Bedeutung
To consider something important.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Italian business, 'prendere sul serio' is linked to 'affidabilità' (reliability). If a partner doesn't take a deadline 'sul serio', it can permanently damage the 'bella figura' and the business relationship. While the phrase is used everywhere, in the South, taking someone 'sul serio' often involves a deeper level of personal honor and 'parola data' (given word). Parents often use this phrase to instill 'senso del dovere' (sense of duty) in children, especially regarding education and family traditions. Much of Italian humor is based on the tension between someone trying to be 'serio' and the chaotic reality around them. Characters who 'si prendono troppo sul serio' (take themselves too seriously) are often the butt of the joke.
The 'Su' Rule
If you forget the preposition, just think of 'Superior'. Something you take seriously is superior in importance, so use 'SU'.
Don't overdo it
If you use this for every small thing, you'll sound like a very stressed person. Save it for things that actually matter!
Bedeutung
To consider something important.
The 'Su' Rule
If you forget the preposition, just think of 'Superior'. Something you take seriously is superior in importance, so use 'SU'.
Don't overdo it
If you use this for every small thing, you'll sound like a very stressed person. Save it for things that actually matter!
Use with 'Dico'
A very common way to use this is 'Dico sul serio' (I'm serious/I mean it). It's a great conversation filler.
The 'Persona Seria'
Remember that being 'serio' in Italy isn't about not smiling; it's about being a person of your word.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'prendere sul serio'.
Marco non mi ______ mai ______ quando parlo di lavoro.
The subject is Marco (3rd person singular), and the correct idiom is 'sul serio'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the correct Italian translation for: 'They took the warning seriously.'
'Preso' is the correct past participle, and 'sul serio' is the correct idiom.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: 'Voglio licenziarmi e fare il pittore.' B: 'Ma dici ______?' A: 'Sì, ______ sul serio!'
'Dici sul serio?' is a common question, and 'prendimi sul serio' is the command form.
Match the sentence to the context.
1. 'Prendiamo sul serio la vostra privacy.' 2. 'Non prendermi sul serio, scherzavo!' 3. 'Devi prendere sul serio la medicina.'
Context 1 is professional, 2 is casual/joking, 3 is medical.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Serio vs. Alla Leggera
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenMarco non mi ______ mai ______ quando parlo di lavoro.
The subject is Marco (3rd person singular), and the correct idiom is 'sul serio'.
Choose the correct Italian translation for: 'They took the warning seriously.'
'Preso' is the correct past participle, and 'sul serio' is the correct idiom.
A: 'Voglio licenziarmi e fare il pittore.' B: 'Ma dici ______?' A: 'Sì, ______ sul serio!'
'Dici sul serio?' is a common question, and 'prendimi sul serio' is the command form.
1. 'Prendiamo sul serio la vostra privacy.' 2. 'Non prendermi sul serio, scherzavo!' 3. 'Devi prendere sul serio la medicina.'
Context 1 is professional, 2 is casual/joking, 3 is medical.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, it's correct and slightly more formal, but 'prendere sul serio' is much more common in daily speech.
No, it's neutral. However, telling someone 'Prendimi sul serio!' can sound frustrated or assertive depending on your tone.
It uses 'avere'. Example: 'Ho preso sul serio il suo consiglio' (I took his advice seriously).
Absolutely. 'Prendere qualcuno sul serio' means to believe them or respect their authority.
You might hear 'fare il serio' or 'fare sul serio', which means to act seriously or mean business.
That's different! Use 'Non prendertela' or 'Non prenderla sul personale'.
Yes, in this specific idiom, 'sul' (su + il) is the standard required form.
Yes, you can say 'Non prendermi sul serio' if you want someone to know you are kidding.
Very much so. It's essential for discussing contracts, deadlines, and professional behavior.
'Serio' is positive (serious/reliable), while 'serioso' is often negative (someone who acts too serious or is a killjoy).
Verwandte Redewendungen
prendere a cuore
similarTo take to heart / to care deeply about.
prendere alla leggera
contrastTo take lightly.
fare sul serio
builds onTo mean business / to be serious.
prendere in giro
contrastTo tease / to pull someone's leg.
dare peso a
synonymTo give weight to.
