divertirsi
/di.verˈtir.si/
The Italian phrase for "to have fun" is divertirsi.
divertirsi is used to describe enjoying oneself or experiencing pleasure while doing an activity. For a more intense experience, you can use the informal expression divertirsi un mondo to mean "to have a blast" or "to have a world of fun". If you are specifically referring to having a wild party, you can use the informal phrase fare baldoria. Another informal way to say you are letting loose or having a blast is to use the verb scatenarsi.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb divertirsi is the reflexive form of divertire, which literally means "to amuse oneself".
How does it change in a sentence?
Because divertirsi is a reflexive verb, you must use reflexive pronouns such as mi, ti, si, ci, vi or si to conjugate it (for example, mi diverto for "I have fun").
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /di.verˈtir.si/ and has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using divertire when you mean "to have fun". The verb divertire means "to amuse (someone else)" and requires an object, whereas divertirsi is used when you are the one enjoying yourself.
Did you know?
- While divertirsi means 'to have fun', the verb scatenarsi literally means 'to break one's chains'. It is used when fun becomes so intense that you lose all inhibition.
- In Italian, 'having fun' is treated as a reflexive action performed on oneself through divertirsi. This contrasts with English, which treats 'fun' as a noun that one can 'have' like a possession.
- Using the word mondo (world) in divertirsi un mondo is part of a broader Italian linguistic pattern. Many extreme emotions or degrees of intensity are described by referencing the entire universe.
Examples in context
- È ora di divertirsi.It's time to have fun.This sentence shows how to use divertirsi to say it is time to have fun.Tatoeba #5007932 by Guybrush88, translation #5006417 by CK
- È pronto a divertirsi?Are you ready to have fun?This sentence uses divertirsi to ask if someone is ready to have fun.Tatoeba #2565852 by Guybrush88, translation #2565843 by Hybrid
- A Tom piace divertirsi.Tom likes to have fun.This sentence demonstrates the use of divertirsi to say that someone likes to have fun.Tatoeba #4247667 by Guybrush88, translation #1164460 by CK
- Siamo andati al parco divertendoci un mondo!We went to the park and had a blast!
- Mi sono goduto la serata in compagnia dei miei amici.I enjoyed the evening in the company of my friends.
- Abbiamo passato un buon momento insieme.We had a good time together.
- Ieri sera abbiamo fatto baldoria in discoteca!Last night we had a wild party at the club!
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Chiara are planning a weekend trip.
- MatteoAndiamo in montagna per divertirsi un po'?Shall we go to the mountains to have some fun?
- ChiaraSì, voglio divertirsi insieme a te!Yes, I want to have fun together with you!
- MatteoPossiamo noleggiare le sci per divertirsi di più.We can rent skis to have more fun.
- ChiaraOttima idea, sarà fantastico divertirsi!Great idea, it will be fantastic to have fun!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry divertirsi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
