Signification
To be very funny and entertaining.
Contexte culturel
Tuscans are famous for their sharp, often irreverent wit ('la vernice'). A Tuscan who is 'un vero spasso' often uses wordplay and local slang. Roman humor is known for being 'caciarone' (noisy/fun). Being 'un vero spasso' in Rome often involves telling long, exaggerated stories in the local dialect. Neapolitan humor is deeply theatrical. Someone who is 'un vero spasso' in Naples might use expressive hand gestures and dramatic facial expressions. On Italian TikTok and Instagram, 'un vero spasso' is often used in hashtags to categorize funny content or 'fail' videos.
The 'Vero' Factor
Always add 'vero' to sound more like a native. 'È uno spasso' is fine, but 'È un vero spasso' is what Italians actually say.
Gender Trap
Never say 'una spassa'. It's a common mistake for English and Spanish speakers. Keep it masculine!
Signification
To be very funny and entertaining.
The 'Vero' Factor
Always add 'vero' to sound more like a native. 'È uno spasso' is fine, but 'È un vero spasso' is what Italians actually say.
Gender Trap
Never say 'una spassa'. It's a common mistake for English and Spanish speakers. Keep it masculine!
Sarcasm Alert
You can use this phrase sarcastically. If someone is being annoying, a dry 'Che spasso...' (What a hoot...) works perfectly.
Social Glue
Use this phrase to compliment your host after a dinner party. It shows you genuinely enjoyed the company.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct form to describe a funny woman named Maria.
Maria è ______.
'Spasso' is a masculine noun and doesn't change gender.
Complete the sentence with the missing words.
Quel film comico è stato un ______ ______.
The idiom is 'un vero spasso'.
Match the situation to the best use of the phrase.
Your friend just did a hilarious impression of a famous singer.
We use the verb 'essere' (to be) to describe the person.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Com'è andata la serata con i tuoi cugini? B: Benissimo, ______!
We use 'è stato' to describe the event (the evening).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Spasso vs. Divertimento
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMaria è ______.
'Spasso' is a masculine noun and doesn't change gender.
Quel film comico è stato un ______ ______.
The idiom is 'un vero spasso'.
Your friend just did a hilarious impression of a famous singer.
We use the verb 'essere' (to be) to describe the person.
A: Com'è andata la serata con i tuoi cugini? B: Benissimo, ______!
We use 'è stato' to describe the event (the evening).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes! You say 'Lei è un vero spasso'. The noun 'spasso' doesn't change gender.
It's more idiomatic and informal. Use 'divertente' in formal writing and 'spasso' in conversation.
In the phrase 'andare a spasso', yes. But in 'essere un vero spasso', it means 'fun'.
No, you should say 'un vero spasso' or 'un grande spasso'.
Probably not. It's a bit too casual. Stick to 'Mi piace lavorare in team'.
'Divertimento' is the general word for fun. 'Spasso' is more about laughter and hilarity.
Yes, 'Questo libro è un vero spasso' is a great way to describe a funny book.
It's informal, but not slang. Everyone from kids to grandparents uses it.
You usually don't. You'd say 'Loro sono un vero spasso' (They are a real hoot).
It's an exclamation meaning 'How fun!' or 'What a hoot!'
Yes, 'spassarsela', which means to have a great time.
Yes, Italians often use it sarcastically to describe something tedious.
Expressions liées
Essere una sagoma
synonymTo be a character/funny person
Far morire dal ridere
builds onTo make someone die of laughter
Divertirsi un mondo
similarTo have a world of fun
Prendere per lo spasso
specialized formTo tease someone
Essere un mattacchione
synonymTo be a prankster/funny guy
