Significado
To feel anxious about something.
Contexto cultural
In Italy, being 'in pensiero' is a sign of love. Mothers often use it to remind children to stay safe, and it's considered polite to tell someone you were 'in pensiero' for them as a way of showing they are important to you. In the South, 'stare in pensiero' is much more common than 'essere'. It reflects a more 'continuous' feeling of worry that is part of daily social interaction. If you are late to a social gathering in Italy, apologizing by saying 'Scusate, non volevo mettervi in pensiero' is a very sophisticated way to acknowledge the group's care for you. In Neorealist films, you often see mothers 'in pensiero' for sons at war or husbands looking for work. It's a trope that defines the 'Italian heart'.
Use 'per'!
Always remember the preposition 'per'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers.
Don't over-dramatize
Don't use it for small things like 'I'm in pensiero for my pizza delivery' unless you're being funny.
Significado
To feel anxious about something.
Use 'per'!
Always remember the preposition 'per'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers.
Don't over-dramatize
Don't use it for small things like 'I'm in pensiero for my pizza delivery' unless you're being funny.
The 'Stare' trick
Use 'stare in pensiero' to sound more like a native speaker in casual conversations.
The 'Mamma' factor
If an Italian mother says this to you, it's a high compliment of her affection.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing preposition.
Sono molto in pensiero ____ mio figlio che è in viaggio.
We always use 'per' after 'essere in pensiero' to indicate who or what we are worried about.
Choose the most natural response.
Scenario: Your friend finally calls you after being unreachable for 5 hours. What do you say?
'Mi hai fatto stare in pensiero' is the standard way to say 'You made me worry!'
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Non risponde al telefono.' B: 'Non __________, sarà scarico.'
After 'non' in the imperative for 'tu', we use the infinitive 'stare'.
Match the phrase to the context.
Match 'Ero in pensiero' with the best situation.
'Ero in pensiero' is used for emotional concern, like a sister being late.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Worry Levels
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosSono molto in pensiero ____ mio figlio che è in viaggio.
We always use 'per' after 'essere in pensiero' to indicate who or what we are worried about.
Scenario: Your friend finally calls you after being unreachable for 5 hours. What do you say?
'Mi hai fatto stare in pensiero' is the standard way to say 'You made me worry!'
A: 'Non risponde al telefono.' B: 'Non __________, sarà scarico.'
After 'non' in the imperative for 'tu', we use the infinitive 'stare'.
Match 'Ero in pensiero' with the best situation.
'Ero in pensiero' is used for emotional concern, like a sister being late.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt's neutral. You can use it with friends, family, or even in a semi-formal email to a colleague you know well.
No, that's incorrect. You must use 'per te'.
'Preoccupato' is more general. 'In pensiero' implies you are actively thinking about the person/situation right now.
Yes, but usually only for important things like 'l'esito di un esame' or 'il futuro'.
Use 'Mi hai fatto stare in pensiero'.
Yes: 'Siamo in pensiero per voi'.
Rarely. You wouldn't say 'Sono in pensiero per me stesso'—you'd just say 'Sono preoccupato'.
It's more common in spoken, informal Italian, especially in the South.
No, that's 'Ti sto pensando'. 'In pensiero' always implies worry.
Only if discussing a serious topic, otherwise 'preoccupato' or 'interessato' is better.
Frases relacionadas
preoccuparsi
synonymTo worry
stare in ansia
similarTo be in a state of anxiety
darsi pensiero
specialized formTo trouble oneself
pensare a
contrastTo think about
mettere in pensiero
builds onTo make someone worry
