Significado
To feel anxious about something.
Contexto cultural
The 'apprensione' of the Italian mother is a trope in cinema and literature, symbolizing deep maternal bond and sometimes overprotectiveness. News anchors frequently use 'L'Italia è in apprensione' during national crises, creating a sense of national unity through shared worry. Italians often feel 'apprensione' regarding 'correnti d'aria' (drafts), which are culturally believed to cause various illnesses. Sometimes, being 'in apprensione' is seen as a way to 'pre-pay' for good luck, as if worrying hard enough will prevent the bad thing from happening.
Use 'Stare' not 'Essere'
While 'essere' is okay, using 'stare' makes you sound much more like a native speaker as it emphasizes the ongoing state.
The 'Mamma' Factor
If an Italian tells you they were 'in apprensione' for you, take it as a compliment—it means they care deeply.
Significado
To feel anxious about something.
Use 'Stare' not 'Essere'
While 'essere' is okay, using 'stare' makes you sound much more like a native speaker as it emphasizes the ongoing state.
The 'Mamma' Factor
If an Italian tells you they were 'in apprensione' for you, take it as a compliment—it means they care deeply.
False Friend Alert
Remember that in Spanish and French, the cognates have different nuances. Stick to the 'worry' meaning in Italian.
Pair with 'Finché'
It's very common to say 'Sono stato in apprensione finché...' (I was worried until...).
Ponte a prueba
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'stare' and the preposition 'per'.
I genitori ___ sempre in apprensione ___ i figli.
We use 'stare' for the state and 'per' for the object of worry.
Which situation best fits the phrase 'stare in apprensione'?
Quale situazione è adatta?
This involves the specific 'protective worry' and 'waiting' central to the phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Perché non hai risposto al telefono?' B: 'Scusa, non volevo ___.'
'Farti stare in apprensione' is the standard way to say 'make you worry'.
Match the Italian phrase to its English equivalent.
Abbina le frasi:
These are all common variations of the root concept.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
When to use 'Apprensione'
Health
- • Surgery
- • Illness
- • Test results
Safety
- • Late arrival
- • Travel
- • Storms
Future
- • Exams
- • Job interviews
- • News
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosI genitori ___ sempre in apprensione ___ i figli.
We use 'stare' for the state and 'per' for the object of worry.
Quale situazione è adatta?
This involves the specific 'protective worry' and 'waiting' central to the phrase.
A: 'Perché non hai risposto al telefono?' B: 'Scusa, non volevo ___.'
'Farti stare in apprensione' is the standard way to say 'make you worry'.
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
These are all common variations of the root concept.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
12 preguntasYes, it describes a stressful state, but it is often associated with positive feelings like love and care.
Usually, you are in apprensione *for* someone else or an external event. If you are just worried about your own feelings, 'essere ansioso' is more common.
'Preoccupazione' is more general. 'Apprensione' is more intense and usually involves waiting for a specific outcome.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss, your mother, or in a newspaper.
It's less common than 'stare in apprensione', but you can say 'Ho un po' di apprensione per...'
No, that is 'apprendere' or 'comprendere'.
Mi fai stare in apprensione.
Yes, if you are very emotionally invested in the result.
Yes, very often: 'Siamo stati in apprensione tutto il giorno.'
Stare tranquillo or stare sereno.
It can be. It implies someone who worries too much (a worrywart).
Only if the object is very important, like a lost passport or a wedding ring.
Frases relacionadas
stare sulle spine
similarTo be on pins and needles
avere il batticuore
similarTo have a racing heart
mettere ansia
similarTo give someone anxiety
stare tranquillo
contrastTo be calm/relaxed
apprensivo
builds onWorrywart / Apprehensive person
