B2 Collocation 중립

stare in pensiero

to worry about

To be concerned for someone.

🌍

문화적 배경

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.

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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.

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.

셀프 테스트

Fill in the correct preposition.

Siamo tutti in pensiero ___ te.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: per

In Italian, you are 'in pensiero' *per* (for) someone.

Which sentence is correct?

A friend is late and you are worried.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Sto in pensiero per te.

'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...'

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: ...farti stare in pensiero.

'Farti stare in pensiero' means 'to make you worry'.

Match the phrase to the situation.

Situation: You are waiting for a medical result.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Sto in pensiero per l'esito.

When waiting for important news, 'stare in pensiero' is the most natural choice.

🎉 점수: /4

시각 학습 자료

Worry vs. Thought

Pensare a
Cognitive Thinking about a plan
Stare in pensiero
Emotional Worrying about a person

연습 문제 은행

4 연습 문제
Fill in the correct preposition. Fill Blank B1

Siamo tutti in pensiero ___ te.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: per

In Italian, you are 'in pensiero' *per* (for) someone.

Which sentence is correct? Choose A2

A friend is late and you are worried.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Sto in pensiero per te.

'Sto in pensiero per te' is the correct idiomatic expression for worry.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion B2

Mamma: 'Perché non hai chiamato?' Figlio: 'Scusa mamma, non volevo...'

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: ...farti stare in pensiero.

'Farti stare in pensiero' means 'to make you worry'.

Match the phrase to the situation. situation_matching B1

Situation: You are waiting for a medical result.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Sto in pensiero per l'esito.

When waiting for important news, 'stare in pensiero' is the most natural choice.

🎉 점수: /4

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

It'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.

관련 표현

🔗

preoccuparsi

similar

To worry

🔗

stare in ansia

similar

To be in a state of anxiety

🔗

mettere in pensiero

builds on

To make someone worry

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togliersi un pensiero

contrast

To get something off one's mind

🔗

darsi pensiero

specialized form

To take the trouble

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