

In academic or legal writing, bramosia might describe the motive behind a crime. For instance, in a court case, a prosecutor might speak of 'bramosia di lucro' (greed for profit) as the primary motivator for a fraud. This elevates the tone from simple 'greed' to a more profound, psychological state of being possessed by the desire for money.

L'imputato ha agito spinto da una cieca bramosia di vendetta.

Metaphorical Usage
It can also be used metaphorically for inanimate objects or personified forces, such as 'la bramosia del fuoco' (the greed of the fire) as it consumes a forest, though this is strictly literary.

C'è una certa bramosia nell'aria stasera, come se tutti aspettassero qualcosa di grande.

Finally, when translating 'bramosia' into English, consider the context. If it's about food, 'craving' might be best. If it's about power, 'lust' or 'greed' fits better. If it's about a goal, 'burning desire' is the most accurate. The Italian word remains the same, but its English shadow changes based on what is being craved.

While bramosia is not a word you'll use to ask for a coffee, it is ubiquitous in the 'high culture' of Italy. If you are a student of Italian literature, you will encounter it frequently. In the works of Dante, Petrarch, and Boccaccio, bramosia (or its root verb bramare) is used to describe the restless nature of the human spirit and the dangers of earthly attachments. Understanding this word is essential for anyone wanting to read the Italian classics in their original form.

Classical Literature
In Dante's 'Inferno,' the concept of 'bramosia' is often linked to the wolf, a symbol of avarice and greed that can never be satisfied. This cultural association remains strong in the Italian psyche.

La bramosia è come un lupo che più mangia e più ha fame.

Moving to the modern era, you will hear this word in Italian Opera. The librettos of Verdi and Puccini are filled with characters driven by bramosia—whether it is the lust for a lover, the thirst for power, or the craving for freedom. When a tenor sings about his 'ardente bramosia,' he is communicating a level of passion that 'desiderio' simply cannot capture. It is a word designed for the stage, for the dramatic crescendo, and for the expression of soul-deep longing.

Nel libretto dell'opera, l'eroe esprime la sua bramosia di giustizia.

Journalism and Media
In high-end newspapers like 'Corriere della Sera' or 'La Repubblica,' editorialists use bramosia to describe societal trends, such as the 'bramosia di consumo' (the craving for consumption) in modern capitalist society.

L'articolo criticava la bramosia di successo facile dei giovani d'oggi.

In contemporary Italian cinema and prestige TV series (like 'Gomorra' or '1992'), bramosia is used to define the motivations of anti-heroes. It provides a more profound explanation for their actions than simple 'greed.' It suggests a psychological void they are trying to fill. Even in dubbed versions of English movies, when a character speaks of an 'all-consuming lust' or 'insatiable greed,' the Italian translators often choose bramosia to maintain the emotional intensity of the original script.

Il cattivo del film era mosso da una bramosia di dominio assoluto.

If you find yourself in a deep conversation with an Italian about life, philosophy, or the state of the world, using bramosia will signal that you possess a high level of linguistic and cultural competence. It shows you understand the nuances of the Italian soul—a soul that is often portrayed as being caught between heavenly aspirations and the 'bramosia' of earthly temptations.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with bramosia is using it too casually. Because 'desire' is a common word in English, learners often reach for bramosia when they should be using desiderio or voglia. If you say 'Ho una bramosia di gelato' (I have a bramosia for ice cream), you sound like a character from a 19th-century gothic novel who is about to die for a scoop of vanilla. It's grammatically correct but pragmatically absurd.

Mistake 1: Over-dramatization
Avoid using bramosia for everyday cravings. Use voglia for food, sleep, or simple activities. Use desiderio for general wishes or romantic feelings. Reserve bramosia for intense, life-altering, or morally questionable cravings.

Incorrect: Ho bramosia di andare al cinema stasera.
Correct: Ho voglia di andare al cinema stasera.

