Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| adattarsi | /a.datˈtar.si/ |
| familiarizzare | /fa.mi.lja.ridˈd͡za.re/ |
The verb is used to make familiar by use.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb adattarsi is a reflexive form of adattare, which literally means to adapt oneself.
Which one should you use?
Use adattarsi when the subject is the one undergoing the change or adjustment to a new situation. In contrast, use familiarizzare when you are making something or someone familiar to a person, rather than the person adjusting themselves.
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing 'getting used to' something, the verb adattarsi is typically followed by the preposition a. While adattarsi means to adapt, the more common way to say 'to get used to' a habit or a routine is the reflexive verb abituarsi.
How do you pronounce it?
adattarsi is pronounced /a.datˈtar.si/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- Using adattarsi in a social context can sometimes imply a reluctant compromise or 'fitting in' for the sake of peace, rather than a natural adjustment.
- While abituarsi is the standard word for 'getting used to' something, it shares a root with abitudine, which can mean both a 'habit' and a 'custom' or 'tradition' of a whole society.
- The phrase abituarsi a is frequently paired with the word piano piano (slowly slowly) to emphasize the gradual nature of accustoming oneself to a new habit.
Examples in context
- Devo abituarmi al nuovo programma.I need to accustom myself to the new schedule.
- Devo prendere l'abitudine di svegliarmi presto.I need to get into the habit of waking up early.
- Devo abituarmi al clima freddo.I need to accustom myself to the cold weather.
- Marco si è abituato a guidare la macchina nuova.Marco has accustomed himself to driving the new car.
- Ci vuole tempo per adattarsi al clima freddo.It takes time to get used to the cold climate.
- Spero che lui riesca ad adattarsi alla città.I hope he can adapt to the city.
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Giulia are discussing a new job environment.
- LorenzoÈ difficile adattarsi a questo ufficio nuovo?Is it hard to adapt to this new office?
- GiuliaNon molto, mi sto già adattando.Not much, I am already adapting.
- LorenzoBrava, Giulia, vedrai che sarà facile.Good job, Giulia, you will see it will be easy.
- GiuliaGrazie Lorenzo, spero di riuscirci presto.Thanks Lorenzo, I hope I can do it soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “accustom” translations and entries adattarsi, familiarizzare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
