Signification
Being a very cool or great person.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is deeply tied to the 90s pop culture, specifically the band 883. For many Italians, it evokes a sense of nostalgia for their youth. In Rome, you might hear 'Sei un mito' followed by 'der quartiere' (of the neighborhood), adding a local, gritty flavor to the praise. In the business-centric North, 'un mito' is often used for someone who navigates complex systems or 'hacks' a problem efficiently. In the South, the phrase is often accompanied by physical gestures like a pat on the back or a 'cinque' (high five).
The Gender Rule
Always use 'un mito' even for women. It's a common trap for learners!
Watch the Sarcasm
Be careful with your tone. 'Sei un mito' said with a roll of the eyes means 'You're an idiot.'
Signification
Being a very cool or great person.
The Gender Rule
Always use 'un mito' even for women. It's a common trap for learners!
Watch the Sarcasm
Be careful with your tone. 'Sei un mito' said with a roll of the eyes means 'You're an idiot.'
Add 'Proprio'
To sound more native, add 'proprio': 'Sei proprio un mito!'
90s Vibes
If you want to impress Italians, mention the song by 883 when you use the phrase.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
Giulia mi ha aiutato a studiare per tre ore. Giulia, sei ___!
Even though Giulia is female, 'un mito' remains masculine.
Which situation is most appropriate for saying 'Sei un mito!'?
Choose the best context:
The phrase is informal and used for friends and helpful acts.
Complete the dialogue.
Marco: 'Ho trovato i tuoi occhiali sotto il divano!' Tu: 'Davvero? Grazie, ___!'
'Sei un mito' is the standard way to thank someone for finding something lost.
Match the Italian phrase to its English equivalent.
Match the pairs:
These are all variations of praise with slightly different nuances.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Mito vs. Leggenda
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesGiulia mi ha aiutato a studiare per tre ore. Giulia, sei ___!
Even though Giulia is female, 'un mito' remains masculine.
Choose the best context:
The phrase is informal and used for friends and helpful acts.
Marco: 'Ho trovato i tuoi occhiali sotto il divano!' Tu: 'Davvero? Grazie, ___!'
'Sei un mito' is the standard way to thank someone for finding something lost.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are all variations of praise with slightly different nuances.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, 'mito' is a masculine noun and doesn't change gender in this idiom. Always say 'Sei un mito.'
Only if you have a very close, informal relationship. Otherwise, it's too casual.
'Mito' is more common in everyday slang, while 'leggenda' sounds a bit more grand or literal.
It has a 90s origin, but it is still very widely used by all generations today.
Usually no. For objects or events, use the adjective 'mitico' (e.g., 'un viaggio mitico').
Yes, it's very similar to calling someone the 'GOAT' or a 'legend' in English.
You say 'Siete dei miti!'
Only sarcastically. If someone fails spectacularly, you might say 'Sei un mito...' ironically.
Yes, 'miti'. 'Loro sono dei miti.'
It became popular in the 90s through Italian pop music, specifically the band 883.
Expressions liées
essere un grande
synonymTo be a great person
essere un mostro
similarTo be incredibly good at something
essere un tipo
contrastTo be a 'character' or a bit strange
idolo
similarIdol
leggenda
synonymLegend