Another common error is confusing bramosia with avidità. While they are related, avidità (greed) is more focused on the accumulation of things (money, objects), whereas bramosia is the emotional state of wanting them. You can have a bramosia di sapere (desire to know), but you wouldn't usually say avidità di sapere unless you mean you are hoarding knowledge in a selfish way. Bramosia is the flame; avidità is the hoarding that results from it.

La sua bramosia lo spingeva a cercare sempre nuove sfide.

Mistake 2: Gender Confusion
Because it ends in '-ia', it is feminine. Some learners mistakenly treat it as masculine because of the 'o' in the middle. It is always la bramosia, never il bramosia.

Incorrect: Quel bramosia di potere.
Correct: Quella bramosia di potere.

A subtle mistake involves the difference between the noun bramosia and the adjective bramoso. Learners often use the noun when they need the adjective to describe a person. If you want to say 'He is greedy for fame,' you should say 'Lui è bramoso di fama,' not 'Lui è bramosia di fama.' The noun describes the feeling; the adjective describes the person possessing the feeling.

Era un uomo bramoso di gloria, non un uomo bramosia.

Finally, be careful with the plural 'bramosie'. While it exists, using it can sometimes make the sentence sound even more antiquated or excessively flowery. Stick to the singular unless you are specifically referring to multiple different types of cravings or a recurring set of desires in a poetic context.

To truly master bramosia, you must see where it sits in the landscape of Italian synonyms for 'desire' and 'greed.' Each word has a specific flavor and boundary. By choosing the right one, you demonstrate a deep understanding of Italian nuance.

Bramosia vs. Desiderio
Desiderio is the generic, neutral term. It can be small ('desiderio di un caffè') or large ('desiderio di pace'). Bramosia is always large, always intense, and often carries a sense of urgency or lack of control.
Bramosia vs. Avidità
Avidità is specifically 'greed'—usually for money or material goods. Bramosia is broader; it can be for power, love, knowledge, or revenge. Avidità is a character trait; bramosia is a driving force.
Bramosia vs. Cupidigia
Cupidigia is a very literary term, often used in religious or moral contexts. It is specifically the 'lust for wealth.' It is even more negative than bramosia and sounds quite archaic.

La cupidigia è la radice di tutti i mali, ma la bramosia di avventura è ciò che ci spinge a viaggiare.

Another interesting alternative is fame (hunger). While literally meaning hunger for food, it is often used metaphorically: 'fame di successo' (hunger for success). This is more common in modern, everyday Italian than bramosia. If you want to sound contemporary and energetic, use fame. If you want to sound sophisticated and deep, use bramosia.

Gli atleti hanno una fame incredibile di vittoria.

Bramosia vs. Smania
Smania implies a physical restlessness or an itch. 'Avere la smania di partire' means you can't sit still because you want to leave. Bramosia is deeper and more psychological.

Non era solo smania di novità, era una bramosia di cambiare vita radicalmente.

In summary, choose bramosia when the desire is intense, potentially overwhelming, and deserves a high-register description. It is the word of poets, philosophers, and dramatic narrators. By understanding its alternatives, you can calibrate your Italian to the exact level of intensity and formality required by the situation.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

Even though Italian is a Latin-based language, many of its most intense 'action' or 'emotion' words actually come from the Germanic tribes (Lombards, Franks) who settled in Italy after the fall of Rome.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /bra.mo.ˈzi.a/
US /bra.mo.ˈzi.a/
The primary stress is on the penultimate syllable: bra-mo-SÌ-a.
Reimt sich auf
Gelosia (jealousy) Cortesia (courtesy) Pazzia (madness) Poesia (poetry) Malattia (illness) Via (way) Magia (magic) Energia (energy)
Häufige Fehler
  • Stressing the 'mo' (bra-MO-sia) - WRONG.
  • Pronouncing the 's' as a sharp 's' like 'sun' instead of a soft 'z' like 'rose'.
  • Making the 'i' too short.
  • Confusing it with the Spanish 'ambición'.
  • Treating the 'ia' as a single syllable diphthong; in Italian, 'ia' at the end with a stressed 'i' is two syllables.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 4/5

Common in literature and newspapers, but requires context to grasp the nuance.

