sei pazzo
/ˈsɛj ˈpat.t͡so/word by word
The English phrase "you're crazy" is translated into Italian as sei pazzo.
This expression is used to tell someone that they are behaving in an irrational way or are mentally ill.
Which one should you use?
While sei pazzo is the standard way to say "you're crazy", the colloquial alternative sei matto is often used to describe someone acting silly or irrational. You may also use the informal phrase sei fuori di testa to convey that someone is out of their mind.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase must change based on who you are addressing: use sei pazza when addressing a woman, siete pazzi for a group of people and siete pazze for a group consisting only of women. The adjective pazzo is masculine.
When do people say it?
It is very common to add Ma to the beginning of the phrase (as in Ma sei pazzo?) to express shock or disbelief at someone's behavior or a suggestion they have made.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the phrase sei pazzo can be used as a compliment to describe someone with an admirable, daring, or rebellious spirit.
- Another possible origin for pazzo is the Old High German word barrezzen, which actually means 'to hate'.
- The phrase sei fuori di testa literally translates to 'you are outside of your head'.
Examples in context
- Sei pazzo!You're crazy!This example is useful for seeing how to use the phrase sei pazzo.Tatoeba #664335 by Guybrush88, translation #664251 by BlueLagoon
- Sei pazzo/pazza come una capraYou're crazy like a goat
- Ma sei pazzo, non puoi farlo!But you're crazy, you can't do that!
- Sei pazzo se pensi che ti crederò.You're crazy if you think I will believe you.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a dangerous idea to go skydiving.
- AlessandroVoglio saltare con il paracadute domani.I want to skydive tomorrow.
- SofiaSei pazzo, è troppo pericoloso!You're crazy, it's too dangerous!
- AlessandroNon essere così pessimista, Sofia.Don't be so pessimistic, Sofia.
- SofiaDico sul serio, Alessandro.I'm serious, Alessandro.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (sei, pazzo) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pazzo, sei, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
