B1 Idiom Informal

fare una vita da cani

to have a rough life

Significado

To lead a miserable existence.

🌍

Contexto cultural

Italians often use this to bond over shared struggles. Used frequently in high-stress work environments like Milan. Used with more emotional intensity and expressive gestures. Commonly used in text messages and social media to complain about school.

💡

Use with caution

Don't use this with people you don't know well; it's very personal.

🎯

Add context

Always follow it with the reason why (e.g., '...perché lavoro troppo').

Significado

To lead a miserable existence.

💡

Use with caution

Don't use this with people you don't know well; it's very personal.

🎯

Add context

Always follow it with the reason why (e.g., '...perché lavoro troppo').

💬

Venting is okay

In Italy, it's normal to complain about life to friends.

Teste-se

Complete the sentence with the correct verb.

Ultimamente ____ una vita da cani.

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: faccio

The idiom is 'fare una vita da cani', so 'faccio' is the correct conjugation.

Which of these is the correct idiom?

Select the correct phrase:

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: fare una vita da cani

The idiom specifically uses 'cani' (dogs).

Complete the dialogue.

A: Come va? B: ____, lavoro troppo.

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: Faccio una vita da cani

The context 'lavoro troppo' (I work too much) matches the meaning of the idiom.

Match the situation to the correct response.

Your friend asks why you are always tired.

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: Faccio una vita da cani

This explains the exhaustion.

🎉 Pontuação: /4

Recursos visuais

Banco de exercicios

4 exercicios
Complete the sentence with the correct verb. Fill Blank A2

Ultimamente ____ una vita da cani.

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: faccio

The idiom is 'fare una vita da cani', so 'faccio' is the correct conjugation.

Which of these is the correct idiom? Choose A1

Select the correct phrase:

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: fare una vita da cani

The idiom specifically uses 'cani' (dogs).

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion B1

A: Come va? B: ____, lavoro troppo.

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: Faccio una vita da cani

The context 'lavoro troppo' (I work too much) matches the meaning of the idiom.

Match the situation to the correct response. situation_matching B1

Your friend asks why you are always tired.

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: Faccio una vita da cani

This explains the exhaustion.

🎉 Pontuação: /4

Perguntas frequentes

12 perguntas

No, it's for humans! If your dog is having a hard time, use different words.

Not rude, just informal. Don't use it with your boss.

No, always 'da cani'.

Yes, very common in daily life.

It still works, as it implies a miserable state.

Only if it's a very close friend.

The phrase is fixed.

It can, but it usually refers to stress/exhaustion.

No, that doesn't exist.

Yes, often in comedies or dramas.

Show empathy: 'Mi dispiace!' (I'm sorry!)

No, it's used everywhere in Italy.

Frases relacionadas

🔗

essere alla frutta

similar

To be at the end of one's rope.

🔗

non poterne più

builds on

To be unable to take it anymore.

🔗

essere al verde

similar

To be broke.

🔗

avere l'acqua alla gola

similar

To be in deep trouble.

Foi útil?
Nenhum comentário ainda. Seja o primeiro a compartilhar suas ideias!