B1 속어 비격식체

essere un asso

to be a whiz

To be very skilled at something.

🌍

문화적 배경

In Italian sports newspapers like 'La Gazzetta dello Sport', 'asso' is frequently used to describe star players, especially those who are decisive in big matches. The term is inseparable from Francesco Baracca, Italy's top WWI fighter ace. His 'cavallino rampante' (prancing horse) was adopted by Enzo Ferrari for his cars. Calling someone 'un asso' is a way to build 'simpatia'. It’s a warm, non-threatening way to acknowledge someone's superiority in a specific task. The concept of the 'Ace' as the best card is universal in Western culture, making this idiom one of the easiest for English or French speakers to adopt.

🎯

The Gender Rule

Always use 'un asso' even for women. Saying 'una assa' is a common mistake that sounds very strange to Italians.

⚠️

Sarcasm Alert

Be careful with your tone. 'Sei proprio un asso' can mean 'You're an idiot' if said with a rolling of the eyes.

To be very skilled at something.

🎯

The Gender Rule

Always use 'un asso' even for women. Saying 'una assa' is a common mistake that sounds very strange to Italians.

⚠️

Sarcasm Alert

Be careful with your tone. 'Sei proprio un asso' can mean 'You're an idiot' if said with a rolling of the eyes.

💬

The 'In' vs 'A' trick

If you follow with a noun (like 'matematica'), use 'in'. If you follow with a verb (like 'cantare'), use 'a'.

셀프 테스트

Fill in the missing preposition (in / a / del).

Mio cugino è un asso ___ riparare i motori.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: a

We use 'a' before an infinitive verb (riparare).

Which sentence is grammatically correct for a woman?

How do you say 'Sara is an ace at chess'?

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Sara è un asso negli scacchi.

'Asso' is a masculine noun and does not change for gender.

Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.

A: 'Ho aggiustato il rubinetto in due minuti!' B: '________'

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Sei un asso!

'Sei un asso!' is the standard idiomatic compliment for a job well done.

Match the person to the description.

Chi è un 'asso del volante'?

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Un bravo pilota

'Volante' means steering wheel, so an 'asso del volante' is a great driver.

🎉 점수: /4

시각 학습 자료

Where to use 'Essere un Asso'

Sports

  • Calcio
  • Tennis
  • Nuoto
🎓

School

  • Matematica
  • Storia
  • Lingue
🏠

Daily Life

  • Cucina
  • Bricolage
  • Guida

연습 문제 은행

4 연습 문제
Fill in the missing preposition (in / a / del). Fill Blank B1

Mio cugino è un asso ___ riparare i motori.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: a

We use 'a' before an infinitive verb (riparare).

Which sentence is grammatically correct for a woman? Choose A2

How do you say 'Sara is an ace at chess'?

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Sara è un asso negli scacchi.

'Asso' is a masculine noun and does not change for gender.

Complete the dialogue with the most natural response. dialogue_completion B1

A: 'Ho aggiustato il rubinetto in due minuti!' B: '________'

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Sei un asso!

'Sei un asso!' is the standard idiomatic compliment for a job well done.

Match the person to the description. situation_matching B1

Chi è un 'asso del volante'?

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Un bravo pilota

'Volante' means steering wheel, so an 'asso del volante' is a great driver.

🎉 점수: /4

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

It's better to be modest. Use it for others. If you must, say 'Dicono che io sia un asso...' (They say I'm an ace...).

Yes, if you're describing a skill you've mastered, but 'esperto' sounds more professional.

The plural is 'essere degli assi'. For example: 'Loro sono degli assi'.

No, it applies to any skill—cooking, math, driving, video games, etc.

'Un asso' is much stronger. It means you are among the best, not just 'good'.

Yes, but usually only for specific domains like 'un asso del volante' or 'un asso della finanza'.

Not at all. It's a timeless idiom used by all generations.

Use the opposite: 'essere una frana' (to be a landslide/failure).

'Campione' implies winning a title; 'asso' implies having the raw skill.

Yes! 'Il mio cane è un asso a prendere la pallina'.

관련 표현

🔗

avere un asso nella manica

builds on

To have an ace up one's sleeve.

🔄

essere un mostro

synonym

To be a monster (at something).

🔄

essere un fuoriclasse

synonym

To be a class apart.

🔗

essere una frana

contrast

To be a landslide / a total failure.

🔗

asso pigliatutto

specialized form

The ace that takes everything.

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