cervello di gallina
/t͡ʃerˈvɛl.lo di ɡalˈli.na/word by word
The English term birdbrain is translated into Italian as cervello di gallina.
The noun cervello di gallina is used to describe a person who is foolish or lacks intelligence.
Meaning: someone who is not intelligent (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to brain of a hen.
How do you pronounce it?
The phrase is pronounced /tʃerˈvɛl.lo di ɡalˈli.na/. It consists of 5 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The word cervello has a second plural form, cervella, which is used specifically when referring to brains as a food item.
- In Italian, calling someone a gallina is gender-neutral in its insulting sense, even though the word specifically refers to a female chicken.
- In Italian, if you call someone a gallina, you are often implying they are a coward rather than just unintelligent, making the 'hen' metaphor quite versatile.
Examples in context
- Sei proprio un cervello di passero!You are such a birdbrain!
- Non ascoltarlo, è solo un cervello di gallina.Don't listen to him, he is just a birdbrain.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Martina are discussing a colleague's mistake.
- AlessandroMarco ha dimenticato di nuovo le chiavi.Marco forgot the keys again.
- MartinaPoverino, è proprio un cervello di gallina.Poor thing, he is such a birdbrain.
- AlessandroSì, è molto distratto a volte.Yes, he is very distracted sometimes.
- MartinaSpero che recuperi presto la concentrazione.I hope he regains his focus soon.
