angoscia
/anˈɡɔʃ.ʃa/
The Italian word for distress is angoscia.
angoscia is used to describe a state of deep distress, anguish or profound psychological suffering. While it can refer to acute physical discomfort, it is most commonly associated with intense emotional or mental suffering.
Meaning: Physical or emotional discomfort, suffering, or alarm, particularly of a more acute nature. (noun)
Which one should you use?
While the Italian word dolore refers to general pain or sorrow, angoscia implies a more acute, suffocating or psychological sense of distress. You can also use the adjective angosciante to describe something that is distressing or agonizing.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun angoscia has a corresponding transitive verb, angosciare, which means to cause someone distress or anxiety.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables and the stress is on the second syllable: /anˈɡɔʃ.ʃa/.
Did you know?
- The word angoscia is a linguistic relative of the English word 'angst'. Both trace their roots back to a Latin term meaning 'narrowness' or 'tightness'.
- In Italian philosophy and literature, angoscia is frequently used to translate the existential 'angst' described by thinkers like Kierkegaard or Sartre.
- While angoscia is deep and acute, Italians use the word ansia for everyday anxiety. Confusing the two can make a common worry sound like a life-altering tragedy.
Examples in context
- Ho sentito i tuoi spari.C'è qualcosa che ti angoscia?I heard your shots. Are you in distress?This sentence uses angoscia to ask if someone is experiencing distress.Tatoeba #10237609 by Nuel, translation #8321264 by Amastan
- Ho sviluppato nuovi hobby che mi hanno portato gioia anziché angoscia.I developed new hobbies that brought me joy instead of distress.This sentence uses angoscia to contrast distress with joy.Tatoeba #13469834 by Nuel, translation #13469833 by Nuel
- Mi dispiace, ma mi trovo in un grande disagio.I'm sorry, but I'm in great distress.
- L'angoscia per l'esame era evidente nel suo sguardo.The distress regarding the exam was evident in her gaze.
Example conversation
Francesco and Martina are talking about a stressful work project.
- FrancescoSento una grande angoscia per questo nuovo progetto.I feel a great deal of distress about this new project.
- MartinaNon preoccuparti, Francesco, ce la farai sicuramente.Don't worry, Francesco, you will surely make it.
- FrancescoSpero che la mia angoscia diminuisca presto.I hope my distress decreases soon.
- MartinaPrenditi un momento per respirare e rilassarti.Take a moment to breathe and relax.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry angoscia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries angoscia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
