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incompetente

B2 adjective 12분 분량

incompetente

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 incompetente 30초 만에

설명 incompetente in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'incompetente' means someone is 'not good' at their job. It is a very long word, so don't worry if you find it hard to say at first. You can think of it as the opposite of 'bravo' (good) or 'capace' (capable) when talking about work. For example, if a cook makes terrible food, you might say they are 'incompetente'. It's important to remember that it ends in 'e', so it stays the same for a man or a woman. 'Lui è incompetente' and 'Lei è incompetente' are both correct. At this stage, just focus on recognizing the word when you hear people complaining about service or work. It's a useful word to understand if you are in a restaurant or a shop and things are going wrong. Try to use it simply: 'Il dottore è incompetente' or 'L'operaio è incompetente'. Even though it's a B2 word, knowing it early helps you understand common Italian frustrations. Just remember, it's a bit of a mean word, so use it carefully! You wouldn't say it to your teacher or your boss unless you wanted to get into a lot of trouble. It's mostly a word you use to describe someone else when you are talking to a friend. In A1, we focus on basic adjectives, and this is a great 'power adjective' to add to your list of words for describing people and their abilities. Keep it simple and use it with the verb 'essere'.

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At the A2 level, you can start using 'incompetente' to describe specific people in professional roles. You should also learn the plural form: 'incompetenti'. For example, if you and your friends are unhappy with a group of workers, you can say 'Loro sono incompetenti'. You are starting to learn more about the workplace and public services in Italy, and 'incompetente' is a key word for these topics. You might hear it at the post office ('ufficio postale') or the train station ('stazione'). It's also a good time to learn the noun form: 'un incompetente' (a male incompetent person) and 'un'incompetente' (a female incompetent person). Notice the apostrophe for the female version! This is a common grammar rule in Italian for nouns starting with a vowel. At A2, you can also start to use intensifiers like 'molto' (very). 'Lui è molto incompetente'. This helps you express your feelings more clearly. You might also see this word in simple news headlines or social media posts. Italians love to talk about politics and the economy, and 'incompetente' is a favorite word for critics. By learning this word, you are moving beyond simple adjectives like 'buono' or 'cattivo' and starting to use more specific, adult vocabulary. Practice saying it out loud: in-com-pe-tèn-te. The stress is on the 'ten' syllable. Being able to use this word correctly shows that you are progressing in your ability to describe the world around you in a more detailed way.

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By the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'incompetente' in both spoken and written Italian. You can now use it with more complex sentence structures. For instance, you can use it in a subordinate clause: 'Penso che quel meccanico sia incompetente' (I think that mechanic is incompetent). Notice the use of the subjunctive 'sia'—this is a B1 grammar point! You can also start to distinguish 'incompetente' from similar words like 'incapace' (incapable) or 'ignorante' (ignorant). 'Incompetente' specifically refers to a lack of professional skills. You might use it when writing a formal complaint letter or discussing a problem at work. At this level, you should also be aware of the word's impact. It's a strong word, and using it can change the tone of a conversation. You might use it to express frustration about bureaucracy: 'La burocrazia italiana è spesso gestita da persone incompetenti'. You can also use it to describe yourself in a humble way (though this is rare): 'In questo campo, mi sento un po' incompetente'. This shows you recognize your own lack of skills in a specific area. You are also likely to encounter 'incompetente' in literature or more detailed news articles. It's a word that appears frequently in discussions about 'meritocrazia' (meritocracy). Understanding this word helps you engage in deeper conversations about Italian society and its challenges. You can also start using the preposition 'in' to specify the area: 'È incompetente in informatica'. This makes your criticism more precise and professional.

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At the B2 level, which is the target level for this word, you must master the various contexts and nuances of 'incompetente'. This includes its technical legal meaning regarding jurisdiction. If you are studying for a certification like CILS or CELI, you might encounter a text where a court is described as 'incompetente'. You need to know that this isn't an insult, but a statement about legal authority. You should also be able to use 'incompetente' in more sophisticated arguments about professional standards and ethics. For example, you might discuss the 'negligenza' (negligence) of an 'incompetente' doctor. At this level, you should also be able to use the noun form fluently and with correct articles: 'È un'incompetenza che non possiamo più tollerare' (This is an incompetence we can no longer tolerate). Note that 'incompetenza' is the abstract noun. You should also be familiar with synonyms like 'inetto' or 'impreparato' and know when to use each one to achieve a specific rhetorical effect. In a B2 essay, you might write about the importance of training to prevent 'l'assunzione di personale incompetente'. You should also be aware of the social consequences of using this word. In Italy, calling a professional 'incompetente' can have legal ramifications if it's considered 'diffamazione' (defamation). Therefore, you learn to use it with evidence or in contexts where it's a matter of opinion. You can also use it in the negative to provide a polite evaluation: 'Non è che sia incompetente, ma gli manca l'esperienza necessaria'. This level of nuance is what separates a B2 learner from lower levels.