Schreiben 5/5

Hard to use correctly without sounding overly dramatic or archaic.

Sprechen 5/5

Rarely used in daily speech; beginners should stick to 'voglia'.

Hören 4/5

Recognizable in formal speeches, news, and audiobooks.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

Voglia Desiderio Potere Forte Sentire

Als Nächstes lernen

Cupidigia Anelito Ambizione Avarizia Invidia

Fortgeschritten

Concupiscenza Viscerale Insaziabile Atavico Dantesco

Wichtige Grammatik

Nouns ending in '-ia' with stressed 'i'

Bramosìa, Gelosìa, Pazzìa - all feminine and follow the same stress pattern.

Preposition 'di' for specification

La bramosia DI gloria (The craving FOR glory).

Adjective agreement

Una bramosia INSaziabile (Feminine singular agreement).

Use of abstract nouns with 'la'

LA bramosia, LA ricchezza, IL potere.

Abstract nouns as subjects

La bramosia spinge l'uomo a fare errori.

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

La bramosia è un desiderio molto forte.

Bramosia is a very strong desire.

'La bramosia' is feminine singular.

2

Lui ha bramosia di dolci.

He has a craving for sweets.

Use 'di' after bramosia.

3

Non è solo voglia, è bramosia.

It's not just a want, it's a craving.

'Bramosia' is much stronger than 'voglia'.

4

La bramosia di oro è pericolosa.

The greed for gold is dangerous.

'Oro' means gold.

5

Sento una grande bramosia.

I feel a great craving.

Sentire (to feel) is often used with bramosia.

6

La bramosia non è buona.

Bramosia is not good.

Adjectives like 'buona' must be feminine to match 'bramosia'.

7

Hai bramosia di vincere?

Do you have a craving to win?

Vincere is the infinitive verb 'to win'.

8

La bramosia di cibo è fame.

The craving for food is hunger.

'Fame' is the everyday word for hunger.

1

Il re aveva una bramosia di potere infinita.

The king had an infinite lust for power.

Infinita agrees with bramosia.

2

La bramosia può cambiare le persone.

Craving can change people.

Può + infinitive (can change).

3

Leggiamo storie sulla bramosia di ricchezza.

We read stories about the greed for wealth.

Ricchezza is a feminine noun.

4

La sua bramosia era visibile nei suoi occhi.

His craving was visible in his eyes.

Visibile is an adjective for both genders.

5

Non dobbiamo avere bramosia di tutto.

We must not have a craving for everything.

Tutto means everything.

6

La bramosia di sapere è una cosa positiva.

The burning desire to know is a positive thing.

Sapere is 'to know'.

7

Lei combatte la sua bramosia di fumare.

She fights her craving to smoke.

Combattere means to fight.

8

Perché senti questa bramosia?

Why do you feel this craving?

Questa is the feminine demonstrative adjective.

1

La bramosia di successo può portare allo stress.

The craving for success can lead to stress.

Portare a (to lead to).

2

Molti personaggi storici sono stati guidati dalla bramosia.

Many historical figures were driven by greed.

Passive voice: sono stati guidati.

3

È difficile controllare la bramosia di vendetta.

It is difficult to control the lust for revenge.

Vendetta means revenge.

4

La bramosia di avventura lo spinse a viaggiare nel mondo.

The burning desire for adventure pushed him to travel the world.

Spinse is the past remote of spingere.

5

Il film parla della bramosia umana per l'immortalità.

The film is about human craving for immortality.

Umana agrees with bramosia.

6

Non confondere l'ambizione con la bramosia.

Don't confuse ambition with greed.

Confondere con (to confuse with).

7

La bramosia di guadagno facile è una trappola.

The craving for easy gain is a trap.

Guadagno means gain/profit.

8

Sentiva una bramosia sorda che non lo lasciava dormire.

He felt a dull craving that wouldn't let him sleep.

Sorda here means 'dull' or 'persistent'.

1

La bramosia di potere è spesso la causa della corruzione.

