che schifo
/ˈke ˈski.fo/word by word
In Italian, the phrase for "ew" is che schifo.
The phrase che schifo is a direct translation of "ew" used to express disgust or nausea. In spoken Italian, it is often delivered with a sharp, downward intonation to emphasize the feeling of revulsion.
Meaning: expression of disgust or nausea (intj)
Which one should you use?
While che schifo is a general exclamation, Bleah! is an onomatopoeic and informal expression similar to "ew.". If you want to describe a specific thing as being gross, you can use the informal variation Fa schifo! or use the informal form È schifoso/a to say "it is disgusting."
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈke ˈski.fo/. The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The word schifo has a surprising history rooted in fear rather than filth. It stems from an Old French word meaning 'shy' or 'timid', suggesting that something so disgusting it makes you recoil.
- In Italy, the phrase che schifo is often accompanied by a gesture of curling the upper lip and pulling the nose slightly upward.
- While che schifo is used for physical disgust, the variation fa schifo can also describe someone's poor moral character or a terrible performance.
Examples in context
- Ho trovato un insetto nel cibo! Che schifo! Getta tutto subito!I found a bug in the food! Ew! Throw everything away immediately!
- Sono disgustato/a solo a pensarci!I am disgusted just thinking about it!
- È ripugnante! Non riesco a credere che tu l'abbia mangiata.It is repugnant! I can't believe you ate that.
- Che schifo, la spazzatura puzza molto.Ew, the garbage smells really bad.
- Che schifo, questo cibo è vecchio.Ew, this food is old.
- Guarda quel verme, che schifo!Look at that worm, ew!
Example conversation
Matteo and Chiara are looking at a broken, dirty plate in the kitchen.
- MatteoChiara, guarda sotto il tavolo.Chiara, look under the table.
- ChiaraChe schifo, c'è del cibo marcio!Ew, there is some rotten food!
- MatteoSì, è davvero disgustoso.Yes, it is really disgusting.
- ChiaraDobbiamo pulire subito, Matteo.We need to clean it up immediately, Matteo.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (che, schifo) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries che, schifo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
