mettersi in gioco
The English phrase 'get involved' is translated into Italian as mettersi in gioco.
mettersi in gioco is used to describe the act of actively participating in a challenge or activity, particularly when that participation involves stepping out of one's comfort zone or taking a personal risk.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'to put oneself in the game'.
Which one should you use?
While the verb partecipare simply means 'to participate' in a neutral sense, mettersi in gioco implies a higher level of personal risk or emotional investment.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because the phrase uses the reflexive verb mettersi, the reflexive pronoun must change to match the subject (e.g., mi metto in gioco, ti metti in gioco).
Did you know?
- In Italian, the word gioco can also describe the 'play' or looseness in a mechanical part, such as a steering wheel or a gear.
- The word gioco in mettersi in gioco shares a root with the English word 'joke'. Both come from the Latin iocus, which referred to a jest or a playful activity.
- The phrase can be used to describe emotional vulnerability, such as 'getting involved' in a new relationship by opening up one's heart.
Examples in context
- Ecco alcuni modi per partecipare attivamente alla comunità.Here are some ways to actively participate in the community.
- È importante impegnarsi attivamente per il benessere della società.It's important to actively engage for the well-being of society.
- Mi piace farmi coinvolgere nei progetti creativi.I enjoy getting involved in creative projects.
- Per favore, partecipate alle riunioni settimanali dell'associazione.Please, get involved in the association's weekly meetings.
- Abbiamo bisogno di volontari che vogliano impegnarsi nella raccolta fondi.We need volunteers who want to get involved in fundraising.
- Gli studenti sono incoraggiati a partecipare attivamente ai laboratori.Students are encouraged to actively participate in the workshops.
- Chiunque sia interessato può collaborare con il giornale studentesco.Anyone interested can get involved with the student newspaper.
- Vieni a darci una mano con l'organizzazione della festa di Natale?Will you come and give us a hand with organizing the Christmas party?
- Amici, fatevi coinvolgere nel torneo di calcetto!Friends, get involved in the football tournament!
- Devi metterti in gioco se vuoi crescere professionalmente.You need to get involved if you want to grow professionally.
- Non ha mai voluto mettersi in gioco.He never wanted to get involved.
- È difficile mettersi in gioco in un nuovo lavoro.It is difficult to get involved in a new job.
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Chiara are discussing a new volunteer opportunity.
- LorenzoChiara, vorresti partecipare al nuovo progetto sociale?Chiara, would you like to participate in the new social project?
- ChiaraSì, sento che è il momento di mettersi in gioco.Yes, I feel it is time to get involved.
- LorenzoSarà una sfida difficile per entrambi.It will be a difficult challenge for both of us.
- ChiaraProprio per questo voglio farlo, Lorenzo.That is exactly why I want to do it, Lorenzo.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gioco, in, mettersi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