The lust for power is often the cause of corruption.

Causa della (cause of the).

2

Dante descrive la bramosia come una lupa magra e affamata.

Dante describes greed as a thin and hungry she-wolf.

Lupa is a female wolf.

3

Soffriva di una bramosia morbosa per il passato.

He suffered from a morbid craving for the past.

Morbosa means morbid or unhealthy.

4

La bramosia di apparire sui social media è un fenomeno moderno.

The craving to appear on social media is a modern phenomenon.

Apparire means to appear/be seen.

5

Bisogna frenare la bramosia di possesso materiale.

One must curb the craving for material possession.

Frenare means to brake or curb.

6

La sua bramosia di libertà era più forte di ogni catena.

His craving for freedom was stronger than any chain.

Più forte di (stronger than).

7

Il romanzo esplora la bramosia di conoscenza proibita.

The novel explores the craving for forbidden knowledge.

Proibita means forbidden.

8

La bramosia di vincere a tutti i costi può essere distruttiva.

The craving to win at all costs can be destructive.

A tutti i costi means 'at all costs'.

1

L'opera di Machiavelli analizza la bramosia di dominio dei principi.

Machiavelli's work analyzes the princes' lust for dominion.

Dominio means dominion or control.

2

La bramosia insaziabile di novità tipica del consumismo.

The insatiable craving for novelty typical of consumerism.

Insaziabile means insatiable.

3

C'è una sottile bramosia nel suo modo di guardare quel quadro.

There is a subtle craving in the way he looks at that painting.

Sottile means subtle.

4

La bramosia di riscatto sociale animava le folle in rivolta.

The craving for social redemption animated the rioting crowds.

Riscatto means redemption or catching up.

5

Non era amore, ma una bramosia carnale priva di sentimento.

It wasn't love, but a carnal lust devoid of feeling.

Carnale means carnal/fleshly.

6

La bramosia di verità lo portò a dubitare di ogni certezza.

The craving for truth led him to doubt every certainty.

Dubitare di (to doubt).

7

La bramosia di gloria spesso nasconde una profonda insicurezza.

The craving for glory often hides a deep insecurity.

Nasconde means hides.

8

Il capitalismo è spesso criticato per alimentare la bramosia individuale.

Capitalism is often criticized for fueling individual greed.

Alimentare means to fuel or feed.

1

La bramosia di infinito è un tema centrale del Romanticismo italiano.

The yearning for the infinite is a central theme of Italian Romanticism.

Infinito means infinite/infinity.

2

Egli era consumato da una bramosia di perfezione quasi patologica.

He was consumed by an almost pathological craving for perfection.

Consumato da (consumed by).

3

La bramosia di possedere l'altro può distruggere anche il legame più solido.

The craving to possess the other can destroy even the strongest bond.

Possedere means to possess.

4

Nella sua bramosia di ascesa, non si curò dei mezzi utilizzati.

In his craving for ascent, he did not care about the means used.

Ascesa means ascent/climb.

5

Le sue bramosie giovanili si erano ormai trasformate in rassegnazione.

His youthful cravings had by now transformed into resignation.

Plural form 'bramosie' used for poetic effect.

6

La bramosia di giustizia non dovrebbe mai sfociare nel desiderio di cieca vendetta.

The craving for justice should never turn into the desire for blind revenge.

Sfociare in (to lead into/flow into).

7

C'è una bramosia di assoluto che pervade l'intera opera dell'autore.

There is a craving for the absolute that pervades the author's entire work.

Assoluto means absolute.

8

L'uomo moderno sembra vittima di una bramosia di tempo che non riesce a saziare.

Modern man seems to be a victim of a craving for time that he cannot satisfy.

Saziare means to satisfy/satiate.

Häufige Kollokationen

Bramosia di potere
Bramosia di lucro
Bramosia di sapere
Bramosia di vendetta
Bramosia insaziabile
Nutrire bramosia
Frenare la bramosia
Bramosia di gloria
Cieca bramosia
Bramosia di vita

Häufige Phrasen

Accendersi di bramosia

— To suddenly become filled with intense desire. It describes a visible emotional change.

