sei gay?
/ˈsɛj ˈɡɛj/word by word
The English phrase "are you gay?" is translated into Italian as sei gay?
These phrases are used to ask if a person is romantically or sexually attracted to people of their own gender.
Which one should you use?
You can also use Sei omosessuale? to ask if someone is homosexual. In more formal settings, you might use Lei è omosessuale? or the more indirect La sua orientazione sessuale è omosessuale? to ask about someone's sexual orientation.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsɛj ˈɡɛj/
Did you know?
- When using the formal Lei è…, you are addressing the person as 'She' or 'You (formal)', even if the person is a man.
- The adjective gay in Italian does not change its ending to match the gender of the person, unlike most other Italian adjectives.
- In Italy, using gay is generally seen as more modern and positive, whereas omosessuale can sometimes sound overly clinical or medical.
Examples in context
- Buongiorno! Mi scuso per la mia curiosità, ma Lei è omosessuale?Good morning! I apologize for my curiosity, but are you homosexual?
- Ciao! Sei gay?Hi! Are you gay?
- Scusa, ma sei gay?Excuse me, but are you gay?
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their dating lives at a cafe.
- FrancescoPosso farti una domanda personale?Can I ask you a personal question?
- MartinaCerto, dimmi pure.Sure, go ahead.
- FrancescoSei gay?Are you gay?
- MartinaSì, lo sono.Yes, I am.
