uno di troppo
/ˈu.no di ˈtrɔp.po/word by word
The Italian phrase for "one too many" is uno di troppo.
This is an idiomatic expression used to describe having had one or more servings of alcohol too many. While the default form is masculine, it can be adapted to refer to other items, such as una pizza di troppo for one too many pizzas.
Meaning: (idiomatic) one or more servings too many of alcohol (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
Use the feminine form una di troppo if the subject or noun being modified is feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈu.no di ˈtrɔp.po/. The word has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word troppo is a linguistic fossil from the Frankish word for 'village' or 'cluster of houses'. Over time, the idea of a crowded cluster evolved into the meaning of 'too much' or 'excessive'.
- When used to describe a person who is unwelcome in a group, uno di troppo functions similarly to the English idiom 'the odd man out'.
- While English uses 'one too many' to imply a mistake or a limit reached, in Italian, saying uno di troppo can also be used literally to mean 'one extra' of any item, like an extra chair or an extra person in a group.
Examples in context
- Eravamo uno di troppo.We were one too many.This sentence is useful for illustrating the use of uno di troppo.Tatoeba #606125 by bruno_b, translation #605844 by qdii
- C'è uno di troppo alla riunione.There is one too many at the meeting
- Ho ordinato una pizza di troppo.I ordered one too many pizzas
- Ho bevuto uno di troppo.I had one too many.
- Forse ho bevuto uno di troppo.Maybe I had one too many.
- Credo che quel bicchiere sia stato uno di troppo.I think that glass was one too many.
Example conversation
Martina and Matteo are at a party and notice a friend acting strangely.
- MartinaGuarda come cammina, sembra ubriaco.Look how he walks, he seems drunk.
- MatteoSì, credo che abbia bevuto uno di troppo.Yes, I think he's had one too many.
- MartinaDobbiamo portarlo a casa subito.We need to take him home right away.
- MatteoHai ragione, Martina, andiamo.You're right, Martina, let's go.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (uno, di, troppo) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries di, troppo, uno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