I suoi occhi si accesero di bramosia davanti al tesoro.

Soffocare la bramosia

— To suppress or kill a craving. Used in moral or self-control contexts.

Cercò di soffocare la bramosia di rispondere male al capo.

Essere schiavo della bramosia

— To be controlled by one's desires. Implies a lack of free will.

Non essere schiavo della bramosia di denaro.

Bramosia di novità

— A constant need for something new. Often used to describe modern society.

La bramosia di novità ci spinge a comprare telefoni nuovi ogni anno.

Con bramosia

— Doing something with intense craving. Acts as an adverbial phrase.

Guardava la torta con bramosia.

Una bramosia che consuma

— A desire that physically or mentally exhausts the person.

Era una bramosia che consumava ogni sua energia.

Bramosia di successo

— The intense drive to be successful. Can be positive or negative.

La bramosia di successo è il motore di molti giovani imprenditori.

Senza bramosia

— Without greed or intense desire. Describes a state of calm or detachment.

Viveva la sua vita con semplicità, senza bramosia.

Bramosia di primeggiare

— The craving to be first or the best. Often used in sports or competitive work.

La sua bramosia di primeggiare lo rendeva antipatico ai colleghi.

Alimentare la bramosia

— To encourage or increase a desire. Often used for marketing or bad habits.

Le pubblicità non fanno altro che alimentare la bramosia di acquisto.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

bramosia vs Bramito

A 'bramito' is the roar of a deer or large animal. It comes from the same root but means the sound, not the feeling.

bramosia vs Bramosità

A very rare variant of bramosia. Stick to 'bramosia' as it is the standard form.

bramosia vs Bramoso

The adjective form. Don't say 'Lui è bramosia'; say 'Lui è bramoso'.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Avere l'argento vivo addosso"

— While not using the word 'bramosia', this describes the physical restlessness (quicksilver) that often accompanies it.

Quel bambino ha l'argento vivo addosso.

Informal
"Fare la brama di qualcosa"

— An older way to say 'to crave something intensely'.

Faceva la brama di quel pezzo di terra da anni.

Literary
"Bruciare di desiderio"

— To burn with desire; a common idiom that shares the intensity of 'bramosia'.

Bruciava di desiderio per la sua amata.

Neutral
"Non star più nella pelle"

— To be so eager/desirous that you can't stay in your skin.

Non sta più nella pelle dalla bramosia di partire.

Informal
"Mettere l'acquolina in bocca"

— To make someone's mouth water, creating a physical 'bramosia' for food.

Quel profumo mi mette l'acquolina in bocca.

Neutral
"Avere il diavolo in corpo"

— To be driven by an intense, almost demonic energy or desire.

Correva come se avesse il diavolo in corpo.

Informal
"Perdere la testa per..."

— To lose one's head/mind over a desire or person.

Ha perso la testa per la bramosia di potere.

Neutral
"Essere accecato dal desiderio"

— To be blinded by desire, exactly how 'bramosia' is often described.

Era accecato dal desiderio di vendicarsi.

Neutral
"Vendere l'anima al diavolo"

— To sell one's soul to the devil, usually out of 'bramosia' for something earthly.

Ha venduto l'anima al diavolo per la bramosia di ricchezza.

Neutral
"Crepare di voglia"

— To die of wanting (to want something extremely badly).

Crepava di voglia di dirgli la verità.

Informal

Leicht verwechselbar

bramosia vs Avidità

Both mean wanting things.

Avidità is specifically about hoarding/greed for money. Bramosia is the psychological state of intense wanting for anything.

La sua avidità lo rende tirchio; la sua bramosia lo rende inquieto.

bramosia vs Ambizione

Both involve wanting to achieve something.

Ambizione is usually positive and controlled. Bramosia is often negative, obsessive, and uncontrolled.

L'ambizione ti fa studiare; la bramosia ti fa imbrogliare.

bramosia vs Desiderio

They are synonyms.

