Dicas
Precario: Think 'Precarious'
The Italian word "precario" is a direct cognate of the English word "precarious". This makes it easier to remember its core meaning: something that is unstable, uncertain, or not securely held.
Precario for Jobs
One of the most common uses of "precario" in Italian is to describe a temporary or insecure job. Think of a job that doesn't offer long-term stability or benefits. Example: "Ha un lavoro precario." (He has a temporary/insecure job.)
Precario for Situations
You can also use "precario" to describe a situation that is unstable or uncertain. Example: "La situazione economica è precaria." (The economic situation is unstable/uncertain.)
Precario for Health
When talking about health, "precario" can mean fragile or delicate. Example: "La sua salute è precaria." (His health is fragile/delicate.)
Precario: Adjective Agreement
Remember that "precario" is an adjective, so it needs to agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. Masculine singular: "precario", feminine singular: "precaria", masculine plural: "precari", feminine plural: "precarie".
Opposite of Precario
The opposite of "precario" would be something like "stabile" (stable) or "sicuro" (secure). Understanding antonyms can help solidify your understanding of the word.
Precario in Context
Pay attention to the context in which you hear or read "precario". This will help you understand the specific nuance of its meaning in that particular situation.
Precario vs. Temporaneo
While "precario" can imply temporary, it adds the connotation of insecurity or instability. "Temporaneo" simply means temporary without necessarily implying insecurity.
Listen for Precario
Try to listen for "precario" in Italian news, movies, or conversations. The more you hear it in natural contexts, the better you'll understand its usage.
Practice with Sentences
Create your own sentences using "precario" to describe different situations. This active practice will help you internalize the word and its various meanings.
Teste-se 12 perguntas
Write a sentence describing something that is not stable, like a wobbly chair.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
La sedia è un po' precaria. (The chair is a little wobbly.)
Imagine you have a job that isn't permanent. Write a short sentence about it.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Il mio lavoro è precario. (My job is temporary/not secure.)
Write a sentence saying that a situation is uncertain or unstable.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
La situazione è precaria. (The situation is uncertain.)
What is 'precario' referring to in this passage?
Read this passage:
Ho un tavolo vecchio. Non è molto stabile. Quando appoggio un libro, trema un po'.
What is 'precario' referring to in this passage?
The passage describes a table that is not stable, indicating it is 'precario'.
The passage describes a table that is not stable, indicating it is 'precario'.
What word could describe Maria's job?
Read this passage:
Maria ha un lavoro nuovo, ma non sa se sarà per sempre. È un po' preoccupata.
What word could describe Maria's job?
Maria doesn't know if her job will be permanent, so it's 'precario'.
Maria doesn't know if her job will be permanent, so it's 'precario'.
What word best describes the 'situazione' (situation) in the passage?
Read this passage:
Il tempo oggi è molto variabile. Non sappiamo se pioverà o farà sole. La situazione è incerta.
What word best describes the 'situazione' (situation) in the passage?
The weather is variable and uncertain, so the situation is 'precaria'.
The weather is variable and uncertain, so the situation is 'precaria'.
Molti giovani si trovano in una situazione lavorativa ___.
The sentence describes a situation where young people are in an unstable work situation, hence 'precaria' (precarious) is the correct adjective.
A causa del contratto ___, non ho potuto ottenere un mutuo per la casa.
A precarious contract implies instability, which would make it difficult to get a mortgage. 'Precario' fits best here.
La salute del paziente era in uno stato così ___ che i medici erano preoccupati.
If the doctors were worried, the patient's health must have been unstable or critical, making 'precario' (precarious) the appropriate word.
Il ponte, danneggiato dal terremoto, era in condizioni ___ e doveva essere riparato urgentemente.
A damaged bridge would be in an unstable or dangerous state, requiring urgent repair. 'Precarie' (precarious) describes this instability.
Vivere con un reddito ___ rende difficile pianificare il futuro.
An unstable or uncertain income would make future planning difficult. 'Precario' (precarious) accurately reflects this uncertainty.
La situazione politica del paese è diventata sempre più ___ dopo le elezioni.
If the political situation became more unstable or uncertain after the elections, 'precaria' (precarious) is the correct choice.
/ 12 correct
Perfect score!
Precario: Think 'Precarious'
The Italian word "precario" is a direct cognate of the English word "precarious". This makes it easier to remember its core meaning: something that is unstable, uncertain, or not securely held.
Precario for Jobs
One of the most common uses of "precario" in Italian is to describe a temporary or insecure job. Think of a job that doesn't offer long-term stability or benefits. Example: "Ha un lavoro precario." (He has a temporary/insecure job.)
Precario for Situations
You can also use "precario" to describe a situation that is unstable or uncertain. Example: "La situazione economica è precaria." (The economic situation is unstable/uncertain.)
Precario for Health
When talking about health, "precario" can mean fragile or delicate. Example: "La sua salute è precaria." (His health is fragile/delicate.)
Conteúdo relacionado
Esta palavra em outros idiomas
Mais palavras de general
abbagliare
C1To dazzle or blind with light or beauty
abbaglio
C1A serious mistake or misconception.
abbreviare
B1To make something shorter.
abnegazione
C1Self-sacrifice or renunciation of one's own interests
accadere
B1To happen or occur.
accadimento
B2An event, occurrence, or happening.
accaduto
B1What happened or the event that occurred.
accanito
C1Fierce, persistent, or relentless in pursuit
accantonare
C1To put aside for future use or discard.
accattivante
C1witty, charming, or attractive.
