뜻
Having a long way to go.
문화적 배경
The phrase reflects the historical importance of the sea for cities like Venice and Genoa. Being 'in alto mare' was a daily reality for thousands of sailors. Italians often use this phrase to describe the slow pace of government projects or legal reforms, reflecting a cultural patience/frustration with bureaucracy. The sea is a constant presence in Italian life. Metaphors involving water, fish, and boats are more common in Italian than in land-locked European cultures. In Italian universities, students frequently use this during 'sessione d'esami' (exam season) to bond over their shared lack of preparation.
Use 'Ancora'
Adding 'ancora' (still) makes the phrase sound much more natural: 'Siamo ancora in alto mare'.
Don't use for people
Don't say 'Lui è un alto mare'. It's always 'in' alto mare. It describes a state, not a personality trait.
뜻
Having a long way to go.
Use 'Ancora'
Adding 'ancora' (still) makes the phrase sound much more natural: 'Siamo ancora in alto mare'.
Don't use for people
Don't say 'Lui è un alto mare'. It's always 'in' alto mare. It describes a state, not a personality trait.
Professional Softening
Use this phrase to tell your boss you need more time without sounding incompetent. It suggests the task is large, not that you are slow.
셀프 테스트
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'essere'.
Noi ________ ancora in alto mare con l'organizzazione del matrimonio.
The subject is 'Noi' (we), so the verb 'essere' must be 'siamo'.
Which situation best fits the phrase 'essere in alto mare'?
Quale situazione è adatta?
The idiom describes being far from finishing a complex task.
Match the Italian sentence with its English meaning.
Abbina le frasi.
Distinguishing between 'alto mare' (progress) and 'mare di guai' (trouble) is key.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Hai finito la tesi?' B: 'Magari! ________.'
'Magari!' (I wish!) implies the task is not finished, making 'in alto mare' the correct choice.
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제Noi ________ ancora in alto mare con l'organizzazione del matrimonio.
The subject is 'Noi' (we), so the verb 'essere' must be 'siamo'.
Quale situazione è adatta?
The idiom describes being far from finishing a complex task.
왼쪽의 각 항목을 오른쪽의 짝과 연결하세요:
Distinguishing between 'alto mare' (progress) and 'mare di guai' (trouble) is key.
A: 'Hai finito la tesi?' B: 'Magari! ________.'
'Magari!' (I wish!) implies the task is not finished, making 'in alto mare' the correct choice.
🎉 점수: /4
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Generally yes, it implies a delay or a lack of progress, but it's not an insult. It's a realistic description of a difficult situation.
Only metaphorically. If someone is literally lost in a city, you wouldn't use this. If they are lost in their career path, you can.
The best opposite is 'essere in dirittura d'arrivo' (to be on the home stretch) or 'essere a buon punto' (to be at a good point/well along).
No, in this context 'alto' refers to the distance from the coast and the depth of the water.
Yes, it's very common in work emails to explain why a project is taking longer than expected.
No, that doesn't exist. The idiom is fixed as 'alto mare'.
You would say 'Ci sono quasi' or 'Sono a buon punto'.
Yes, it is a standard Italian idiom used from North to South.
Yes, if you are far from deciding to get married or move in together, you could say 'Siamo ancora in alto mare'.
It is neutral. It's fine for both a coffee with friends and a business meeting.
관련 표현
In un mare di guai
similarTo be in a lot of trouble.
Navigare a vista
contrastTo play it by ear / to proceed without a long-term plan.
Essere in porto
contrastTo be safe / to have finished a task successfully.
Brancolare nel buio
similarTo grope in the dark / to have no clue.