Desiderio is neutral and common. Bramosia is intense, literary, and often carries a moral weight.

Ho il desiderio di un caffè, ma la bramosia di viaggiare.

bramosia vs Voglia

Both mean 'want'.

Voglia is informal and often physical (food, sleep). Bramosia is formal and psychological/abstract.

Ho voglia di pizza, non bramosia di pizza.

bramosia vs Cupidigia

Both mean greed.

Cupidigia is very archaic/religious and strictly about wealth. Bramosia is more flexible and modern.

La cupidigia è un peccato capitale; la bramosia di sapere è una virtù.

Satzmuster

B1

[Persona] ha una bramosia di [Nome]

Marco ha una bramosia di avventura.

B2

La bramosia di [Verbo] spinge [Qualcuno] a [Azione]

La bramosia di vincere spinge l'atleta a allenarsi sempre.

C1

Essere accecato dalla bramosia di [Nome]

L'imperatore era accecato dalla bramosia di conquista.

C2

Una bramosia di [Nome] che non conosce [Nome]

Una bramosia di infinito che non conosce confini.

B1

Non è facile controllare la propria bramosia

Non è facile controllare la propria bramosia di dolci.

B2

Tutto ciò per bramosia di [Nome]

Ha tradito i suoi amici, tutto ciò per bramosia di denaro.

C1

Nutrire una sorda bramosia per [Qualcosa]

Nutriva una sorda bramosia per quel successo negato.

C2

Quale bramosia ti muove?

Quale bramosia ti muove verso questo destino?

Wortfamilie

Substantive

Bramosia (intense desire)
Brama (longing/craving)

Verben

Bramare (to long for/crave)

Adjektive

Bramoso (greedy/desirous)

Verwandt

Desiderio
Cupidigia
Avidità
Ambizione
Voglia

So verwendest du es

frequency

Low in daily life, High in literature/journalism.

Häufige Fehler
  • Using 'bramosia' for simple hunger. Ho fame.

    'Bramosia' is too intense and formal for a simple physical need like lunch.

  • Saying 'il bramosia'. La bramosia.

    The word is feminine. All nouns ending in '-ia' with a stressed 'i' are feminine.

  • Using 'per' instead of 'di'. Bramosia di gloria.

    While 'per' is sometimes heard, 'di' is the standard and more elegant preposition.

  • Using 'bramosia' as an adjective. Lui è bramoso.

    'Bramosia' is a noun. You need the adjective 'bramoso' to describe a person.

  • Confusing it with 'ambizione'. La sua ambizione lo ha portato al successo.

    If the desire is positive and healthy, use 'ambizione'. If it's obsessive or greedy, use 'bramosia'.

Tipps

Use with Abstract Nouns

Bramosia works best with abstract concepts like power (potere), knowledge (sapere), or revenge (vendetta). Avoid using it with concrete objects like 'bramosia di una macchina' unless you are being poetic.

Add Drama

Use bramosia when you want to emphasize that a character is being driven by an internal force they can't control. It's a great 'storytelling' word.

Always Feminine

Remember: 'La bramosia'. Even if a man is feeling it, the word remains feminine. 'La sua bramosia' (His bramosia).

The 'Di' Rule

Almost always follow 'bramosia' with 'di'. It acts like a bridge to the thing being desired.

Level Up Your Speech

In a formal discussion about society or history, using 'bramosia' will immediately signal to Italians that you are a C1/C2 speaker.

Dante Connection

Remember the image of the hungry wolf. This will help you remember that 'bramosia' is a desire that can never be satisfied.

Avoid Repetition

If you've already used 'bramosia', try 'avidità' for money, 'anelito' for dreams, or 'smania' for restlessness.

The Voiced 'S'

Pronounce the 's' like a 'z'. This makes it sound more authentic and less like a Spanish word.

Consumerism Critique

Use 'bramosia di consumo' when talking about people who buy too many things. It's a very common phrase in Italian cultural critique.

