Meaning
Starting to do something often.
Cultural Background
The 'vizio del caffè' is almost a national requirement. Italians often use 'prendere il vizio' to describe their specific bar rituals, like having a 'cornetto' only on Fridays. Grandparents often accuse parents of 'viziando' (spoiling) children, leading the kids to 'prendere il vizio' of getting whatever they want. There is a cultural concept that complaining (lamentarsi) is a 'vizio' that Italians love. It's seen as a way to bond over shared difficulties. The 'vizio' is a central theme in Italian noir and psychological novels (like Svevo), representing the human struggle with self-control.
Use it for irony
You can use 'prendere il vizio' for something good to show you really like it, e.g., 'Ho preso il vizio di venire a trovarti!'
Don't forget the 'DI'
If you follow the phrase with a verb, you MUST use 'di'. 'Prendere il vizio di [verbo]'.
Meaning
Starting to do something often.
Use it for irony
You can use 'prendere il vizio' for something good to show you really like it, e.g., 'Ho preso il vizio di venire a trovarti!'
Don't forget the 'DI'
If you follow the phrase with a verb, you MUST use 'di'. 'Prendere il vizio di [verbo]'.
The 'Wolf' Proverb
Impress Italians by using the proverb: 'Il lupo perde il pelo ma non il vizio' when someone repeats a mistake.
Vizio vs. Dipendenza
In Italy, 'vizio' is social and light; 'dipendenza' is medical and serious. Choose wisely!
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the phrase.
Ho ______ il vizio ______ bere troppi caffè.
The correct verb is 'prendere' (past: preso) and the preposition before a verb is always 'di'.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a playful context?
Choose the best option:
'Vizio' is used playfully for indulgences like gelato, while gym or studying are usually 'abitudini'.
Complete the dialogue between two friends.
A: 'Perché compri sempre quel giornale?' B: 'Non lo so, ______.'
In a casual conversation about a repetitive action, 'ho preso il vizio' is the most natural idiomatic response.
Match the warning to the situation.
Situation: A child starts biting their nails.
This is the standard warning to stop a bad habit from forming.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Vizio vs. Abitudine
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHo ______ il vizio ______ bere troppi caffè.
The correct verb is 'prendere' (past: preso) and the preposition before a verb is always 'di'.
Choose the best option:
'Vizio' is used playfully for indulgences like gelato, while gym or studying are usually 'abitudini'.
A: 'Perché compri sempre quel giornale?' B: 'Non lo so, ______.'
In a casual conversation about a repetitive action, 'ho preso il vizio' is the most natural idiomatic response.
Situation: A child starts biting their nails.
This is the standard warning to stop a bad habit from forming.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsUsually yes, but it can be used playfully for things you enjoy too much, like eating at a favorite restaurant.
Yes, but 'prendere il vizio' is more common when talking about the general concept of picking up a habit.
'Vizio' implies a lack of control or a guilty pleasure; 'abitudine' is just a neutral routine.
Use 'Ho perso il vizio' or 'Ho tolto il vizio'.
Yes, if you are being self-deprecating or joking with colleagues. Avoid it in very formal reports.
Yes, the root is the same, but in Italian, it's much more common for small things like biting nails.
It's better to use 'tossicodipendenza' for serious drug issues. 'Vizio' sounds too light for that.
Always 'di'. For example: 'il vizio di fumare' or 'il vizio del gioco'.
No, that is a common mistake. It must be 'di'.
Yes, it is a standard Italian expression used from North to South.
You can say 'Non vorrei che tu prendessi il vizio' (I wouldn't want you to get into the habit).
Yes, 'prendere dei vizi', but the singular idiom 'prendere il vizio' is more common for a specific behavior.
Related Phrases
perdere il vizio
contrastTo break a habit
vizio di forma
specialized formTechnical/procedural error
prendere l'abitudine
similarTo get into the habit
vizio di famiglia
builds onA family trait/habit
viziato
relatedSpoiled (person)
