piedi freddi
In Italian, piedi freddi is the phrase for cold feet.
This phrase refers specifically to the physical sensation of having a low temperature in one's feet.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the plural noun piedi (feet) and the adjective freddi (cold).
Which one should you use?
While the English idiom "to get cold feet" can mean becoming nervous or hesitant, the Italian expression avere i piedi freddi refers only to the physical sensation of temperature. To express a sudden change of mind or hesitancy in Italian, you would use different expressions such as tirarsi indietro or essere pieno di dubbi.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because piedi is a masculine plural noun, the adjective freddi must also be in the masculine plural form.
Did you know?
- If you are feeling nervous about a big event, an Italian might say you have la bocca asciutta, meaning 'a dry mouth', rather than focusing on your feet.
- The word piedi is a linguistic relative of the English word 'pedal', coming from the Latin pes.
- The Italian word freddo can describe not only temperature but also a person's personality, such as someone who is emotionally distant or 'cold'.
Examples in context
- Ho i piedi freddi.I've got cold feet.Tatoeba #2576250 by Guybrush88, translation #3728052 by CM
- Tom aveva i piedi freddi.Tom got cold feet.Tatoeba #3854313 by Guybrush88, translation #2648375 by CK
- Sono pieno di dubbi riguardo a questa sceltaI'm having cold feet about this decision
- Mi sono tirato indietro all'ultimo momentoI got cold feet at the last minute
- Sento i piedi freddi sotto le lenzuola.I feel my feet are cold under the sheets.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is relaxing on the sofa on a winter evening.
- AlessandroSofia, non mi avvicino troppo perché ho i piedi freddi.Sofia, I won't come too close because I have cold feet.
- SofiaMettiti un paio di calze spesse, Alessandro.Put on a pair of thick socks, Alessandro.
- AlessandroSì, hai ragione, ho i piedi freddi da un po'.Yes, you're right, my feet have been cold for a while.
- SofiaTi porterò subito una coperta calda.I'll bring you a warm blanket right away.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
