Signification
Feeling sad or depressed.
Contexte culturel
Italians often use 'un po'' (a bit) to downplay their own problems so as not to burden others, even if they are actually quite sad. The standard 'cure' for someone who is 'giù' is an invitation to 'prendere un caffè'. It's a social ritual of support. In Rome, you might hear 'stare a terra' as a more emphatic version of being 'giù'. Italian families are very sensitive to the 'umore' (mood) of members. Being 'giù' is often noticed and commented on immediately by 'la mamma'.
The 'Sentirsi' Swap
Use 'sentirsi' instead of 'essere' to sound more natural when talking about your internal feelings.
Don't forget the accent!
In Italian, 'giu' without an accent is a common typo. Always write 'giù'.
Signification
Feeling sad or depressed.
The 'Sentirsi' Swap
Use 'sentirsi' instead of 'essere' to sound more natural when talking about your internal feelings.
Don't forget the accent!
In Italian, 'giu' without an accent is a common typo. Always write 'giù'.
Tirarsi su
The opposite of 'essere giù' is 'tirarsi su' (to pull oneself up/cheer up). Use them together!
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'essere' and the idiom.
Oggi Marco non sorride mai. Lui _______.
We use the 3rd person singular of 'essere' (è) and the correct adverb 'giù'.
Which of these is the most natural way to ask a friend if they are sad?
Ti vedo strano...
'Sei un po' giù?' is the standard idiomatic question for checking on someone's mood.
Fill in the missing response.
A: 'Perché non vieni in pizzeria?' B: 'Scusa, ma ho avuto una brutta giornata e _______.'
The context of a 'bad day' (brutta giornata) requires the 'down' idiom.
Match the feeling to the phrase.
You feel discouraged after a difficult meeting.
'Giù di morale' specifically refers to discouragement or low spirits in a professional or task-oriented context.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesOggi Marco non sorride mai. Lui _______.
We use the 3rd person singular of 'essere' (è) and the correct adverb 'giù'.
Ti vedo strano...
'Sei un po' giù?' is the standard idiomatic question for checking on someone's mood.
A: 'Perché non vieni in pizzeria?' B: 'Scusa, ma ho avuto una brutta giornata e _______.'
The context of a 'bad day' (brutta giornata) requires the 'down' idiom.
You feel discouraged after a difficult meeting.
'Giù di morale' specifically refers to discouragement or low spirits in a professional or task-oriented context.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsNot at all! It's a very polite and common way to express sadness among friends.
No, for height use 'basso'. 'Giù' is for direction or mood.
'Triste' is a direct adjective (sad). 'Giù' is more idiomatic and often implies a temporary state.
You can say 'Sono molto giù' or 'Sono giù di morale'.
Only if you have a very close, friendly relationship. Otherwise, use 'non mi sento molto bene'.
Expressions liées
essere giù di corda
similarTo be out of sorts or lacking energy.
essere al settimo cielo
contrastTo be extremely happy (in seventh heaven).
sentirsi una pezza
specialized formTo feel like a rag/terrible.
avere il morale a terra
builds onTo have very low morale.