At the C1 level, you use 'incompetente' with complete precision and can appreciate its use in high-level discourse, such as political philosophy, legal theory, or advanced literary criticism. You understand that 'incompetenza' can be a systemic issue, not just an individual one. You might analyze how 'incompetenza istituzionale' leads to social inequality. Your vocabulary should include related terms like 'imperizia' (lack of technical skill, often used in medical or legal malpractice) and you should know how they differ from 'incompetenza'. For example, 'imperizia' is more specific to a professional error, while 'incompetenza' is a broader lack of ability. You can use 'incompetente' in complex rhetorical structures, such as irony or sarcasm: 'Complimenti, un intervento davvero... competente!' (said sarcastically to mean the opposite). You are also expected to recognize the word in various registers. In a formal academic paper, you might see it used to describe the limits of a specific methodology. In a gritty Italian novel, you might see it used as a visceral insult in a dialogue between characters. You should also be able to discuss the 'Dunning-Kruger effect' in Italian, explaining how 'le persone incompetenti spesso sopravvalutano le proprie capacità'. This requires a high level of linguistic and cognitive flexibility. You are not just learning a word; you are learning how that word functions as a tool for complex social and intellectual analysis. Your use of 'incompetente' should be effortless and perfectly integrated into your overall command of the language.

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At the C2 level, your understanding of 'incompetente' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You can navigate the most subtle linguistic and cultural nuances of the word. You understand its historical evolution from Latin and how its meaning has shifted in different periods of Italian history. You can use it in the most formal settings, such as a supreme court brief or a high-level diplomatic meeting, where the technical meaning of 'incompetenza' (jurisdictional lack) is paramount. You also grasp the full weight of the word as a social label. You can discuss the 'sociologia dell'incompetenza' or how the term is used to gatekeep certain professions. You are familiar with literary references, such as how 'inettitudine' (a close relative of incompetence) is a central theme in 20th-century Italian literature, and you can compare 'incompetente' with these literary concepts. Your pronunciation, including the subtle double 'm' and the perfect open 'e' sounds, should be flawless. You can use the word in puns, wordplay, and complex metaphors. For instance, you might describe a failing political system as 'strutturalmente incompetente a rispondere ai bisogni dei cittadini'. You are also aware of the regional variations in how such insults are delivered, even if the word itself doesn't change. At C2, 'incompetente' is not just a word in your vocabulary; it is a concept you can manipulate with total mastery to express the finest shades of meaning in any given situation, from the most technical to the most emotional.

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incompetente 30초 만에

Incompetente means lacking the skills or knowledge for a specific task or job.
It is both an adjective (incompetent) and a noun (an incompetent person).
In Italian law, it refers to a court's lack of jurisdiction, not a person's intelligence.
It is a strong word, often used to criticize public services, politicians, or workers.

The Italian word incompetente is a sophisticated yet direct adjective used to describe a person or an entity that lacks the necessary skills, knowledge, or qualifications to perform a specific task or fulfill a particular role. While it might sound like a simple insult, its usage in Italian culture is deeply tied to the concepts of professionalism, civic duty, and social merit. To be 'incompetente' is not merely to make a mistake; it is to be fundamentally unequipped for the responsibilities one has undertaken. This word is a cornerstone of Italian social critique, especially when discussing the 'pubblica amministrazione' (public administration) or the 'mondo del lavoro' (world of work). It stems from the Latin 'in-' (not) and 'competere' (to be fit, to coincide), suggesting a mismatch between the person and the position.

Professional Context: In a workplace setting, calling someone 'incompetente' is a serious accusation. It implies a structural failure in their ability to deliver results. For example, a manager might describe a technician as incompetent if they consistently fail to solve basic technical issues. Unlike 'pigro' (lazy), which refers to effort, 'incompetente' refers to capacity.
Legal and Formal Nuance: In legal Italian, 'incompetente' can refer to a court or an official who does not have the jurisdiction to oversee a specific case. This is a neutral, technical usage that lacks the negative emotional weight of the common usage. If a judge is 'incompetente per territorio', it simply means the case belongs in a different city's court.

Non posso credere che abbiano assunto un tecnico così incompetente per riparare il server principale.

Translation: I cannot believe they hired such an incompetent technician to repair the main server.

The term is also frequently used in political discourse. Italian citizens often use 'incompetente' to express frustration with politicians who seem unable to manage public resources effectively. It reflects a demand for 'meritocrazia' (meritocracy), a value that is highly debated in contemporary Italian society. When you hear this word in a heated discussion at a 'piazza' or on a talk show, it usually signals a deep-seated dissatisfaction with the status quo. It is a word that demands accountability.

Il giudice si è dichiarato incompetente a decidere su questa materia specifica.

Social Connotation: Socially, the word is often used to describe someone who is 'clueless' in a specific hobby or social situation, though this is less common than the professional usage. If someone tries to fix a car without knowing anything about engines, they are acting like an 'incompetente'.

È un incompetente totale quando si tratta di giardinaggio; ha ucciso tutte le piante!

