postumi della sbornia
The English phrase 'hangover' is translated into Italian as postumi della sbornia.
postumi della sbornia is a noun used to describe the negative physical effects caused by heavy drinking.
Meaning: negative effects caused by heavy drinking (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'aftereffects of the binge' or 'aftereffects of the drunkenness'.
Which one should you use?
While postumi della sbornia describes the entire condition of a hangover, an Italian speaker might simply say mal di testa if they want to refer specifically to a headache, which is a common primary symptom.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun postumi is plural, so you must use the plural article i (i postumi) when referring to 'the hangover' in a sentence.
Did you know?
- The word postumi is usually used in Italian to describe the long-term effects of a war or a great disaster. Using it for a hangover adds a touch of dramatic irony to the suffering.
- The term postumi is most commonly used in a medical context to describe the 'aftereffects' of a disease, such as 'postumi della polio'.
- The word sbornia shares a common ancestor with the English word 'ebriate', which is the root of 'inebriated'.
Examples in context
- Ha i postumi della sbornia.He has a hangover.This sentence is useful for describing someone who has a hangover.Tatoeba #8492737 by Guybrush88, translation #8479985 by CH
- Ho i postumi della sbornia oggi.I have a hangover today.This sentence is useful for saying you have a hangover today.Tatoeba #12818753 by Guybrush88, translation #242651 by CK
- Soffre dei postumi della sbornia di ieri.He's suffering from yesterday's hangover.This sentence is useful for describing someone suffering from the effects of yesterday's drinking.Tatoeba #11707888 by Nuel, translation #11707887 by Nuel
- Dopo una notte di eccessi, mi sono svegliato con i postumi della sbornia.After a night of excess, I woke up with a hangover.
- Non riesco a muovermi oggi, ho proprio una sbornia!I can't move today, I have a major hangover!
Example conversation
Alessandro and Giulia are meeting for breakfast after a party.
- AlessandroNon posso bere caffè per i postumi della sbornia.I can't drink coffee because of my hangover.
- GiuliaTi vedo male, Alessandro. Hai bevuto troppo?You look bad, Alessandro. Did you drink too much?
- AlessandroSì, questi postumi della sbornia sono terribili.Yes, this hangover is terrible.
- GiuliaBevi molta acqua e riposati.Drink plenty of water and rest.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hangover” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries della, sbornia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
