Signification
To not treat something seriously.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'fare bella figura' (making a good impression) means you should never be seen 'prendendo alla leggera' your social or family obligations. In the South, 'pigliare alla leggera' is more common and often used in the context of 'onore' (honor) and family respect. While meetings might start with casual talk, taking the actual contract details 'alla leggera' is a quick way to lose trust. Italo Calvino's 'Lezioni Americane' discusses 'Leggerezza' as a literary value, but he distinguishes it from 'superficialità', which is what 'prendere alla leggera' implies.
The 'Non' Rule
90% of the time, you will hear this in the negative: 'Non prendere alla leggera...'. It's almost always a warning.
Don't use with people
If you say 'Prendo Maria alla leggera', it sounds like you are physically picking her up. Use 'Non prendo Maria sul serio' instead.
Signification
To not treat something seriously.
The 'Non' Rule
90% of the time, you will hear this in the negative: 'Non prendere alla leggera...'. It's almost always a warning.
Don't use with people
If you say 'Prendo Maria alla leggera', it sounds like you are physically picking her up. Use 'Non prendo Maria sul serio' instead.
The 'La' shortcut
If the context is already known, just say 'Non prenderla alla leggera!' (Don't take IT lightly).
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Non _________ alla leggera questo esame, è molto difficile!
After 'Non' in a general imperative/warning, the infinitive 'prendere' is used.
Which sentence is correct?
Select the correct usage:
The idiom requires the fixed form 'alla leggera'.
Match the response to the situation.
Situazione: Un amico ha un forte dolore ma non vuole andare in ospedale.
Medical issues should not be taken lightly.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Ho deciso di scalare l'Everest senza guida.' B: 'Cosa?! Non puoi _________!'
We use 'la' to refer to the 'situation' or 'decision' (la cosa/la situazione).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesNon _________ alla leggera questo esame, è molto difficile!
After 'Non' in a general imperative/warning, the infinitive 'prendere' is used.
Select the correct usage:
The idiom requires the fixed form 'alla leggera'.
Situazione: Un amico ha un forte dolore ma non vuole andare in ospedale.
Medical issues should not be taken lightly.
A: 'Ho deciso di scalare l'Everest senza guida.' B: 'Cosa?! Non puoi _________!'
We use 'la' to refer to the 'situation' or 'decision' (la cosa/la situazione).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsIt can be, if said to a superior. It sounds like you are correcting their judgment. With friends, it's just helpful advice.
Rarely. It almost always implies that something serious is being treated as trivial. For positive 'lightness', use 'prendere con filosofia'.
'Sottovalutare' is a neutral verb (to underestimate). 'Prendere alla leggera' is more idiomatic and emphasizes the *attitude* of the person.
No! The opposite is 'prendere sul serio' or 'dare importanza'.
Expressions liées
prendere sul serio
contrastTo take seriously.
prendere sottogamba
similarTo underestimate something out of overconfidence.
sottovalutare
synonymTo underestimate.
non dare peso
similarTo not give weight to something.
