sdraiarsi
/zdraˈjar.si/
To lie flat in Italian is sdraiarsi.
The phrase is used to describe the act of placing one's body in a horizontal position on a surface. You can specify the position of the body by adding certain phrases: use sdraiarsi a pancia in su to mean lying flat on one's back, or sdraiarsi a pancia in giù to mean lying flat on one's stomach.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb sdraiarsi is reflexive, which means the action is performed on oneself. This is indicated by the -si suffix.
How does it change in a sentence?
The third-person singular form si sdraia is used to describe the action of someone lying down. If you are informally telling a single person to lie down, you should use the imperative form sdraiati.
How do you pronounce it?
/zdraˈjar.si/ (three syllables, stress on the second syllable)
Did you know?
- In casual conversation, Italians may use buttersi, which literally means 'to throw oneself', to describe flopping onto a bed or sofa when exhausted.
- The verb sdraiarsi is a close relative of the noun sdraio or sdraio, which refers to a deckchair or a lounge chair.
- While sdraiarsi is the standard way to describe lying down, the verb coricarsi is often used in more formal, literary, or polite contexts, such as when an older person goes to bed.
Examples in context
- Vorrei distendermi completamente sulla spiaggia.I would like to lie flat on the beach.
- Dopo l'intervento medico, ti consigliamo di metterti supino per qualche giorno.After the medical procedure, we recommend lying flat for a few days.
- Mi sono steso sul prato per prendere il sole.I lay flat on the grass to soak up the sun.
- Mi piace sdraiarmi sul divano e guardare un film.I enjoy lying down on the couch and watching a movie.
- Puoi sdraiarsi sul divano per un po'.You can lie flat on the sofa for a while.
- Il medico ha detto di sdraiarsi sul lettino.The doctor said to lie flat on the exam table.
Example conversation
Chiara and Alessandro are at the beach.
- ChiaraAndiamo a sdraiarsi sulla sabbia?Shall we go lie down on the sand?
- AlessandroSì, è un'idea bellissima!Yes, that is a wonderful idea!
- ChiaraPosso sdraiarsi qui vicino a te?Can I lie down here next to you?
- AlessandroCerto, Chiara, mettiti pure qui.Of course, Chiara, go ahead and lie here.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sdraiarsi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
