Meaning
To be fighting with someone.
Cultural Background
In Italy, being 'in rotta' with a family member is a serious matter that often involves the whole extended family. It's not uncommon for relatives to take sides. In the South, social ties are often even more intense. 'Essere in rotta' might involve a very public display of ignoring someone in the 'piazza' (town square). The phrase is a staple of 'Calciomercato' (football transfer market) news. If a player is 'in rotta' with the club, it's a signal to other teams to start bidding. With the rise of social media, 'essere in rotta' now often implies 'unfollowing' or 'blocking' someone, adding a digital layer to the traditional silence.
Use 'un po'' to soften it
Saying 'Siamo un po' in rotta' makes the conflict sound less permanent and more like a temporary disagreement.
Don't forget 'con'
Without 'con', the sentence is incomplete unless the context is already clear.
Meaning
To be fighting with someone.
Use 'un po'' to soften it
Saying 'Siamo un po' in rotta' makes the conflict sound less permanent and more like a temporary disagreement.
Don't forget 'con'
Without 'con', the sentence is incomplete unless the context is already clear.
The 'Pace' factor
Italians love drama, but they also love 'fare pace' (making peace). Mentioning 'fare pace' is the natural follow-up to 'essere in rotta'.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'essere' and the idiom.
Io e mio cugino non ci parliamo da un anno; noi ________ ________ ________.
We need the present tense of 'essere' (siamo) followed by the fixed idiom 'in rotta'.
Which sentence correctly uses the idiom?
Choose the correct option:
The idiom 'essere in rotta' always requires the preposition 'con' when specifying a person.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: 'Perché non hai invitato Paolo?' B: 'Perché ________ ________ ________ con lui dopo la festa.'
'Sono in rotta' explains the state of not speaking with Paolo.
Match the situation to the correct meaning of 'rotta'.
1. La nave è in rotta per Napoli. 2. Maria è in rotta con sua madre.
In the first sentence, it refers to a ship's destination. In the second, it refers to a family argument.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIo e mio cugino non ci parliamo da un anno; noi ________ ________ ________.
We need the present tense of 'essere' (siamo) followed by the fixed idiom 'in rotta'.
Choose the correct option:
The idiom 'essere in rotta' always requires the preposition 'con' when specifying a person.
A: 'Perché non hai invitato Paolo?' B: 'Perché ________ ________ ________ con lui dopo la festa.'
'Sono in rotta' explains the state of not speaking with Paolo.
1. La nave è in rotta per Napoli. 2. Maria è in rotta con sua madre.
In the first sentence, it refers to a ship's destination. In the second, it refers to a family argument.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNo, it's neutral. You can use it in almost any context, from a chat with a friend to a news report.
Yes, but 'abbiamo rotto' (we broke up) is more common for the end of a romantic relationship. 'Essere in rotta' implies you are still in the 'angry/not speaking' phase.
'Litigare' is the act of arguing (the noise, the words). 'Essere in rotta' is the state of silence and hostility that follows.
No, it's strictly for people, groups, or entities like companies and political parties.
You say 'abbiamo fatto pace' or 'ci siamo chiariti'.
Related Phrases
essere ai ferri corti
similarTo be at daggers drawn.
fare rotta verso
contrastTo head towards a destination.
rompere il ghiaccio
contrastTo break the ice.
mettersi in rotta
builds onTo actively start a conflict or head toward one.
andare a rotoli
similarTo go downhill / to fall apart.
