ho freddo
The English phrase 'I am cold' is translated into Italian as ho freddo.
The phrase ho freddo is used to express that you are experiencing a low temperature.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, ho freddo translates to 'I have cold'. This is because Italian uses the verb avere (to have) rather than essere (to be) to express physical sensations like temperature.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that someone else is cold, you change the verb to the third-person singular. For example, use ha freddo to say 'he/she is cold'.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying sono freddo. In Italian, this would imply that you are a cold person in terms of character or that you are a cold object, rather than expressing that you feel a low temperature.
Did you know?
- While ho freddo is used for feeling cold, the word freddoloso describes a person who is chronically sensitive to the cold.
- To emphasize that you are extremely cold, Italians often use the phrase morire di freddo, which literally means 'to die of cold'.
- The word freddo shares a common ancestor with the English word 'frigid', which is why they look so similar.
Examples in context
- Ho freddo.I am cold.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase ho freddo.Tatoeba #379779 by Pharamp, translation #436325 by lukaszpp
- Ho freddino.I am a bit cold.
- ho freddo e cerco qualcosa di caldoI am cold and looking for something warm
- ho freddo e mi serve un maglioneI am cold and I need a sweater
- Ho freddo, accendi il riscaldamento.I am cold, turn on the heating.
Example conversation
Giulia and Francesco are sitting in a room with the air conditioning on.
- GiuliaFrancesco, ho freddo in questa stanza.Francesco, I am cold in this room.
- FrancescoDavvero? Io invece sto bene.Really? I feel fine, instead.
- GiuliaPuoi abbassare l'aria condizionata, per favore?Can you turn down the air conditioning, please?
- FrancescoCerto, Giulia, lo faccio subito.Sure, Giulia, I'll do it right away.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries freddo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
