Meaning
Becoming heavier physically.
Cultural Background
Italians are often very direct about physical appearance. A relative saying 'Sei aumentato di peso' is often just a factual observation, not necessarily a criticism. In the US, discussing weight gain is often taboo. The Italian 'aumentare di peso' would be translated as 'gaining weight', but the social context is much more sensitive. In Japan, being thin is highly valued, and 'aumentare di peso' (taijuu ga fueru) is often discussed in terms of health checks (metabo check). In many Mediterranean cultures, a slight increase in weight after marriage or during holidays is seen as a sign of prosperity and happiness.
The 'Essere' Rule
Always use 'essere' for the past tense. It's the #1 mistake even advanced learners make.
Careful with 'Ingrassare'
Don't use 'ingrassare' with people you don't know well; it can sound rude.
Meaning
Becoming heavier physically.
The 'Essere' Rule
Always use 'essere' for the past tense. It's the #1 mistake even advanced learners make.
Careful with 'Ingrassare'
Don't use 'ingrassare' with people you don't know well; it can sound rude.
Grandma's House
If an Italian grandma says you've 'aumentato di peso', take it as a sign she wants to feed you more!
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing auxiliary verb and preposition.
Io ______ aumentato ______ peso dopo Natale.
The auxiliary for 'aumentare' (intransitive) is 'essere' (sono) and the preposition is 'di'.
Which sentence is the most polite and natural?
Talking to a doctor about your health:
'Aumentare di peso' is the standard, polite medical term.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Perché non mangi la torta? B: Perché non voglio ________.
'Aumentare di peso' fits the context of avoiding weight gain.
Match the Italian phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are all common health-related collocations.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Levels
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIo ______ aumentato ______ peso dopo Natale.
The auxiliary for 'aumentare' (intransitive) is 'essere' (sono) and the preposition is 'di'.
Talking to a doctor about your health:
'Aumentare di peso' is the standard, polite medical term.
A: Perché non mangi la torta? B: Perché non voglio ________.
'Aumentare di peso' fits the context of avoiding weight gain.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are all common health-related collocations.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral to formal. It's perfect for doctors or polite conversation.
No, you must use 'essere': 'sono aumentato di peso'.
'Aumentare di peso' is more clinical and polite; 'ingrassare' is more direct and can be negative.
Say 'Sono aumentato di cinque chili'.
Yes, it's a very common informal alternative, similar to 'put on weight'.
Yes, it's perfectly fine for pets or livestock.
Not necessarily; it can also mean gaining muscle mass in a fitness context.
'Di' specifies the area of increase. 'Il' would mean you are increasing an external object's weight.
It's less rude than in the US, but still requires caution and a close relationship.
The opposite is 'perdere peso' or 'dimagrire'.
Related Phrases
mettere su peso
similarTo put on weight
ingrassare
synonymTo get fat / gain weight
perdere peso
contrastTo lose weight
mantenere il peso
builds onTo maintain weight
peso forma
specialized formIdeal weight
