Mi sono perso
/mi ˈso.no ˈpɛr.so/word by word
The English phrase 'I am lost' is translated into Italian as Mi sono perso.
This phrase is used when someone does not know where they are or how to get to their destination.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase means 'I lost myself'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The gender of the speaker determines the ending: a male speaker uses Mi sono perso and a female speaker must use Mi sono persa.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /mi ˈso.no ˈpɛr.so/. It has 5 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the reflexive structure of Mi sono perso implies that the speaker is the agent of their own disorientation, whereas in English 'I am lost' is often viewed as a state.
- If a speaker wants to say they are 'lost in thought', they would use the phrase essere assorto instead of perdersi.
- The word perso is also the root of the Italian word for 'lost souls' in a spiritual or religious context, anime perse.
Examples in context
- Mi sono perso nel centro.I am lost in the city center.
- Aiuto, mi sono perso!Help, I am lost!
Example conversation
Francesco is walking in a park and calls Giulia for help.
- GiuliaFrancesco, dove sei?Francesco, where are you?
- FrancescoGiulia, mi sono perso.Giulia, I am lost.
- GiuliaSei vicino al grande lago?Are you near the large lake?
- FrancescoNo, non lo so.No, I don't know.
