Sei sveglio?
/ˈsɛj ˈzveʎ.ʎo/word by word
The English phrase "are you awake?" is translated into Italian as Sei sveglio?
This phrase is a question used to ask if someone is no longer sleeping.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the second-person singular of essere (to be) and the adjective sveglio (awake).
Which one should you use?
The form you use depends on who you are addressing. Use Sei sveglio? when addressing a male. If you are addressing a group of people, use Siete svegli?
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective changes based on the gender and number of the person or people being addressed. If you are addressing a woman, use the feminine form Sei sveglia? For a group, the plural form is Siete svegli?
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈsɛj ˈzveʎ.ʎo/. The stress is on the first of the three syllables.
Did you know?
- If you are trying to wake someone up, Italians often use the phrase Sveglia! as a command, which literally means 'alarm clock'.
- The word sei in Sei sveglio? is a form of the verb 'to be', but it is also the Italian word for the number 'six'.
- Beyond sleeping, sveglio is used to describe a person who is sharp, quick-witted and alert.
Examples in context
- Scusi, signore. Lei è sveglio?Excuse me, sir. Are you awake?
- Sei sveglio? Ho bisogno di parlare con te.Are you awake? I need to talk to you.
- Non ti vedo muovere, sei sveglio?I don't see you moving, are you awake?
