Signification
To be concerned for someone.
Contexte culturel
Worrying is often seen as a form of 'care-taking'. A mother who doesn't worry is sometimes jokingly accused of not loving her children enough. In the South, the phrase can be even more dramatic, sometimes replaced by 'stare in pena' (to be in pain/grief) to show extreme concern. With the advent of smartphones, 'stare in pensiero' is now frequently used when someone sees a 'double blue check' on WhatsApp but no reply. While Italians are generally expressive, in a strictly professional context, one might prefer 'essere preoccupato' to sound more objective.
Use 'Stare' for Duration
Use 'stare' instead of 'essere' if you want to emphasize that you've been worrying for a long time (e.g., all night).
Singular Only
Never say 'in pensieri'. It sounds like you have multiple literal thoughts floating in your head, not that you are worried.
Signification
To be concerned for someone.
Use 'Stare' for Duration
Use 'stare' instead of 'essere' if you want to emphasize that you've been worrying for a long time (e.g., all night).
Singular Only
Never say 'in pensieri'. It sounds like you have multiple literal thoughts floating in your head, not that you are worried.
The 'Reassurance' Rule
If someone says they are 'in pensiero' for you, always reply with 'Tranquillo/a' or 'Non ti preoccupare' to close the emotional loop.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct preposition.
Siamo tutti in pensiero ___ te.
In Italian, you are 'in pensiero' *per* (for) someone.
Which sentence is correct?
A friend is late and you are worried.
'Sto in pensiero per te' is the correct idiomatic expression for worry.
Complete the dialogue.
Mamma: 'Perché non hai chiamato?' Figlio: 'Scusa mamma, non volevo...'
'Farti stare in pensiero' means 'to make you worry'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are waiting for a medical result.
When waiting for important news, 'stare in pensiero' is the most natural choice.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Worry vs. Thought
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesSiamo tutti in pensiero ___ te.
In Italian, you are 'in pensiero' *per* (for) someone.
A friend is late and you are worried.
'Sto in pensiero per te' is the correct idiomatic expression for worry.
Mamma: 'Perché non hai chiamato?' Figlio: 'Scusa mamma, non volevo...'
'Farti stare in pensiero' means 'to make you worry'.
Situation: You are waiting for a medical result.
When waiting for important news, 'stare in pensiero' is the most natural choice.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Yes, if you are emotionally attached to it or if its safety is at risk.
'Preoccuparsi' is a verb (action), 'stare in pensiero' is a state (feeling).
No, that would mean 'to stay inside the thought' literally, which is not used.
Yes, it is a standard Italian expression used from North to South.
Use 'Mi hai fatto stare in pensiero'.
Yes, 'Ero in pensiero' or 'Sono stato in pensiero'.
Usually, yes, if you specify who or what you are worried about.
It's medium-strong. It shows real concern but isn't as heavy as 'disperato'.
No, it's strictly for negative or uncertain concerns.
Expressions liées
preoccuparsi
similarTo worry
stare in ansia
similarTo be in a state of anxiety
mettere in pensiero
builds onTo make someone worry
togliersi un pensiero
contrastTo get something off one's mind
darsi pensiero
specialized formTo take the trouble
