Meaning
Falling in love immediately upon meeting.
Cultural Background
The 'colpo di fulmine' is a staple of Italian neorealism and romantic comedies. It often happens in slow motion with specific music. Many Italian operas are built entirely on the concept of instant, tragic love that strikes like lightning. Despite the rise of dating apps, Italians still romanticize the 'in-person' sudden meeting over digital matching. In the South, the phrase is often associated with 'fated' love, while in the North, it's used more casually for fashion or design.
Use it for objects too!
Italians use this for shopping all the time. It makes you sound very passionate about your style.
Don't forget the 'un'
Always say 'un colpo di fulmine'. Leaving out the article sounds like a robotic translation.
Meaning
Falling in love immediately upon meeting.
Use it for objects too!
Italians use this for shopping all the time. It makes you sound very passionate about your style.
Don't forget the 'un'
Always say 'un colpo di fulmine'. Leaving out the article sounds like a robotic translation.
The 'Godfather' connection
If you mention this phrase to an Italian, they might bring up the movie. It's a great cultural bridge.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct words.
Appena l'ho vista, è stato un ______ di ______.
The standard idiom is 'colpo di fulmine'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
How do you say you fell for her at first sight?
We use 'per' (for) to indicate the object of the affection.
Match the Italian idiom to its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are different levels of romantic intensity.
Fill in the missing line.
A: Com'è andato l'appuntamento? B: Benissimo! ______.
'Colpo di sole' means heatstroke, which is definitely not romantic!
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use it
Romance
- • First meeting
- • Wedding stories
Objects
- • Fashion
- • Cars
- • Houses
Practice Bank
4 exercisesAppena l'ho vista, è stato un ______ di ______.
The standard idiom is 'colpo di fulmine'.
How do you say you fell for her at first sight?
We use 'per' (for) to indicate the object of the affection.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are different levels of romantic intensity.
A: Com'è andato l'appuntamento? B: Benissimo! ______.
'Colpo di sole' means heatstroke, which is definitely not romantic!
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsPrimarily yes, but it's very common for places (cities) and beautiful objects (clothes, cars).
Yes ('È un colpo di fulmine'), but it's much more common in the past because you are usually describing the moment it happened.
Colpi di fulmine. For example: 'Ho avuto molti colpi di fulmine nella mia vita.'
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss (about a project) or your best friend (about a crush).
No, a 'colpo di fulmine' can happen to just one person.
No, 'colpo di fulmine' is more idiomatic and sounds more 'Italian'.
No, 'a ciel sereno' (out of the blue) is usually for bad news. Just stick to 'colpo di fulmine'.
Constantly! It's one of the most common phrases in Italian pop music.
Use 'Ho avuto un colpo di fulmine'.
The phrase itself is masculine ('un colpo'), regardless of who is falling in love.
Related Phrases
amore a prima vista
synonymLove at first sight
scoccare la scintilla
similarThe spark flew
prendere una cotta
builds onTo get a crush
perdere la testa
similarTo lose one's head
un colpo di sole
contrastHeatstroke
