Meaning
Falling in love instantly.
Cultural Background
In operas like 'La Bohème', the protagonists often experience a 'colpo di fulmine' to drive the plot forward quickly. It's a key dramatic device. Despite dating apps, many Italians still value the 'scintilla' (spark) and will say they didn't feel a 'colpo di fulmine' as a reason for not having a second date. While used everywhere, Southern Italians might accompany the phrase with more expressive hand gestures (like a hand striking the heart). Italians use this phrase for 'Made in Italy' products. If a Ferrari or a Versace dress is beautiful, it's a 'colpo di fulmine' for the consumer.
Use with 'per'
Always remember the preposition 'per' when specifying the object of your affection.
Don't say 'prendere'
Using 'prendere' makes it sound like you had a medical emergency rather than a romantic one.
Meaning
Falling in love instantly.
Use with 'per'
Always remember the preposition 'per' when specifying the object of your affection.
Don't say 'prendere'
Using 'prendere' makes it sound like you had a medical emergency rather than a romantic one.
Not just for people
Italians love using this for food, fashion, and architecture. Don't be afraid to use it for a pizza!
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'avere' in the passato prossimo.
Io ______ un colpo di fulmine per quel gattino.
The subject is 'Io', so the verb 'avere' must be 'ho'.
Which phrase means 'Love at first sight'?
Scegli la frase corretta:
'Colpo di fulmine' is the idiom for love. 'Sole' is sunstroke and 'vento' is a gust of wind.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Ti piace il nuovo professore?' B: 'Sì, per me ______ un colpo di fulmine!'
We use 'è stato' (it was) to describe the event of the 'colpo di fulmine'.
Match the Italian to the English.
Match the following:
All three use 'colpo' but have very different meanings.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIo ______ un colpo di fulmine per quel gattino.
The subject is 'Io', so the verb 'avere' must be 'ho'.
Scegli la frase corretta:
'Colpo di fulmine' is the idiom for love. 'Sole' is sunstroke and 'vento' is a gust of wind.
A: 'Ti piace il nuovo professore?' B: 'Sì, per me ______ un colpo di fulmine!'
We use 'è stato' (it was) to describe the event of the 'colpo di fulmine'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
All three use 'colpo' but have very different meanings.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, it implies romantic love or intense passion for an object. For a friend, you'd just say 'mi è stato subito simpatico'.
In Italy, no! It's a very standard way to describe a strong first impression.
It's redundant. Just use one or the other.
Mostly, but you can say 'Spero di avere un colpo di fulmine' (I hope to have love at first sight).
Related Phrases
Innamorarsi a prima vista
synonymTo fall in love at first sight
Prendere una sbandata
similarTo get a crush / to swerve
Essere cotto
builds onTo be 'cooked' (infatuated)
La scintilla
similarThe spark