In summary, 'incompetente' is a high-utility word for expressing a lack of ability. It spans from technical legal definitions to harsh personal critiques. Understanding its nuances helps an Italian learner navigate professional and social environments where performance and skill are at the forefront of the conversation.

Using incompetente correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical flexibility and its place in sentence structure. As an adjective ending in '-e', it follows the standard rule for Italian adjectives: it is gender-neutral in the singular (both masculine and feminine) and changes to '-i' in the plural. This makes it relatively easy to use across different subjects. However, the placement of the word and the choice of verbs around it can significantly alter the impact of the sentence.

The Verb 'Essere' (To Be): The most common way to use 'incompetente' is with the verb 'essere'. This provides a direct attribution of the quality to the subject. 'Lui è incompetente' (He is incompetent). This is a definitive statement. When using it this way, you are making a judgment about the person's inherent or current state of skill.
The Verb 'Sembrare' (To Seem): To soften the blow or express an observation rather than a fact, Italians often use 'sembrare' (to seem) or 'apparire' (to appear). 'Quel nuovo impiegato sembra incompetente' (That new employee seems incompetent). This suggests that based on current evidence, the person lacks skills, but leaves room for potential improvement or misunderstanding.

La direzione ha dimostrato di essere incompetente nella gestione della crisi aziendale.

Translation: The management has proven to be incompetent in handling the corporate crisis.

When 'incompetente' is used as a noun, it often takes an article. 'È un incompetente' (He is an incompetent person). Adding an intensifier like 'totale', 'assoluto', or 'cronico' can amplify the meaning. 'È un totale incompetente' (He is a total incompetent). This is common in colloquial Italian when someone is particularly frustrated by another's lack of skill.

Le persone incompetenti spesso non si rendono conto dei propri limiti.

Using Prepositions: To specify the area of incompetence, use the preposition 'in' or the phrase 'nel campo di'. 'È incompetente in matematica' (He is incompetent in math). 'È incompetente nel campo dell'informatica' (He is incompetent in the field of computer science). This narrows the scope of the criticism.

Non ritengo che tu sia incompetente, hai solo bisogno di più formazione.

Whether you are writing a formal report or venting to a friend, 'incompetente' provides a precise way to describe a lack of capability. By mastering its use with different verbs and prepositions, you can tailor your Italian to be as sharp or as nuanced as the situation requires.

In Italy, the word incompetente is ubiquitous, appearing in contexts ranging from high-stakes legal proceedings to everyday complaints at the local post office. Understanding where you are likely to encounter this word will help you grasp the cultural frustrations and expectations of Italian society regarding efficiency and skill.

Bureaucracy and Public Services: One of the most common places to hear 'incompetente' is in a queue at a public office. Italians have a complex relationship with their bureaucracy, often feeling that the system is slow and the staff are 'incompetenti'. You might hear a frustrated citizen muttering 'Che banda di incompetenti!' (What a bunch of incompetents!) when a simple procedure takes hours or is handled incorrectly.
Mass Media and News: Italian news programs (TG) and newspapers like 'Corriere della Sera' or 'La Repubblica' frequently use this term when discussing political scandals, failed infrastructure projects, or economic mismanagement. Journalists often question whether certain officials are 'incompetenti' or simply 'corrotti' (corrupt), sparking national debates about the quality of leadership.

I giornali hanno accusato il ministro di essere incompetente riguardo alla nuova riforma fiscale.

Translation: The newspapers accused the minister of being incompetent regarding the new tax reform.

In the legal world, specifically in courtrooms, 'incompetente' is a technical term. If you attend a trial or watch a legal drama, you might hear a lawyer raise an 'eccezione di incompetenza'. This isn't an insult to the judge's intelligence; it's a formal claim that the court does not have the legal authority to hear the case. This distinction is vital for learners to understand so they don't misinterpret legal proceedings.

Dopo l'ennesimo errore, il cliente ha urlato: 'Siete tutti degli incompetenti!'

The Workplace (Ufficio): In the private sector, the word is used during performance reviews or behind-the-scenes office gossip. A 'collega incompetente' is someone who creates more work for others by failing to do their own job correctly. It's a common theme in Italian workplace comedies and literature, highlighting the struggle against mediocrity.

Non possiamo affidare questo progetto a lui, è troppo incompetente per gestire un budget così grande.

Whether it's the frustration of a citizen, the strategy of a lawyer, or the critique of a journalist, 'incompetente' is a word that echoes through the halls of Italian institutions and the streets of its cities, serving as a constant call for better standards and professional integrity.

While incompetente is a cognate with the English 'incompetent', there are several nuances and common pitfalls that English speakers should be aware of when using this word in Italian. Misusing it can lead to confusion or unintended offense, so it is important to understand its specific linguistic boundaries.

