dammi una tregua
The Italian phrase for 'give me a break' is dammi una tregua.
dammi una tregua is used when someone is being overly critical, persistent or relentless. It functions much like the English expression 'give me a break'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase dammi una tregua literally translates to 'give me a truce'.
Which one should you use?
While dammi una tregua asks for a temporary respite from pressure, if you want to say 'leave me alone' more directly, you should use lasciami stare.
Did you know?
- The word tregua entered Italian via the Gothic language, a Germanic tongue spoken by tribes who invaded Italy during the fall of the Roman Empire.
- In very vulgar settings, Italians might use the phrase non starmi sulle palle to tell someone to give them a break, which literally refers to someone's testicles.
- In Italian, a 'truce' (tregua) can describe not just a break from an argument, but also a sudden pause in the weather, such as when rain stops briefly during a storm.
Examples in context
- Mi conceda una pausa per riflettere sulle possibili soluzioni.Grant me a break to reflect on possible solutions.
- Dammi una tregua, sono stanchissima.Give me a break, I am exhausted.
- Per favore, dammi una tregua con i compiti.Please, give me a break with the homework.
- Dammi una tregua, non posso più sbagliare.Give me a break, I can't make any more mistakes.
Example conversation
Martina and Francesco are studying together at a desk.
- MartinaFrancesco, dammi una tregua, sto studiando da ore.Francesco, give me a break, I have been studying for hours.
- FrancescoTi ho solo chiesto di controllare questo esercizio.I only asked you to check this exercise.
- MartinaHo la testa che mi scoppia.My head is exploding.
- FrancescoVa bene, facciamo una pausa allora.Fine, let's take a break then.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tregua, una, CC BY-SA 4.0.
