rilassarsi
/ri.lasˈsar.si/
To chill in Italian, the default form is rilassarsi.
Rilassarsi is used for the physical or mental act of de-stressing or taking it easy.
Meaning: calm, relaxed, easygoing (adj)
Which one should you use?
While the English 'chill' can be used as an adjective (e.g., 'he is chill'), the Italian rilassarsi is primarily a verb meaning 'to relax'. To use 'chill' as an adjective meaning 'relaxed' (e.g., 'I am chill'), use the past participle rilassato (masculine) or rilassata (feminine).
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form rilassarsi is a reflexive verb, meaning it is used to express the act of relaxing oneself.
How do you pronounce it?
/ri.lasˈsar.si/, 4 syllables, stress on the 3rd syllable.
When do people say it?
The noun Serenità means serenity.
Did you know?
- The word rilassarsi comes from the Latin relaxare, which literally meant 'to loosen' or 'to unbend' a bow or a string.
- While rilassarsi is the standard term, young Italians often use the English loanword chillare as a slang verb to describe hanging out with friends.
- To describe a 'chill' person using the slang equivalent, one might say they are sciallo, a word used mostly by younger generations to mean relaxed or easygoing.
Examples in context
- Mi devo calmareI need to calm down
- Mi sto rilassandoI am relaxing
- Sono rilassatoI am relaxed
- Sono tranquilloI am calm
- Che figata!How cool!
- È proprio figoHe/she is really cool
- Sono così rilassato oggi, potrei stare qui per sempreI am so chill today, I could stay here forever
- Che figata questa giornata!This day is so cool!
Example conversation
Matteo and Martina are talking about their weekend plans.
- MatteoCosa fai questo fine settimana, Martina?What are you doing this weekend, Martina?
- MartinaNon ho programmi, voglio solo rilassarsi.I have no plans, I just want to chill.
- MatteoHai ragione, ne abbiamo bisogno.You are right, we need that.
- MartinaAllora ci vediamo sabato!Then I will see you Saturday!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry rilassarsi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
