Signification
To sense that something will go wrong.
Contexte culturel
Italians often follow a 'brutto presentimento' with a 'gesto scaramantico' (superstitious gesture) like touching iron or their nose to avoid bad luck. In the South, a bad feeling is sometimes associated with the 'malocchio' (evil eye). People might use specific amulets like the 'cornetto' to feel safer. The phrase is a staple in 'Giallo' (thriller/horror) films, used to build tension before a reveal. In Italian business, 'feeling' out a partner is just as important as the contract. A 'brutto presentimento' can actually stall a deal.
Use with 'riguardo a'
To sound more native, use 'riguardo a' instead of 'di' when specifying what the feeling is about.
Don't over-pluralize
While 'presentimenti' exists, the singular 'un brutto presentimento' is much more common for a specific gut feeling.
Signification
To sense that something will go wrong.
Use with 'riguardo a'
To sound more native, use 'riguardo a' instead of 'di' when specifying what the feeling is about.
Don't over-pluralize
While 'presentimenti' exists, the singular 'un brutto presentimento' is much more common for a specific gut feeling.
The 'Sixth Sense'
Italians often call this 'sesto senso'. You can say 'Il mio sesto senso mi dà un brutto presentimento'.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'avere' and the phrase.
Io non vado a quella festa perché _______ un _______ presentimento.
The subject is 'Io', so the verb must be 'ho'. The standard adjective is 'brutto'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct and natural?
Choose the best option:
'Riguardo a' is the correct prepositional link, and 'avere un brutto presentimento' is the correct collocation.
Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.
A: 'Perché non vuoi entrare in quel vecchio castello?' B: '_________________.'
This is the most natural way to express a current gut feeling in this context.
Match the phrase to the most likely situation.
When would you say 'Ho un brutto presentimento'?
The phrase is used for negative anticipation.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIo non vado a quella festa perché _______ un _______ presentimento.
The subject is 'Io', so the verb must be 'ho'. The standard adjective is 'brutto'.
Choose the best option:
'Riguardo a' is the correct prepositional link, and 'avere un brutto presentimento' is the correct collocation.
A: 'Perché non vuoi entrare in quel vecchio castello?' B: '_________________.'
This is the most natural way to express a current gut feeling in this context.
When would you say 'Ho un brutto presentimento'?
The phrase is used for negative anticipation.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsYes, 'cattivo' is perfectly correct, but 'brutto' is more common in spoken Italian.
No. For positive feelings, use 'avere una buona sensazione' or 'avere un buon presentimento' (though the latter is rarer).
If you use 'che' (e.g., 'Ho un brutto presentimento che...'), the following verb should be in the subjunctive.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
A 'sospetto' (suspicion) is usually based on some evidence. A 'presentimento' is pure intuition.
Expressions liées
Sentirsi puzza di bruciato
similarTo smell a rat / to suspect something is wrong.
Presagire il peggio
specialized formTo bode ill / to foresee the worst.
Avere il sentore
similarTo have an inkling.
Toccare ferro
builds onTo touch iron (knock on wood).
