Significado
Checking someone's certainty.
Contexto cultural
Italians often use 'Sei sicuro?' as a way to start a friendly argument. It's not necessarily a sign of distrust, but a way to engage more deeply in the topic. In the south, the phrase might be accompanied by a specific hand gesture—the 'hand purse' (fingertips together, moving up and down)—to emphasize the 'What are you saying?' aspect. In meetings, 'È sicuro?' (formal) is used to test the reliability of a proposal. It's a way of asking for more data or a stronger commitment. Younger Italians might use 'Sicuro?' sarcastically when a friend says something obvious or something they clearly don't believe.
The 'Ne' Trick
Adding 'ne' (Ne sei sicuro?) makes you sound much more like a native speaker. It's a small word that adds a lot of polish.
Gender Matters
Don't forget to change the ending! Italians will understand you if you say 'sicuro' to a woman, but it will sound very 'foreign'.
Significado
Checking someone's certainty.
The 'Ne' Trick
Adding 'ne' (Ne sei sicuro?) makes you sound much more like a native speaker. It's a small word that adds a lot of polish.
Gender Matters
Don't forget to change the ending! Italians will understand you if you say 'sicuro' to a woman, but it will sound very 'foreign'.
Intonation is Key
A rising intonation at the end makes it a question. A flat intonation with a nod makes it a statement of agreement: 'Sicuro.' (Sure/Certainly).
Ponte a prueba
You are talking to a woman named Maria. Which is correct?
Maria, _______?
Since Maria is female, you must use the feminine ending '-a'.
Complete the sentence to ask 'Are you sure about it?'
___ sei sicuro?
'Ne' is the particle used to mean 'about it' in this context.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: 'Vado a piedi a Roma da Milano.' B: '________? Sono 600 chilometri!'
The speaker is expressing disbelief at a crazy plan, so 'Are you sure?' is the best fit.
Match the phrase to the formality level.
1. È sicuro? 2. Sei sicuro? 3. Sicuro?
'È' is the formal 'Lei' form, 'Sei' is the neutral 'tu' form, and dropping the verb is informal.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Gender & Number Agreement for 'Sicuro'
Masculine
- • Singular: Sicuro
- • Plural: Sicuri
Feminine
- • Singular: Sicura
- • Plural: Sicure
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosMaria, _______?
Since Maria is female, you must use the feminine ending '-a'.
___ sei sicuro?
'Ne' is the particle used to mean 'about it' in this context.
A: 'Vado a piedi a Roma da Milano.' B: '________? Sono 600 chilometri!'
The speaker is expressing disbelief at a crazy plan, so 'Are you sure?' is the best fit.
1. È sicuro? 2. Sei sicuro? 3. Sicuro?
'È' is the formal 'Lei' form, 'Sei' is the neutral 'tu' form, and dropping the verb is informal.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
4 preguntasYes, it's very common in informal speech, similar to just saying 'Sure?' in English.
'Sicuro' is more common for personal feelings and daily plans. 'Certo' is slightly more formal and implies a factual certainty.
You use the 'voi' form: 'Siete sicuri?' (for a mixed group or all men) or 'Siete sicure?' (for all women).
No, it's generally neutral. However, your tone of voice can make it sound skeptical or supportive.
Frases relacionadas
Ne sei certo?
synonymAre you certain about it?
Dici sul serio?
similarAre you serious?
Davvero?
similarReally?
Non sono sicuro
contrastI am not sure
Sicuramente
builds onSurely / Definitely