Confusion with 'Ignorante': In English, 'ignorant' often means rude or lacking manners. In Italian, 'ignorante' strictly means lacking knowledge about a specific topic. 'Incompetente' is different because it implies a lack of skill or ability to *apply* knowledge. You can be knowledgeable but still be 'incompetente' if you cannot perform the task. Don't call someone 'incompetente' if you simply mean they don't know a fact; use 'ignorante' for that (but be careful, as both are strong words).
Overusing it as a General Insult: English speakers might use 'incompetent' to mean 'stupid' or 'clumsy'. In Italian, 'incompetente' is more specific to professional or technical failure. If someone trips and falls, calling them 'incompetente' would be strange; you would use 'impacciato' or 'goffo'. Reserve 'incompetente' for situations involving skills, duties, or professional roles.

Sbagliato: 'Sei un incompetente perché hai rovesciato il caffè.' (Incorrect if you mean clumsy)

Correct: 'Sei un goffo' or 'Sei stato sbadato'.

Another common mistake is related to gender and number agreement. Since 'incompetente' ends in '-e', many learners forget that it must change to '-i' in the plural, regardless of gender. 'Loro sono incompetenti' (They are incompetent) is the correct plural form for both men and women. Also, remember that as a noun, it follows the gender of the person: 'un incompetente' (a male incompetent) vs 'un'incompetente' (a female incompetent—note the apostrophe).

Corretto: Maria è un'incompetente quando si tratta di aggiustare i computer.

Misunderstanding the Legal Context: As mentioned before, in legal settings, 'incompetente' is not an insult. A mistake learners make is thinking a judge is being insulted when a lawyer says 'il tribunale è incompetente'. They are simply discussing jurisdiction. Don't take it personally if you hear it in a court context!

Il mio avvocato dice che questo ufficio è incompetente per questa pratica.

By avoiding these common errors—distinguishing it from 'ignorante', ensuring correct pluralization and apostrophe use, and recognizing the legal context—you will use 'incompetente' like a native speaker, with precision and appropriate social weight.

While incompetente is a powerful word, Italian offers a rich variety of synonyms and alternatives that allow for more precise or varied expression. Depending on the level of formality and the specific type of 'incompetence' you want to describe, you might choose one of the following terms.

Incapace vs. Incompetente: 'Incapace' is perhaps the closest synonym, but it is often broader and more personal. While 'incompetente' focuses on the lack of professional skill, 'incapace' can suggest a general inability to do anything right. It can also have a legal meaning (someone who is legally unable to care for themselves). 'Incompetente' is usually preferred for professional critiques.
Inetto: 'Inetto' is a literary and very strong word. It implies a total lack of aptitude, often combined with a sense of clumsiness or futility. It was famously used by the Italian writer Italo Svevo in his novel 'La coscienza di Zeno'. Calling someone 'inetto' is much more insulting than 'incompetente' because it attacks their very nature.

Il nuovo stagista è un po' impreparato, ma non è certo un incompetente.

Translation: The new intern is a bit unprepared, but he's certainly not incompetent.

If you want to be less harsh, you can use 'impreparato' (unprepared). This suggests that the person might have the potential, but they haven't studied or trained enough for the specific task at hand. It is a common term used in schools: 'Lo studente era impreparato' (The student was unprepared). Another softer alternative is 'poco esperto' (not very experienced), which attributes the failure to a lack of time rather than a lack of ability.

Quell'impiegato è negligente, non incompetente; sa cosa fare ma non lo fa.

Negligente: This is an important distinction. A 'negligente' person has the skills but fails to use them due to laziness or lack of care. An 'incompetente' person simply doesn't have the skills, no matter how hard they try. In legal and medical contexts, 'negligenza' and 'incompetenza' are often cited together but represent different types of failure.

È un profano della materia, quindi non possiamo aspettarci grandi risultati.

By exploring these alternatives, you can refine your Italian vocabulary to describe various shades of capability and incapacity. Whether you want to be diplomatic with 'impreparato' or devastating with 'inetto', choosing the right word will make your communication far more effective.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The legal meaning of 'incompetente' (lacking jurisdiction) is actually closer to the word's original Latin roots than the common insult meaning. It refers to a person or body whose powers do not 'coincide' with the case at hand.

발음 가이드

UK /in.kom.pe.ˈtɛn.te/

US /in.kəm.pə.ˈtɛn.teɪ/

The primary stress is on the penultimate syllable: in-com-pe-TEN-te.

라임이 맞는 단어

paziente serpente mente mittente urgente agente sapiente corrente

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing the 'in-' like the English 'in' (it should be a pure Italian 'i').
Reducing the 'o' in 'com' to a schwa.
Failing to open the 'e' in the stressed syllable 'ten'.
Pronouncing the final 'e' as an 'i' or 'ay' sound.
Missing the double 'm' feel (though it's written with one 'm', the transition from 'n' to 'c' to 'o' should be crisp).

난이도

독해 3/5

Easy to recognize due to the English cognate, but requires context to distinguish legal vs. general meaning.

쓰기 4/5

Requires careful attention to the plural form and the feminine apostrophe (un'incompetente).

말하기 4/5

The word is long and requires correct stress on the penultimate syllable.