Bramare Verb

Learning the verb 'bramare' (to crave) at the same time will help solidify the noun in your mind.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'BRAM-osia' as someone who wants to 'BRAM' (cram) everything into their life because they are so greedy.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a wolf (like Dante's lupa) with glowing eyes, looking at a pile of gold. That wolf represents 'bramosia'.

Word Web

Potere Ricchezza Sapere Vendetta Successo Gloria Lupa Dante

Herausforderung

Try to write three sentences using 'bramosia' to describe three different characters: a scientist, a king, and a thief.

Wortherkunft

Derived from the verb 'bramare', which comes from the Frankish (Germanic) word '*brāman', meaning 'to roar' or 'to shout'. This suggests an original meaning of a desire so strong it makes one roar or cry out.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To roar or cry out with longing.

Germanic root, integrated into Romance (Italian).

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful when using it to describe people's personal feelings, as it can sound judgmental or overly dramatic.

English speakers might use 'lust' or 'craving', but 'bramosia' is more versatile as it covers both the physical and the intellectual.

Dante Alighieri's 'Inferno' (the She-Wolf of Avarice). Giacomo Leopardi's poems regarding the 'infinito'. Verdi's 'Macbeth' (the lust for power).

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Politics

  • Bramosia di potere
  • Bramosia di controllo
  • Ambizione sfrenata
  • Lotta per il dominio

Literature

  • Bramosia di conoscenza
  • Animo bramoso
  • Desiderio inappagabile
  • Tormento interiore

Economics

  • Bramosia di profitto
  • Speculazione finanziaria
  • Accumulo di ricchezza
  • Mercato dei desideri

Psychology

  • Bramosia compulsiva
  • Bisogno di approvazione
  • Impulso irrefrenabile
  • Vuoto esistenziale

Daily Life (Hyperbolic)

  • Bramosia di vacanze
  • Bramosia di riposo
  • Avere una bramosia pazza
  • Non vedere l'ora

Gesprächseinstiege

"Pensi che la bramosia di successo sia necessaria per essere felici?"

"Qual è la differenza, secondo te, tra ambizione e bramosia?"

"Hai mai provato una bramosia così forte da non riuscire a pensare ad altro?"

"Credi che la società moderna alimenti troppo la nostra bramosia di oggetti materiali?"

"In quale personaggio letterario vedi meglio descritta la bramosia di potere?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Descrivi un momento in cui hai sentito una bramosia di imparare qualcosa di nuovo. Cosa ti spingeva?

Rifletti sulla frase 'la bramosia è la radice dell'infelicità'. Sei d'accordo o no?

Se potessi eliminare una bramosia dal mondo (potere, denaro, fama), quale sceglieresti e perché?

Scrivi una breve storia su un personaggio che viene consumato dalla sua bramosia di scoprire un segreto.

Come riesci a distinguere tra un sano desiderio e una bramosia malsana nella tua vita quotidiana?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Technically yes, but it sounds very exaggerated. Use it only if you want to be funny or if the person is literally starving and obsessed with food. In normal cases, use 'voglia' or 'fame'.

Not always, but about 80% of the time. Phrases like 'bramosia di sapere' (desire for knowledge) or 'bramosia di vita' can be positive, though they still imply a very intense, restless feeling.

It is two syllables: 'ee-ah'. The stress is on the 'ee'. So it sounds like 'bra-mo-ZEE-ah'.

They are very similar. 'Brama' is even more literary and slightly more poetic. 'Bramosia' is more common in modern formal writing like newspapers.

Sometimes, especially in dramatic ballads about lost love or intense passion. It's a 'big' word that fits 'big' emotions.

Yes, the verb is 'bramare'. It means 'to crave' or 'to long for'. Example: 'Bramo la tua presenza' (I crave your presence).

Probably not. It's too emotional. Use 'desiderio' or 'interesse' instead. 'Bramosia' might make you sound aggressive or strange.

Yes, Dante uses it to describe the animalistic nature of sin and the insatiable desires of the souls in hell.

