Signification
Experiencing good fortune.
Contexte culturel
In Naples, luck is a serious business. People often carry a 'curniciello' (a red horn-shaped amulet) to ensure they stay 'fortunati' and avoid the 'malocchio'. In professional settings, Italians often use 'essere fortunato' to deflect praise, showing a cultural value of modesty (umiltà). Younger generations often use the slang 'che culo' instead of 'che fortunato', though it is considered vulgar in front of elders. Being 'fortunato' is often seen as something that can be 'jinxed'. If you say you are lucky, you might immediately 'toccare ferro' (touch iron).
Agreement is Key
Always check if you are talking to a man (fortunato) or a woman (fortunata).
Don't use 'Avere'
Avoid saying 'Io ho fortunato'. It's a very common beginner mistake.
Signification
Experiencing good fortune.
Agreement is Key
Always check if you are talking to a man (fortunato) or a woman (fortunata).
Don't use 'Avere'
Avoid saying 'Io ho fortunato'. It's a very common beginner mistake.
Use with 'a'
Connect it to actions with 'a': 'Sono fortunato a vivere qui'.
Modesty
Use it to sound more humble when someone praises your success.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of 'fortunato' (remember gender and number!).
Giulia ha vinto la lotteria. Lei è molto ______.
Giulia is feminine singular, so the adjective must end in -a.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct way to say 'We were lucky'.
We use 'essere' (passato prossimo: siamo stati) with the plural adjective 'fortunati'.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: 'Ho trovato un lavoro fantastico!' B: '______!'
'Sei fortunato' is the standard reaction to someone else's good luck.
Match the sentence to the situation.
Match: 'Siamo fortunati ad avere il sole' to the correct context.
The sentence refers to the weather ('il sole').
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Essere vs Avere
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesGiulia ha vinto la lotteria. Lei è molto ______.
Giulia is feminine singular, so the adjective must end in -a.
Choose the correct way to say 'We were lucky'.
We use 'essere' (passato prossimo: siamo stati) with the plural adjective 'fortunati'.
A: 'Ho trovato un lavoro fantastico!' B: '______!'
'Sei fortunato' is the standard reaction to someone else's good luck.
Match: 'Siamo fortunati ad avere il sole' to the correct context.
The sentence refers to the weather ('il sole').
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, 'fortuna' is a noun. You must say 'essere fortunato' (adjective) or 'avere fortuna' (noun).
It is neutral. You can use it with friends or in a business meeting.
The opposite is 'essere sfortunato'.
Yes, it is the perfect phrase for that: 'Sono stato fortunato alla lotteria'.
You can say 'Sono molto fortunato' or 'Sono fortunatissimo'.
They are very similar. 'Essere fortunato' describes the person, while 'avere fortuna' describes the luck they have.
Yes: 'Siamo fortunati, c'è il sole'.
Not directly, but a 'fortunato' person might be wealthy. For wealthy, use 'ricco'.
You say 'Siete fortunate'.
Yes, especially if you are thanking them for an opportunity.
Expressions liées
avere fortuna
similarTo have luck
nascere con la camicia
idiomTo be born very lucky
fortunatamente
adverbFortunately
portafortuna
nounLucky charm
essere sfortunato
contrastTo be unlucky
