sotto torchio
/ˈsot.to ˈtɔr.kjo/word by word
The English adjective henpecked can be translated into Italian as sotto torchio.
The phrase is used to describe someone who is being plagued or overwhelmed by their wife.
Meaning: plagued or overwhelmed by one's wife (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase functions as an adjectival phrase and does not change its form based on the gender or number of the person being described.
How do you pronounce it?
It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The phrase sotto torchio literally translates to 'under the press', referring to the heavy mechanical devices once used for extracting juice from grapes or olives.
- While sotto torchio describes a spouse, it is also used in Italian to describe anyone under extreme pressure from a boss or a demanding situation.
- The word torchio is a relative of the English word 'torque', as both derive from the Latin root meaning to twist.
Examples in context
- È completamente dominato dalla moglie. Non può prendere decisioni da solo.He is completely dominated by his wife. He can't make decisions on his own.
- È sempre comandato da sua moglie. Non prende mai una decisione da solo!He is always commanded by his wife. He never makes a decision on his own!
Example conversation
Lorenzo is talking to his friend Sofia about his neighbor.
- LorenzoIl mio vicino è sempre sotto torchio.My neighbor is always henpecked.
- SofiaDavvero? Perché lo dici, Lorenzo?Really? Why do you say that, Lorenzo?
- LorenzoLa moglie decide ogni singola cosa.His wife decides every single thing.
- SofiaChe peccato, povero uomo.What a shame, poor man.