The plural is 'bramosie'. It is used when referring to multiple different cravings. 'Le sue bramosie lo hanno rovinato'.

No, it actually has a Germanic (Frankish) root, which is quite interesting for a Romance language word.

Teste dich selbst 180 Fragen

writing

Scrivi una frase usando 'bramosia di potere'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Descrivi un personaggio letterario usando il termine 'bramosia'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Traduci in italiano: 'The craving for gold'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Usa 'bramosia di sapere' in una frase positiva.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Spiega il significato di 'bramosia di infinito' in un contesto romantico.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Pronuncia ad alta voce: 'La bramosia di potere'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Spiega a voce la differenza tra 'bramosia' e 'ambizione'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Dì: 'Ho bramosia di cioccolato' in modo drammatico.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Usa la parola 'bramoso' per descrivere una persona che conosci (reale o immaginaria).

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Discuti brevemente come la pubblicità alimenta la bramosia di consumo.

Read this aloud:

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listening

Ascolta e scrivi la parola mancante: 'La ____ di gloria lo ha rovinato.'

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listening

Identifica il tono: 'Sento una bramosia di giustizia.'

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listening

Quante sillabe senti in 'bramosia'?

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Quale parola senti: 'bramoso' o 'bramosia'?

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Cosa desidera il narratore in questo brano audio?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Scrivi una frase con 'bramosia di vendetta'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Usa 'bramosia' per descrivere un cattivo dei film.

Read this aloud:

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writing

Traduci: 'Infinite craving'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Fai un esempio di 'bramosia di riscatto'.

Read this aloud:

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listening

Ascolta e scrivi: 'Una bramosia che consuma.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Usa 'nutrire bramosia' in una frase.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Dì: 'Non lasciarti guidare dalla bramosia'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Ascolta: 'La bramosia di verità è un cammino solitario.' Qual è il cammino?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Traduci: 'His insatiable craving for attention'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Dì la parola 'bramosia' tre volte velocemente.

Read this aloud:

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listening

Cosa senti? 'Una bramosia di oro.'

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writing

Scrivi un breve paragrafo sulla 'bramosia di tempo' nell'era moderna.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Dì: 'Non ho bramosia di ricchezza'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Ascolta: 'La bramosia è come un fuoco.' A cosa è paragonata la bramosia?

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Traduci: 'The craving for change'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Spiega perché 'bramosia' è diversa da 'voglia'.

Read this aloud:

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listening

Senti: 'Bramosia insaziabile'. Cosa significa?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Usa 'bramosia di riscatto' in una frase sportiva.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Discuti se la 'bramosia di sapere' può essere negativa.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Senti: 'Una cieca bramosia'. Cosa significa 'cieca'?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Traduci: 'He was driven by greed'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Dì: 'La bramosia di potere è la rovina dei principi'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Senti: 'Senza alcuna bramosia'. Cosa significa?

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Usa 'bramosia' in una frase su un esploratore.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Dì: 'La bramosia di lucro è pericolosa per l'economia'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Senti: 'Bramosia morbosa'. Cosa significa 'morbosa'?

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Traduci: 'A burning craving for justice'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Dì: 'Bramosia'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Senti: 'Una bramosia collettiva'. Cosa significa?

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Descrivi la 'bramosia' usando una metafora.

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Dì: 'La bramosia di conoscenza è l'unica bramosia nobile'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Senti: 'Sento bramosia'. Chi la sente?

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Traduci: 'An unbridled craving for glory'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Spiega a voce perché la bramosia può essere 'cieca'.

Read this aloud:

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listening

Senti: 'Una bramosia di vita'. È un sentimento positivo o negativo?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Usa 'bramosia' in una frase su un collezionista.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Dì: 'La bramosia di vendetta è un veleno'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Senti: 'Una bramosia che acceca'. Cosa fa questa bramosia?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Traduci: 'A craving for absolute power'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Dì: 'Non essere schiavo della tua bramosia'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Senti: 'Una bramosia sfrenata'. Cosa significa 'sfrenata'?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

/ 180 correct

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