ho una cotta per te
In Italian, 'I have a crush on you' is said as ho una cotta per te.
The phrase is used to tell someone that you are romantically attracted to them. The noun cotta is used specifically to describe a brief or intense infatuation, often used by younger people or to describe a 'passing fancy'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ho (I have), una cotta (a crush) and per te (for you).
How does it change in a sentence?
To say you have a crush on multiple people, use per loro at the end of the phrase.
Did you know?
- If you were to use the word cotta in a different context, such as una cotta di sole, you would actually be talking about a 'sunburn'.
- The word cotta is the feminine past participle of cuocere, meaning 'to cook'. This implies that a crush is like something that has been heated or cooked through.
- If an Italian says they are cotto (cooked) for someone, they aren't just describing a crush but are admitting they are completely powerless and defeated by their feelings.
Examples in context
- Sento che ho una cotta per te da un po' di tempo.I feel like I've had a crush on you for a while.
- Devo dirti che ho una cotta per te.I have to tell you that I have a crush on you.
- Lo so, anche io ho una cotta per te.I know, I have a crush on you too.
- È difficile ammettere che ho una cotta per te.It is difficult to admit that I have a crush on you.
Example conversation
Francesco and Giulia are walking home together after school.
- FrancescoGiulia, volevo dirti che ho una cotta per te.Giulia, I wanted to tell you that I have a crush on you.
- GiuliaDavvero? Non me lo aspettavo!Really? I wasn't expecting that!
- FrancescoSì, è vero da molto tempo.Yes, it's been true for a long time.
- GiuliaChe carino! Anch'io provo lo stesso.How sweet! I feel the same way.
