Signification
Making fun of someone.
Contexte culturel
Teasing is an essential part of football culture. Fans will 'prendere in giro' rivals for years about a single lost game. In Tuscany, there is a long literary and social tradition of the 'beffa'—an elaborate prank designed to 'prendere in giro' someone. Romans are famous for their sharp, quick wit. 'Prendere in giro' is almost a greeting in some Roman neighborhoods. Italian parents often use light teasing to teach children humility or to bond with them.
Pronoun Power
Always remember to put the pronoun (mi, ti, lo...) before 'prendi'. It's the most common mistake for beginners!
Watch the Tone
Italians use this phrase with a smile. If you say it with a flat face, it might sound like you are actually angry or offended.
Signification
Making fun of someone.
Pronoun Power
Always remember to put the pronoun (mi, ti, lo...) before 'prendi'. It's the most common mistake for beginners!
Watch the Tone
Italians use this phrase with a smile. If you say it with a flat face, it might sound like you are actually angry or offended.
The 'Ma dai!' Combo
Pair it with 'Ma dai!' (Come on!) for a native sound: 'Ma dai, mi prendi in giro?'
Self-Teasing
Use 'Mi prendo in giro da sola' (I'm making fun of myself) to show you are humble and funny.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'prendere' and the pronoun 'mi'.
Perché ______ ______ in giro? Non è divertente!
The speaker is asking 'Why are YOU teasing ME?', so we use 'mi' (me) and the 'tu' form of 'prendere' (prendi).
Which sentence means 'Don't tease him'?
Choose the correct translation:
'Lo' is the pronoun for 'him'.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: Your friend says he just won a million euros.
This is the natural reaction to an unbelievable claim.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Hai visto? C'è un asino che vola! B: Ma dai, smettila di ______ ______ ______!
B is telling A to stop teasing him/her.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Teasing vs. Joking
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesPerché ______ ______ in giro? Non è divertente!
The speaker is asking 'Why are YOU teasing ME?', so we use 'mi' (me) and the 'tu' form of 'prendere' (prendi).
Choose the correct translation:
'Lo' is the pronoun for 'him'.
Situation: Your friend says he just won a million euros.
This is the natural reaction to an unbelievable claim.
A: Hai visto? C'è un asino che vola! B: Ma dai, smettila di ______ ______ ______!
B is telling A to stop teasing him/her.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsUsually no. It's mostly used for friendly teasing. However, like 'making fun of', it depends on the context and tone.
Only if you have a very friendly, informal relationship. Otherwise, it's better to avoid it.
'Scherzare' is 'to joke' (general). 'Prendere in giro' is 'to tease someone' (specific target).
Exactly this: 'Mi stai prendendo in giro!'
Yes, you can use 'burlarsi di' or 'prendere in giro' with the formal 'Lei': 'Mi sta prendendo in giro?'
It's the past participle. 'Mi ha preso in giro' means 'He teased me'.
Yes, it is a standard Italian expression used from North to South.
Yes! 'Sento che mi state prendendo in giro' is a way to say 'I feel you are tricking me'.
The most common slang version is 'prendere per il culo', but be careful as it is vulgar.
Not necessarily. It can just be mocking someone's new haircut or a mistake they made.
Expressions liées
Scherzare
similarTo joke
Burlarsi di
synonymTo mock/make fun of
Prendere per i fondelli
similarTo pull someone's leg
Deridere
specialized formTo ridicule
Prendere per il culo
synonymTo take the piss
