Signification
Finding a reason to explain.
Contexte culturel
In Italy, 'prendere una scusa' is often seen as a polite necessity. Being too direct can be perceived as 'maleducato' (rude). A white lie is often preferred over a harsh truth to maintain social harmony. Similar to Italy, Japan values 'Tatemae' (public face). However, 'iiwake' (excuses) are generally frowned upon in professional settings more than in Italy. American culture often values 'radical honesty' or 'directness'. While excuses are used, there is a stronger cultural push to just say 'I can't make it'. The 'Jeitinho Brasileiro' involves finding creative ways around rules, which often involves 'taking excuses' that are socially accepted as part of the game.
The 'Di' Rule
Always use 'di' if you follow the phrase with a verb: 'Prendo la scusa di studiare'.
Don't overdo it
If you 'prendi scuse' too often, Italians will call you 'un contaballe' (a storyteller/liar).
Signification
Finding a reason to explain.
The 'Di' Rule
Always use 'di' if you follow the phrase with a verb: 'Prendo la scusa di studiare'.
Don't overdo it
If you 'prendi scuse' too often, Italians will call you 'un contaballe' (a storyteller/liar).
The 'Traffico' Classic
In big cities like Rome or Milan, 'il traffico' is the most socially accepted 'scusa' to 'prendere'. No one will ever question it.
Face Saving
Accepting someone's 'scusa' even if you know it's fake is a sign of high social intelligence in Italy.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'prendere'.
Ieri non volevo uscire, quindi ho ________ una scusa.
The sentence is in the past (ieri), so we need the passato prossimo 'ho preso'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'He used the excuse of the rain'?
'Prendere la scusa di' is the standard idiom.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: 'Perché non sei venuto al cinema?' B: 'Scusa, ho ________ la scusa del lavoro, ma ero solo stanco.'
Both 'preso' and 'inventato' work perfectly in this context.
Match the excuse to the situation.
Situation: You are late for a date. Excuse: 'The bus was late.'
The bus is a common and logical excuse for being late.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Prendere vs Chiedere
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIeri non volevo uscire, quindi ho ________ una scusa.
The sentence is in the past (ieri), so we need the passato prossimo 'ho preso'.
How do you say 'He used the excuse of the rain'?
'Prendere la scusa di' is the standard idiom.
A: 'Perché non sei venuto al cinema?' B: 'Scusa, ho ________ la scusa del lavoro, ma ero solo stanco.'
Both 'preso' and 'inventato' work perfectly in this context.
Situation: You are late for a date. Excuse: 'The bus was late.'
The bus is a common and logical excuse for being late.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt's grammatically understandable but sounds like a direct translation from English. Use 'prendere' or 'inventare' instead.
No, it's often considered more polite than being brutally honest in social situations.
'Scusa' is one excuse; 'scuse' is the plural. 'Prendere scuse' (plural) often implies a habit of making excuses.
You can say 'Sto prendendo una scusa'.
Better not. In an interview, use 'giustificare' or 'spiegare'. 'Prendere una scusa' sounds like you are trying to hide something.
Yes, 'prendere un pretesto' is a more formal synonym.
Even if it's true, you can still say 'ho preso la scusa di...' to mean you used that true fact to avoid something else.
Not necessarily. It just means using a reason as a justification. The reason could be 100% true.
It's 'Io ho preso', 'Tu hai preso', etc. It uses the auxiliary 'avere'.
You might hear 'mollare una scusa' (to drop an excuse), which is very informal.
Expressions liées
chiedere scusa
contrastTo apologize
accampare scuse
similarTo make up excuses (plural)
senza scuse
contrastWithout excuses / No excuses
una scusa bella e buona
specialized formA total lie / A blatant excuse
scusa non richiesta, accusa manifesta
builds onAn unasked excuse is a manifest accusation
