vergognati
The Italian phrase for "shame on you" is vergognati.
vergognati is an expression used to show disapproval toward someone's actions or behavior.
Meaning: expression of disapproval (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a combination of the verb vergognare (to shame or be ashamed) and the reflexive pronoun ti (yourself) in the imperative mood, literally meaning "be ashamed (of yourself)".
How does it change in a sentence?
vergognati is the singular informal imperative, used when addressing one person you know well. To say "shame on you" to a group of people, use the plural form vergognatevi.
Did you know?
- The root word vergogna is historically related to the Latin word verecundia, which originally meant modesty or a sense of propriety rather than just shame.
- Unlike the English 'shame on you', which can sometimes be used jokingly among friends, using vergognati in a playful way is much riskier in Italian culture as it can still feel like a genuine insult.
- If you were to say vergognati to a stranger or a superior, it would be grammatically incorrect and incredibly rude because the informal imperative assumes a level of intimacy.
Examples in context
- Vergognati!Shame on you!This example shows the phrase used as a direct exclamation.Tatoeba #2901679 by Guybrush88, translation #277287 by CK
- Vergognati, Tom.Shame on you, Tom.This example shows how to address a specific person using vergognati.Tatoeba #4508145 by Guybrush88, translation #4501278 by CK
- Vergognati per quello che hai fatto!Shame on you for what you did!
Example conversation
Chiara lied to Francesco about a small matter.
- FrancescoMi hai mentito di nuovo.You lied to me again.
- ChiaraScusami, non volevo ferirti.I'm sorry, I didn't want to hurt you.
- FrancescoVergognati, Chiara!Shame on you, Chiara!
- ChiaraHai ragione, mi dispiace molto.You are right, I am very sorry.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
