Significado
To coerce someone to change beliefs.
Contexto cultural
In Italy, the term is often used to criticize the influence of commercial television, especially during the 1990s and 2000s. Critics coined the term 'videocrazia' to describe this phenomenon. The phrase is central to American Cold War history, linked to the fear of communist 're-education' of POWs during the Korean War. The original term 'xǐ nǎo' was part of a formal state policy of 'thought reform'. It was seen as a positive 'cleansing' by the state, but as a violation of human rights by the West. Similar to Italy, it's often used to talk about the power of 'Rede Globo' (the main TV network) and its influence on public opinion and elections.
Use with Pronouns
Always remember to use the indirect object pronoun (mi, ti, gli, le, ci, vi, loro) to indicate who is being brainwashed.
Don't be too literal
If you say 'Lavo il cervello', people will think you are a zombie or a very strange surgeon.
Significado
To coerce someone to change beliefs.
Use with Pronouns
Always remember to use the indirect object pronoun (mi, ti, gli, le, ci, vi, loro) to indicate who is being brainwashed.
Don't be too literal
If you say 'Lavo il cervello', people will think you are a zombie or a very strange surgeon.
Hyperbole
Use it jokingly when a friend is obsessed with a new trend: 'Ma ti hanno fatto il lavaggio del cervello con questo nuovo iPhone?'
Teste-se
Completa la frase con la forma corretta di 'fare il lavaggio del cervello'.
I media russi ________ ai cittadini per giustificare la guerra.
The standard idiom requires 'fanno' (they do) + 'il lavaggio' (the washing) + 'del cervello' (of the brain).
Quale frase è corretta per dire 'They brainwashed him'?
Scegli l'opzione corretta:
We use the indirect object pronoun 'gli' (to him).
Abbina la situazione alla frase corretta.
Situazione: Un amico crede a una teoria assurda dopo aver visto un video su YouTube.
This is the natural reaction to someone being influenced by external media.
Completa il dialogo.
A: 'Perché Marco è entrato in quella setta?' B: 'Non lo so, ma dicono che ________.'
We use the subjunctive 'abbiano fatto' because 'dicono che' introduces uncertainty or reported speech.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosI media russi ________ ai cittadini per giustificare la guerra.
The standard idiom requires 'fanno' (they do) + 'il lavaggio' (the washing) + 'del cervello' (of the brain).
Scegli l'opzione corretta:
We use the indirect object pronoun 'gli' (to him).
Situazione: Un amico crede a una teoria assurda dopo aver visto un video su YouTube.
This is the natural reaction to someone being influenced by external media.
A: 'Perché Marco è entrato in quella setta?' B: 'Non lo so, ma dicono che ________.'
We use the subjunctive 'abbiano fatto' because 'dicono che' introduces uncertainty or reported speech.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
5 perguntasYes, it almost always implies a loss of autonomy or being tricked, even when used jokingly.
Yes, parents often say it about the influence of TV or friends on their kids.
'Persuadere' is neutral or positive and involves logic. 'Lavaggio del cervello' involves force or manipulation.
You can use 'indottrinare', but it sounds more formal and less vivid.
You can say 'Mi hanno fatto il lavaggio del cervello' or 'Ho subito il lavaggio del cervello'.
Frases relacionadas
indottrinare
synonymTo teach someone a set of beliefs uncritically.
manipolare
similarTo control or influence a person cleverly or unscrupulously.
mettere i piedi in testa
contrastTo treat someone without respect or dominate them.
plagiare
specialized formTo psychologically dominate someone (legal/psychological term).
