Meaning
Very expensive.
Cultural Background
Complaining about the 'carovita' (high cost of living) is a common social bonding activity in Italy. Using this idiom makes you sound like part of the community. Italy is the home of luxury brands. Italians use this phrase to distinguish between 'expensive but worth it' and 'unjustifiably expensive'. In the North (Milan), people might use this for rent, while in the South, it might be used more for imported goods or specific services. The value of sight is reflected in Italian art history. The eyes are considered the 'mirror of the soul', which adds weight to the idiom.
Use it for emphasis
Don't use it for a slightly expensive coffee; save it for when you are truly shocked by the price.
Check the gender
If using the past tense, remember: 'La cena mi è costatA', 'Il libro mi è costatO'.
Meaning
Very expensive.
Use it for emphasis
Don't use it for a slightly expensive coffee; save it for when you are truly shocked by the price.
Check the gender
If using the past tense, remember: 'La cena mi è costatA', 'Il libro mi è costatO'.
Add 'proprio'
Say 'Costa proprio un occhio della testa' to sound even more like a native.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Quella borsa di lusso ______ un occhio della testa.
The subject 'borsa' is singular, so we use 'costa'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say something is very expensive?
How would you complain about a 100 euro pizza?
This is the standard Italian idiom for high prices.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: Hai visto il nuovo iPhone? B: Sì, è bellissimo, ma ______.
The context implies a contrast between 'beautiful' and 'expensive'.
Match the Italian phrase to its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are the closest idiomatic equivalents.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesQuella borsa di lusso ______ un occhio della testa.
The subject 'borsa' is singular, so we use 'costa'.
How would you complain about a 100 euro pizza?
This is the standard Italian idiom for high prices.
A: Hai visto il nuovo iPhone? B: Sì, è bellissimo, ma ______.
The context implies a contrast between 'beautiful' and 'expensive'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the closest idiomatic equivalents.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt can be seen as a bit blunt. It's better to say it to a friend *about* the shop, rather than to the owner's face, unless you have a very friendly relationship.
No, it is only used for the price of objects, services, or metaphorical costs like 'stress'.
There is no difference in meaning. The second one is just the full, more traditional form.
Among younger people, yes. It's the modern version of the same idea.
Related Phrases
Costare un patrimonio
synonymTo cost a fortune
Essere a buon mercato
contrastTo be cheap/affordable
Costare un rene
similarTo cost a kidney
Pagare l'ira di Dio
similarTo pay the wrath of God
