Significado
Being grumpy or irritable.
Contexto cultural
The moon is often blamed for things in Italy. From 'lunatico' (moody) to 'luna storta', the celestial body is a scapegoat for human flaws. In some southern regions, the moon's influence is taken even more seriously, with specific traditions about when to plant crops based on the 'luna'. Poets like Leopardi addressed the moon as a silent, sometimes cruel witness to human suffering, which reinforces the moon's connection to deep emotions. The phrase is so common it appears in countless song lyrics and movie titles, representing the 'everyman' struggle with daily life.
Use it to apologize
If you realize you've been rude, saying 'Scusa, ho la luna storta' is a very natural and accepted way to smooth things over.
Don't use with 'essere'
Never say 'Sono la luna storta'. It sounds like you are literally a crooked moon in the sky!
Significado
Being grumpy or irritable.
Use it to apologize
If you realize you've been rude, saying 'Scusa, ho la luna storta' is a very natural and accepted way to smooth things over.
Don't use with 'essere'
Never say 'Sono la luna storta'. It sounds like you are literally a crooked moon in the sky!
Combine with 'svegliarsi'
To sound like a native, use 'Mi sono svegliato con la luna storta' for morning grumpiness.
Teste-se
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'avere'.
Oggi Marco non parla con nessuno, ______ la luna storta.
Marco is the third person singular (lui), so we use 'ha'.
Which adjective correctly completes the idiom?
Scusa, mi sono svegliato con la luna _______.
The idiom specifically uses 'storta' (crooked) to mean a bad mood.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: Your friend is shouting at his computer for no reason.
'Ha la luna storta' describes irrational irritability.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Perché Maria è così nervosa? B: Non lo so, ________________.
The standard form is 'avere la luna storta'.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosOggi Marco non parla con nessuno, ______ la luna storta.
Marco is the third person singular (lui), so we use 'ha'.
Scusa, mi sono svegliato con la luna _______.
The idiom specifically uses 'storta' (crooked) to mean a bad mood.
Situation: Your friend is shouting at his computer for no reason.
'Ha la luna storta' describes irrational irritability.
A: Perché Maria è così nervosa? B: Non lo so, ________________.
The standard form is 'avere la luna storta'.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
5 perguntasNot necessarily. It's informal and can be used lightheartedly. However, saying it *to* someone who is angry might annoy them further!
Only if you have a very close, informal relationship with the recipient. Otherwise, use 'essere di cattivo umore'.
No. 'Storta' agrees with 'luna' (feminine), not with the person who has it.
You can say 'avere la luna buona', but it is much less common than the negative version.
Yes, it is a standard Italian idiom recognized from North to South.
Frases relacionadas
alzarsi col piede sbagliato
similarTo wake up on the wrong side of the bed.
essere di cattivo umore
synonymTo be in a bad mood.
chiedere la luna
builds onTo ask for the impossible.
avere i diavoli per capello
similarTo be extremely angry/agitated.
