distratto
/disˈtrat.to/
The English phrase 'distracted' is translated into Italian as distratto.
The word is an adjective used to describe someone whose attention has been diverted or who is preoccupied. In formal contexts, the phrase Distrarre l'attenzione can be used to mean 'distract attention'.
Meaning: having one's attention diverted, preoccupied (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, the form must agree in gender and number with the person or people being described. Use distratta for a female, distratti for a group of men or a mixed group and distratte for a group of women.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable. The IPA is /disˈtrat.to/.
Did you know?
- If you are daydreaming, an Italian might say you are con la testa tra le nuvole, which translates to 'with your head among the clouds'.
- The Italian word distrazione is used not only for a lack of focus but also to describe a 'treat' or a small luxury bought to take a break from work.
- The word distratto shares a Latin root with the English word 'distract', coming from distractus, meaning 'drawn apart'.
Examples in context
- Tom si è distratto.Tom got distracted.Tatoeba #4668118 by Guybrush88, translation #4667151 by CK
- Ziri si è distratto.Ziri got distracted.Tatoeba #11031698 by Guybrush88, translation #11030250 by Amastan
- Perché è così distratto?Why are you so distracted?Tatoeba #8010807 by Guybrush88, translation #7113213 by CM
- Mi scuso se sono distratto, ma ho ricevuto una chiamata urgenteI apologize if I seem distracted, but I received an urgent call
- Non riesco a concentrarmi, sono un po' allo sbando oggiI can't concentrate, I'm a bit scattered today
- 45 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Martina are studying together in a library.
- MatteoScusa, ero un po' distratto.Sorry, I was a bit distracted.
- MartinaCosa stavi guardando, Matteo?What were you looking at, Matteo?
- MatteoQuel cane fuori dalla finestra.That dog outside the window.
- MartinaConcentrati, o non finiremo mai!Concentrate, or we will never finish!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “distracted” translations and entries distratto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries distratto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
