Meaning
to lack energy
Cultural Background
The 'riposino' or 'pennichella' is the traditional response to being 'stanco' after lunch, especially in the south. Being 'stanco' is often discussed in the context of 'burnout' in the highly productive Swiss-Italian work culture. The word 'stanco' is often replaced by the Lunfardo 'mufado' when meaning 'fed up'. Young Italians often use 'fuso' (melted) or 'esaurito' to describe the mental tiredness from university exams.
The 'H' Rule
When making 'stanco' plural (stanchi/stanche), always add an 'h' after the 'c' to keep the hard sound.
Essere vs Avere
Never say 'Ho stanco'. It's a common mistake for English speakers. Always use 'Sono'.
Meaning
to lack energy
The 'H' Rule
When making 'stanco' plural (stanchi/stanche), always add an 'h' after the 'c' to keep the hard sound.
Essere vs Avere
Never say 'Ho stanco'. It's a common mistake for English speakers. Always use 'Sono'.
Sound Native
Use 'stanco morto' instead of 'molto stanco' to sound more natural in casual settings.
The Polite Excuse
Saying 'Sono stanco' is the most socially acceptable way to decline an invitation in Italy.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'stanco'.
Giulia non viene alla festa perché è molto ______.
Giulia is feminine singular, so the adjective must be 'stanca'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'We (a mixed group) are tired'?
A mixed group requires the masculine plural 'stanchi' and the verb 'essere'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Vuoi andare a correre? B: No, ______ di correre. Preferisco riposare.
The speaker is expressing their current state of being tired of an activity.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You have worked for 14 hours and can barely stand.
'Stanco morto' is the idiomatic way to express extreme exhaustion.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Forms of Stanco
Singular
- • Stanco (M)
- • Stanca (F)
Plural
- • Stanchi (M/Mixed)
- • Stanche (F)
Stanco vs. Annoiato
Practice Bank
4 exercisesGiulia non viene alla festa perché è molto ______.
Giulia is feminine singular, so the adjective must be 'stanca'.
How do you say 'We (a mixed group) are tired'?
A mixed group requires the masculine plural 'stanchi' and the verb 'essere'.
A: Vuoi andare a correre? B: No, ______ di correre. Preferisco riposare.
The speaker is expressing their current state of being tired of an activity.
You have worked for 14 hours and can barely stand.
'Stanco morto' is the idiomatic way to express extreme exhaustion.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 'stanco' is for living beings. For objects, use 'vecchio' or 'rovinato'.
'Stanco' is general; 'affaticato' implies you have been doing heavy physical labor.
It's an adjective, so it can be both: stanco (m) or stanca (f).
You say 'Sono stanco di te', but be careful, it's quite strong!
Yes, this is a very common and correct way to say you are fed up with work.
It is neutral. It's fine in both formal and informal situations.
It's an idiom meaning 'dead tired' or 'exhausted'.
Yes: stanchi (m. pl.) and stanche (f. pl.).
No, use 'annoiato' for boredom.
It's pronounced 'STAHN-kee'.
Related Phrases
stanco morto
specialized formDead tired
essere stufo
synonymTo be fed up
essere esaurito
similarTo be burnt out
riposarsi
contrastTo rest oneself
stancarsi
builds onTo get tired