듣기 3/5

Commonly heard in complaints; easy to pick out in a sentence.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

competente lavoro capace bravo sbaglio

다음에 배울 것

incompetenza negligenza imperizia giurisdizione meritocrazia

고급

inetto approssimativo sciatto maldestro inefficiente

알아야 할 문법

Adjectives ending in -e

Lui è incompetente / Lei è incompetente (no change for gender).

Plural of adjectives in -e

Gli uomini sono incompetenti / Le donne sono incompetenti (ends in -i).

Indefinite article with feminine nouns starting with a vowel

Un'incompetente (requires apostrophe).

Subjunctive after verbs of opinion/fear

Temo che sia incompetente (use 'sia' instead of 'è').

Using 'dare di' for epithets

Gli ho dato dell'incompetente (the 'del' is required).

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수준별 예문

Il cameriere è incompetente.

The waiter is incompetent.

Simple subject + verb + adjective structure.

Lei non è incompetente.

She is not incompetent.

Using 'non' for negation.

Sei un incompetente!

You are an incompetent (person)!

Used as a noun with the indefinite article 'un'.

Loro sono incompetenti.

They are incompetent.

Plural form ending in -i.

L'autista è incompetente.

The driver is incompetent.

Adjective describing a professional role.

Siamo incompetenti in questo.

We are incompetent in this.

Using 'in' to specify the area.

Il cuoco è molto incompetente.

The cook is very incompetent.

Using 'molto' as an intensifier.

È un'incompetente.

She is an incompetent (person).

Feminine noun with apostrophe: un'incompetente.

Non voglio lavorare con un collega incompetente.

I don't want to work with an incompetent colleague.

Adjective modifying the noun 'collega'.

La ditta è stata molto incompetente.

The company was very incompetent.

Adjective describing an entity (la ditta).

Il tecnico sembra incompetente oggi.

The technician seems incompetent today.

Using the verb 'sembrare' (to seem).

Tutti dicono che lui è incompetente.

Everyone says that he is incompetent.

Using a 'che' clause.

Questi impiegati sono proprio incompetenti.

These employees are really incompetent.

Plural agreement with 'questi' and 'impiegati'.

Non chiamare quel meccanico, è incompetente.

Don't call that mechanic, he is incompetent.

Imperative 'non chiamare'.

Sei un'incompetente totale!

You are a total incompetent!

Feminine noun + adjective 'totale'.

Mi sento incompetente a fare questo lavoro.

I feel incompetent doing this job.

Reflexive verb 'sentirsi'.

Temo che il nuovo direttore sia incompetente.

I fear that the new director is incompetent.

Subjunctive mood 'sia' after 'temo che'.

È difficile lavorare quando il capo è incompetente.

It's difficult to work when the boss is incompetent.

Impersonal construction 'è difficile'.

Hanno licenziato l'operaio perché era incompetente.

They fired the worker because he was incompetent.

Causal clause with 'perché' and imperfect tense.

Non essere così duro, non è incompetente, è solo stanco.

Don't be so harsh, he's not incompetent, he's just tired.

Negative imperative 'non essere'.

L'amministrazione si è dimostrata incompetente.

The administration proved to be incompetent.

Reflexive verb 'dimostrarsi'.

Cercano un esperto, non un incompetente.

They are looking for an expert, not an incompetent.

Contrast between 'esperto' and 'incompetente'.

È un peccato che tu ti senta incompetente.

It's a pity that you feel incompetent.

Subjunctive 'ti senta' after 'è un peccato che'.

Nessuno vuole essere considerato incompetente.

Nobody wants to be considered incompetent.

Passive construction 'essere considerato'.

Il tribunale si è dichiarato incompetente per territorio.

The court declared itself incompetent due to territory (lack of jurisdiction).

Technical legal usage of the word.

La sua incompetenza ha causato gravi danni all'azienda.

His incompetence caused serious damage to the company.

Using the noun 'incompetenza'.

Non possiamo permetterci di assumere personale incompetente.

We cannot afford to hire incompetent personnel.

Infinitive construction after 'permettersi di'.

È un'accusa pesante dare dell'incompetente a un medico.

It is a heavy accusation to call a doctor incompetent.

Phrase 'dare dell'incompetente' (to call someone incompetent).

Nonostante la sua fama, si è rivelato un totale incompetente.

Despite his fame, he turned out to be a total incompetent.

Contrast using 'nonostante'.

La gestione incompetente dei fondi ha portato al fallimento.

The incompetent management of funds led to bankruptcy.

Adjective modifying the noun 'gestione'.

Si è trattato di un errore dovuto a pura incompetenza.

It was an error due to pure incompetence.

Using 'dovuto a' (due to).

Bisogna distinguere tra errore umano e incompetenza cronica.

One must distinguish between human error and chronic incompetence.

Impersonal 'bisogna' + infinitive.

L'incompetenza professionale può avere risvolti penali.

Professional incompetence can have criminal implications.

Abstract noun as the subject.

È paradossale che un esperto si comporti da incompetente.

It is paradoxical that an expert behaves like an incompetent.

