Significado
Having a very busy schedule.
Contexto cultural
While Italians value leisure, the phrase 'fare un sacco di cose' is often used to show that one is active and 'bravo' (capable). Being busy is often seen as a sign of a full, successful life. In Rome, you might hear 'un botto' instead of 'un sacco'. It's more slangy but carries the same meaning of 'a lot'. After 'doing a sack of things', the reward is often an aperitivo. It's the social transition from the busy 'doing' to the relaxed 'being'. Italians often use this phrase when dealing with bureaucracy, which usually requires 'doing a sack of things' (getting stamps, visiting offices) to achieve a simple task.
Use it as an Adverb
You can use 'un sacco' alone to mean 'a lot' with verbs like 'piacere'. Example: 'Mi piace un sacco!' (I like it a lot!)
Watch the 'Di'
Never forget the 'di'. It's the most common mistake for beginners.
Significado
Having a very busy schedule.
Use it as an Adverb
You can use 'un sacco' alone to mean 'a lot' with verbs like 'piacere'. Example: 'Mi piace un sacco!' (I like it a lot!)
Watch the 'Di'
Never forget the 'di'. It's the most common mistake for beginners.
Sound more Native
Add 'guarda' (look) at the beginning: 'Guarda, oggi ho fatto un sacco di cose!' to sound more expressive.
The 'Busy' Excuse
If you're late, saying 'Scusa, ho dovuto fare un sacco di cose' is a very standard and accepted Italian excuse.
Teste-se
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
Oggi non posso uscire perché ________ un sacco di cose da fare.
When followed by 'da fare', we use the verb 'avere' (to have).
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the right option:
You need the preposition 'di' and the plural noun 'cose'.
Fill in the response to sound like a native speaker.
A: Com'è andato il weekend? B: Bene! ________ un sacco di cose: sono andato al mare e ho visto un film.
The question is in the past, so the answer should use the Passato Prossimo.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate situation.
When would you say 'Devo fare un sacco di cose'?
It's a perfect informal excuse for being busy.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Formality Scale
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosOggi non posso uscire perché ________ un sacco di cose da fare.
When followed by 'da fare', we use the verb 'avere' (to have).
Choose the right option:
You need the preposition 'di' and the plural noun 'cose'.
A: Com'è andato il weekend? B: Bene! ________ un sacco di cose: sono andato al mare e ho visto un film.
The question is in the past, so the answer should use the Passato Prossimo.
When would you say 'Devo fare un sacco di cose'?
It's a perfect informal excuse for being busy.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNo, it's not rude, but it is informal. Use it with friends, family, and colleagues you know well.
No, it must be plural: 'un sacco di cose'.
Use 'molte cose' or 'numerose attività'.
Yes, 'un sacco di gente' means 'a lot of people'.
Literally yes, but in this context, it's just a way to say 'a lot'.
Yes, it is a standard expression used from Milan to Sicily.
Yes, it's very common to mean 'a long time'.
'Molto' is neutral/formal, 'un sacco' is informal and more emphatic.
Only if you are very close with the recipient. Otherwise, avoid it.
Think of it as a tiny pause before releasing the 'k' sound.
Frases relacionadas
un sacco di tempo
similara lot of time
un sacco di gente
similara lot of people
avere un sacco di impegni
synonymto have a lot of commitments
fare quattro passi
contrastto take a short walk
fare il pieno
builds onto fill up (gas or energy)
