What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from sono (I am), fiero (proud), di (of) and te (you).
Which one should you use?
While fiero and orgoglioso are often interchangeable in this expression, orgoglioso can sometimes carry a slightly more negative connotation of being 'arrogant' if used incorrectly in other contexts, although both are common here.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective changes gender to match the speaker: use fiera if the person speaking is female. Similarly, use orgoglioso for a male speaker and orgogliosa for a female speaker. To say 'I am proud of you' to a group of people, change te to voi. When addressing someone formally, replace te with Lei (as in Sono fiero/fiera di Lei).
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈso.no ˈfjɛ.ro di te/. The phrase has 4 syllables and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The word fiero shares an unexpected history with the English word 'fierce'. Both stem from Latin roots referring to something wild or untamed, though in Italian the meaning shifted toward a sense of dignity and pride.
- The Italian concept of pride is split into two distinct words: fierezza represents a noble and positive dignity, while orgoglio can be viewed as an ego-driven flaw.
- If you want to brag about someone's success to others, you might use the verb vantarsi, which moves the focus from your feeling to the act of 'boasting'.
Examples in context
- Sono fiero di te.I'm proud of you.This is a simple way to state that you are proud of someone.Tatoeba #2506893 by Guybrush88, translation #15913 by CK
- Beh, sono fiero di te.Well, I'm proud of you.This sentence shows how to use the phrase with a conversational filler.Tatoeba #5040744 by Guybrush88, translation #3736877 by CK
- È un vero piacere lavorare con lei. Sono fiero/fiera di lei e dei suoi risultati straordinari.It's a true pleasure to work with you. I am proud of you and your extraordinary results.
- Sei sempre stato un valido collaboratore. Sono orgoglioso/orgogliosa di te e dei tuoi successi.You have always been a valuable collaborator. I am proud of you and your accomplishments.
- Hai superato l'esame brillantemente! Sono fiero/fiera di te!You passed the exam brilliantly! I am proud of you!
- Hai dato il massimo durante la performance. Sono orgoglioso/orgogliosa di te!You gave your best during the performance. I am proud of you!
- Hai lavorato sodo per raggiungere questo traguardo. Sono orgoglioso/orgogliosa di te e so che ci saranno tanti successi nella tua strada.You worked hard to achieve this milestone. I am proud of you, and I know there will be many successes on your path.
- Per tutto quello che hai fatto, sono fiero di te.For everything you have done, I am proud of you.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara congratulates Francesco on his graduation.
- ChiaraHai finalmente finito l'università!You finally finished university!
- FrancescoSì, ce l'ho fatta!Yes, I did it!
- ChiaraSono fiero di te, Francesco.I'm proud of you, Francesco.
- FrancescoGrazie mille, Chiara.Thank you so much, Chiara.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (sono, fiero, di, te) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries di, fiero, sono, te, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
