B1 Idiom 비격식체

tempo da lupi

terrible weather

Extremely bad or stormy weather.

🌍

문화적 배경

In rural Italy, the wolf was often a character in 'veglie' (evening storytelling sessions by the fire). Bad weather was the time when these stories were told, reinforcing the link between storms and wolves. Despite the lack of wolves in cities like Milan or Rome, the phrase remains a staple of urban 'small talk' in elevators and offices. In the Alps, 'tempo da lupi' is taken more literally and seriously, often acting as a warning to hikers and skiers about life-threatening conditions. Italian Neorealist and Noir films often use 'tempo da lupi' to set a mood of despair or tension, reflecting the internal state of the characters.

💡

The 'Da' Rule

Use 'da' for any idiom describing what something is 'for' or 'like'. It's a very common pattern in Italian.

⚠️

Don't overdo it

If you use it for every little cloud, you'll sound like a 'lamentone' (a big complainer). Save it for the real storms!

Extremely bad or stormy weather.

💡

The 'Da' Rule

Use 'da' for any idiom describing what something is 'for' or 'like'. It's a very common pattern in Italian.

⚠️

Don't overdo it

If you use it for every little cloud, you'll sound like a 'lamentone' (a big complainer). Save it for the real storms!

🎯

Combine with 'Mamma mia'

For maximum authenticity, start the sentence with 'Mamma mia, che tempo da lupi!'

💬

The Dog Alternative

If you are in a city and it's just rainy/grey, 'tempo da cani' might sound slightly more natural to some locals.

셀프 테스트

Complete the sentence with the correct preposition and animal.

Oggi non vado a correre, c'è un tempo ___ _______.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: da lupi

The correct idiom is 'da lupi'. While 'da cani' is also an idiom, 'da lupi' is the one we are focusing on and is slightly more intense.

In which situation is 'tempo da lupi' MOST appropriate?

Quale situazione descrive un 'tempo da lupi'?

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Una tempesta di neve e vento gelido.

'Tempo da lupi' requires harsh, cold, or stormy conditions.

Complete the dialogue.

A: 'Usciamo a fare una passeggiata?' B: 'Ma sei matto? Guarda fuori, ___ ___ _______ ___ _______!'

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: c'è un tempo da lupi

The context of 'Ma sei matto?' (Are you crazy?) suggests the weather is too bad to go for a walk.

Match the weather description to the idiom.

Match the following:

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Tempo da lupi

Each idiom matches a specific intensity of weather.

🎉 점수: /4

시각 학습 자료

When to use it

Perfect

  • Blizzards
  • Thunderstorms
  • Freezing rain

Wrong

  • Heatwaves
  • Light drizzle
  • Sunny days

연습 문제 은행

4 연습 문제
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition and animal. Fill Blank B1

Oggi non vado a correre, c'è un tempo ___ _______.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: da lupi

The correct idiom is 'da lupi'. While 'da cani' is also an idiom, 'da lupi' is the one we are focusing on and is slightly more intense.

In which situation is 'tempo da lupi' MOST appropriate? Choose A2

Quale situazione descrive un 'tempo da lupi'?

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Una tempesta di neve e vento gelido.

'Tempo da lupi' requires harsh, cold, or stormy conditions.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion B1

A: 'Usciamo a fare una passeggiata?' B: 'Ma sei matto? Guarda fuori, ___ ___ _______ ___ _______!'

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: c'è un tempo da lupi

The context of 'Ma sei matto?' (Are you crazy?) suggests the weather is too bad to go for a walk.

Match the weather description to the idiom. Match B1

왼쪽의 각 항목을 오른쪽의 짝과 연결하세요:

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Tempo da lupi

Each idiom matches a specific intensity of weather.

🎉 점수: /4

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

No, it is informal but widely accepted in neutral contexts like the workplace or with strangers.

No, the idiom is fixed in the plural: 'lupi'.

No, it can mean heavy rain, strong wind, or just a very dark, cold, and miserable day.

'Lupi' is often felt to be more extreme or 'wilder' than 'cani', but they are mostly interchangeable.

Usually no. It implies a 'cold' harshness.

Yes, it is a national idiom, though it has stronger roots in the mountainous North and Center.

Yes, 'giornata da lupi' is a very common and correct variation.

Not really. For good weather, we just say 'un tempo splendido' or 'una bellissima giornata'.

Because wolves come down from the mountains when the weather is at its worst.

Only if you have a friendly relationship with the recipient. Otherwise, use 'tempo avverso'.

관련 표현

🔄

tempo da cani

synonym

Bad weather

🔗

freddo cane

similar

Extremely cold

🔗

in bocca al lupo

builds on

Good luck

🔗

tempo da lupi e da briganti

specialized form

Dangerous weather

🔗

piove a catinelle

similar

Raining cats and dogs

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