Using 'comportarsi da' (to behave like).

La critica ha stroncato il regista definendolo incompetente.

The critics slammed the director, calling him incompetent.

Gerund 'definendolo'.

L'incompetenza di certi burocrati ostacola il progresso del paese.

The incompetence of certain bureaucrats hinders the country's progress.

High-level social critique.

Non si può mascherare l'incompetenza con la retorica.

One cannot mask incompetence with rhetoric.

Passive 'si può' construction.

Il dibattito si è acceso sulla presunta incompetenza del governo.

The debate heated up over the government's alleged incompetence.

Use of 'presunto' (alleged).

Spesso l'incompetenza è figlia di un sistema clientelare.

Incompetence is often the child of a patronage system.

Metaphorical usage.

Riconoscere di essere incompetenti è il primo passo per imparare.

Recognizing that one is incompetent is the first step toward learning.

Infinitive 'riconoscere' as a subject.

L'eccezione di incompetenza è stata sollevata dalla difesa.

The plea of lack of jurisdiction was raised by the defense.

Highly technical legal terminology.

Siamo di fronte a un'incompetenza di proporzioni bibliche.

We are facing incompetence of biblical proportions.

Hyperbolic expression.

La sua prosa, apparentemente sciatta, non è frutto di incompetenza ma di scelta stilistica.

His prose, seemingly sloppy, is not the result of incompetence but of a stylistic choice.

Complex literary analysis.

L'incompetenza tecnica si sposa, in questo caso, con una totale assenza di etica.

Technical incompetence is coupled, in this case, with a total absence of ethics.

Using 'sposarsi con' metaphorically.

Non v'è nulla di più pericoloso di un incompetente investito di autorità.

There is nothing more dangerous than an incompetent person invested with authority.

Archaic/formal 'v'è'.

Il saggio analizza l'incompetenza come sottoprodotto della modernità.

The essay analyzes incompetence as a byproduct of modernity.

Academic register.

Egli ha stigmatizzato l'incompetenza dilagante nelle istituzioni.

He stigmatized the rampant incompetence in the institutions.

High-level vocabulary like 'stigmatizzare' and 'dilagante'.

L'incompetenza del perito ha invalidato l'intera indagine.

The expert's incompetence invalidated the entire investigation.

Specific term 'perito' (expert witness).

자주 쓰는 조합

giudice incompetente

totale incompetente

personale incompetente

gestione incompetente

dichiararsi incompetente

politico incompetente

medico incompetente

tecnico incompetente

amministrazione incompetente

incompetente cronico

자주 쓰는 구문

Essere un incompetente

— To be an incompetent person. Used as a direct criticism of someone's ability.

Non ascoltarlo, è un incompetente.

Dare dell'incompetente a qualcuno

— To call someone incompetent. This is the standard way to describe the act of accusing someone of incompetence.

Il capo mi ha dato dell'incompetente davanti a tutti.

Per pura incompetenza

— Due to sheer incompetence. Used to explain why a mistake happened.

Il file è andato perso per pura incompetenza del segretario.

Dimostrarsi incompetente

— To prove oneself to be incompetent through actions or results.

Si è dimostrato incompetente fin dal primo giorno di lavoro.

Incompetente in materia

— Incompetent in the subject matter. Used to specify the area of weakness.

Non chiedermi consigli legali, sono incompetente in materia.

Un branco di incompetenti

— A bunch/pack of incompetents. A very common way to describe a group of people (like a department or government).

Quell'ufficio è gestito da un branco di incompetenti.

Risultare incompetente

— To turn out or be found to be incompetent (often after an evaluation).

Dopo il test, il candidato è risultato incompetente.

Ritenere qualcuno incompetente

— To consider someone incompetent. Expresses a personal opinion or judgment.

Ritengo il tuo avvocato del tutto incompetente.

Incompetente per territorio

— Incompetent due to territory. A specific legal phrase regarding jurisdiction.

Il tribunale di Roma è incompetente per territorio in questo caso.

Accusa di incompetenza

— Accusation of incompetence. Used in formal or professional disputes.

L'accusa di incompetenza ha rovinato la sua carriera.

자주 혼동되는 단어

incompetente vs ignorante

In Italian, 'ignorante' means lacking knowledge, while 'incompetente' means lacking the ability to do a job. Don't use 'ignorante' to mean 'rude' like in English.

incompetente vs incapace

'Incapace' is broader and can mean legally unable or generally useless. 'Incompetente' is more specific to skills.

incompetente vs impacciato

'Impacciato' means clumsy or awkward. An 'incompetente' might be very smooth but still not know how to do their job.

관용어 및 표현

"Mettere in mano a un incompetente"

— To put (something important) in the hands of an incompetent person. Implies a recipe for disaster.

Hai messo il progetto in mano a un incompetente!

neutral

"Essere l'ultimo degli incompetenti"

— To be the worst of the incompetents. A hyperbolic way to say someone is extremely bad at their job.

