Which one should you use?
When addressing a single person, you use the masculine form sei pazzo? for a man and the feminine form sei pazza? for a woman. If you are addressing more than one person, use the plural form siete pazzi?
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Sei pazzo/a? is used in informal contexts. For a formal context, you can use È impazzito/a? to mean "Are you out of your mind?"
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective changes based on the gender of the person you are addressing: use pazzo for a male and pazza for a female. For plural subjects, use the form siete pazzi?
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the first syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
If you want to add extra emphasis and disbelief, similar to saying "But have you lost your mind?", you can use the colloquial phrase ma sei impazzito/a?
Did you know?
- While sei pazzo? is used for disbelief, the word pazzo is also used in food to describe things that are 'crazy' or wildly flavorful, such as pasta pazza.
- In Italy, questioning someone's sanity with sei pazzo? is frequently accompanied by a gesture where the index finger is circled near the temple.
- The word pazzo may have evolved from the French word page, referring to a serving boy who was often viewed as cheeky or impudent.
Examples in context
- Sei pazzo? Non puoi farlo!Are you crazy? You can't do that!
- Ma sei pazzo? È troppo pericoloso.Are you crazy? It is too dangerous.
Example conversation
Alessandro suggests spending all their savings on a spontaneous trip.
- GiuliaVuoi spendere tutto adesso? Sei pazzo?You want to spend everything now? Are you crazy?
- AlessandroNo, è un'opportunità incredibile!No, it's an incredible opportunity!
- GiuliaSarebbe un errore enorme, Alessandro.It would be a huge mistake, Alessandro.
- AlessandroDai, Giulia, divertiamoci un po'!Come on, Giulia, let's have some fun!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (sei, pazzo) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pazzo, sei, CC BY-SA 4.0.