Quel meccanico è l'ultimo degli incompetenti.

informal

"L'incompetenza regna sovrana"

— Incompetence reigns supreme. Used when an entire organization or situation is chaotic and poorly managed.

In questo ufficio l'incompetenza regna sovrana.

neutral

"Fare la figura dell'incompetente"

— To look like an incompetent person (to make a bad impression).

Non volevo fare la figura dell'incompetente alla riunione.

neutral

"Gridare all'incompetenza"

— To cry incompetence. To publicly accuse someone or something of being incompetent.

Tutti hanno gridato all'incompetenza dopo il crollo del ponte.

neutral

"Incompetenza da manuale"

— Textbook incompetence. A perfect or classic example of being incompetent.

Questo errore è un esempio di incompetenza da manuale.

neutral

"Premiare l'incompetenza"

— To reward incompetence. Used as a social critique when bad workers get promoted.

In questa azienda sembra che vogliano premiare l'incompetenza.

neutral

"Vittima dell'incompetenza altrui"

— A victim of others' incompetence. Used when someone suffers because of someone else's mistake.

Sono diventato una vittima dell'incompetenza altrui.

neutral

"Incompetente patentato"

— A certified/licensed incompetent. Used for someone whose incompetence is obvious and undeniable.

Quello è un incompetente patentato, non sa fare nulla.

informal

"Nascondersi dietro l'incompetenza"

— To hide behind incompetence. To pretend to be incompetent to avoid responsibility.

Non puoi nasconderti dietro l'incompetenza per evitare il lavoro.

neutral

혼동하기 쉬운

incompetente vs incapace

Both mean 'cannot do something'.

Incompetente is usually about professional skills or legal jurisdiction. Incapace is more general and can refer to physical or mental inability.

Un medico incompetente (bad skills); un uomo incapace di camminare (physical inability).

incompetente vs ignorante

Both are negative labels for mental state/ability.

Ignorante is about not knowing facts. Incompetente is about not having the capacity to perform a role.

Sei ignorante in storia (you don't know dates); sei un insegnante incompetente (you don't know how to teach).

incompetente vs inetto

Both imply a lack of ability.

Inetto is much stronger and more literary, suggesting a person is fundamentally useless at life.

Zeno è l'esempio dell'inetto sveviano.

incompetente vs negligente

Both lead to bad results at work.

Negligente means you have the skills but you are lazy or careless. Incompetente means you don't have the skills.

È un autista negligente (guida mentre usa il telefono); è un autista incompetente (non sa guidare).

incompetente vs inadatto

Both mean someone shouldn't be doing a certain task.

Inadatto means 'unsuitable'—it might not be the person's fault, just a bad match. Incompetente is a critique of the person's lack of skill.

È un vestito inadatto per un matrimonio; è un sarto incompetente.

문장 패턴

[Subject] + è + incompetente

Il dottore è incompetente.

Non + [Verb] + con + un + incompetente

Non lavoro con un incompetente.

Penso che + [Subject] + sia + incompetente

Penso che lui sia incompetente.

Accusare + [Object] + di + incompetenza

Lo hanno accusato di incompetenza.

[Subject] + si è dichiarato + incompetente

Il tribunale si è dichiarato incompetente.

Dare + [Indirect Object] + dell'incompetente

Gli hanno dato dell'incompetente.

L'incompetenza + [Adjective] + di + [Subject]

L'incompetenza cronica del sistema.

Eccezione di + incompetenza

Sollevare un'eccezione di incompetenza.

어휘 가족

명사

incompetenza (incompetence)

competenza (competence)

competizione (competition)

동사

competere (to compete / to be the responsibility of)

competere (to belong to - legal)

형용사

competente (competent)

competitivo (competitive)

사용법

frequency

Very high in media, politics, and workplace complaints.

자주 하는 실수

Using 'incompetento' for a man. → incompetente
Adjectives ending in -e do not change to -o for masculine. It is 'lui è incompetente'.
Writing 'una incompetente' without an apostrophe. → un'incompetente
The indefinite article 'una' drops the 'a' and takes an apostrophe before a vowel.
Saying 'loro sono incompetente'. → loro sono incompetenti
Adjectives ending in -e must change to -i in the plural.
Using 'incompetente' to mean 'rude'. → maleducato
'Incompetente' only refers to skills/ability, not manners.
Thinking a judge is being insulted in court. → N/A
Understand that 'incompetente' in law refers to jurisdiction, not skill.

팁

Apostrophe Alert

Always remember the apostrophe for feminine nouns: 'un'incompetente'. It is one of the most common spelling mistakes.

Softening the Blow

If you want to be less aggressive, try 'non molto preparato' instead of 'incompetente'.

Legal Context

In legal documents, 'incompetenza' refers to jurisdiction. Don't be offended if you see it in a court summons!

Stress it Right

The stress is on 'TEN'. Saying it with the wrong stress can make it hard for Italians to understand.

Synonym Choice

Use 'inetto' only if you want to be extremely insulting in a literary way.

Formal Reports

In formal reports, use 'mancanza di competenze' instead of calling someone 'incompetente' directly.

Listen for Tone

The word 'incompetente' is often said with a sigh or a sarcastic tone in Italy.

Political Context

In Italian politics, 'incompetenza' is a very common accusation. It's helpful for understanding news debates.

Workplace Safety

Avoid calling your boss 'incompetente' unless you are ready to find a new job!

The 'In-' Prefix

Remember that 'in-' in Italian often means 'not'. Competente = skilled, In-competente = not skilled.

암기하기

기억법

Think of 'IN' (not) + 'COMPETENT' (skilled). If someone is 'IN-competente', they are 'IN' deep trouble because they lack skills!

시각적 연상

Imagine a person trying to fix a computer with a hammer. That is the visual definition of an 'incompetente'.

Word Web

Lavoro Abilità Errore Ufficio Tribunale Politica Incapace Burocrazia

챌린지

Try to find three news articles in Italian today that use the word 'incompetente' or 'incompetenza'. Look specifically in the politics or economy sections.

어원

From the Latin 'incompetentem', which is the negation of 'competentem' (present participle of 'competere'). The prefix 'in-' means 'not' or 'without'.

원래 의미: In Latin, 'competere' meant 'to meet', 'to coincide', or 'to be suitable'. Therefore, 'incompetente' originally meant 'not suitable' or 'not coinciding' with the requirements.

Indo-European -> Italic -> Latin -> Romance -> Italian.

문화적 맥락

Calling a professional (doctor, lawyer, etc.) 'incompetente' is a very serious matter in Italy and can lead to legal action for defamation if it's not provable.

English speakers might find the legal use of 'incompetent' confusing, as in English 'incompetent' almost always implies a lack of mental capacity or skill, whereas in Italian law it's purely about jurisdiction.

The movie 'Fantozzi' features many 'incompetenti' characters in a satirical office setting. Italo Svevo's 'La coscienza di Zeno' explores the concept of 'inettitudine', a psychological cousin of incompetence. Beppe Grillo, founder of the Five Star Movement, frequently used the word to describe traditional politicians.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Workplace (Ufficio)

Collega incompetente
Gestione incompetente
Assumere un incompetente
Licenziare per incompetenza

Legal (Tribunale)

Giudice incompetente
Incompetenza territoriale
Eccezione di incompetenza
Dichiararsi incompetente

Politics (Politica)

Governo incompetente
Ministro incompetente
Incompetenza dei burocrati
Accusare di incompetenza

Services (Servizi)

Tecnico incompetente
Cameriere incompetente
Personale incompetente
Servizio incompetente

Everyday Life (Vita quotidiana)

Sei un incompetente
Che branco di incompetenti
Incompetente totale
Fare la figura dell'incompetente

대화 시작하기

"Hai mai avuto a che fare con un collega veramente incompetente?"

"Cosa ne pensi della gestione della città? Ti sembrano competenti o incompetenti?"

"Ti è mai capitato di sentirti incompetente in una situazione nuova?"

"Secondo te, qual è il modo migliore per gestire un dipendente incompetente?"

"Pensi che l'incompetenza sia il problema principale della burocrazia italiana?"

일기 주제

Descrivi una volta in cui hai ricevuto un servizio da una persona incompetente. Come hai reagito?

Rifletti sull'importanza della meritocrazia: come si può combattere l'incompetenza nel mondo del lavoro?

Scrivi una lettera di reclamo formale a un'azienda, descrivendo l'incompetenza del loro personale.

Pensi che sia peggio essere incompetenti o essere pigri? Spiega il perché.

Come definiresti una persona 'competente' nel tuo campo di studi o di lavoro?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

No, it is not a swear word (parolaccia), but it is a very strong and offensive insult in a professional context. You should use it with caution as it can damage relationships and reputations.

Yes, 'incompetente' is gender-neutral in the singular. However, as a noun, you must use the feminine article with an apostrophe: 'un'incompetente'. As an adjective, it stays the same: 'una dottoressa incompetente'.

'Incompetente' is usually tied to a specific job or legal power. 'Incapace' is more general and can describe a person who is unable to do anything right, or someone who is legally 'incapacitated'.

You can say 'Lui è molto incompetente' or 'Lui è un totale incompetente'. Both are common ways to add emphasis.

This is a legal phrase. It means that a specific court does not have the authority to hear a case because the event happened in a different geographic area. It is not an insult to the judge.

The direct opposite is 'competente'. Other opposites include 'capace', 'esperto', and 'abile'.

The plural is 'incompetenti' for both masculine and feminine subjects. For example: 'Gli uomini sono incompetenti' and 'Le donne sono incompetenti'.

Only if you are describing a past situation where you had to fix someone else's mistake, but even then, it's better to use softer words like 'poco esperto' to avoid sounding too negative.

No, 'incompetente' is used for people or organizations. To describe a poorly made object, use 'scadente' or 'difettoso'.

The abstract noun is 'incompetenza' (incompetence). You can also use 'incompetente' as a noun to refer to a person ('un incompetente').

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