sei pazzo
/ˈsɛj ˈpat.t͡so/word by word
The Italian phrase for "you're crazy" is 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 a standard way to say someone is crazy, sei matto is a common alternative that often carries a slightly more playful or colloquial connotation depending on the context.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the person or people being addressed. Use sei pazzo/a for a singular person, changing to sei pazza when addressing a woman. If you are addressing a group of people, use siete pazzi.
How do you pronounce it?
It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- Depending on the region, an Italian speaker might use sei fuori di testa to say you are crazy, which literally means 'you are outside of your head'.
- The word pazzo might not even have Latin roots, but could instead stem from the Old High German word 'barrezzen', meaning 'to hate'.
- Using the phrase sei pazzo with a certain tone can transform it from a genuine insult into a compliment for someone who is being incredibly brave or daring.
Examples in context
- Sei pazzo!You're crazy!This sentence is useful for demonstrating the exclamation sei pazzo.Tatoeba #664335 by Guybrush88, translation #664251 by BlueLagoon
- Mi scusi, ma penso che lei sia fuori di testaExcuse me, but I think you are out of your mind
- Sei pazzo/a come una cabra! Che idea ridicola!You are crazy like a goat! What a ridiculous idea!
- Sei pazzo a fare questo!You're crazy to do this!
Example conversation
Francesco wants to jump into a cold lake in winter.
- FrancescoVoglio fare il bagno nel lago ora!I want to swim in the lake now!
- SofiaMa sei pazzo, Francesco!But you're crazy, Francesco!
- FrancescoÈ solo un po' di freddo.It is just a little cold.
- SofiaNo, è troppo pericoloso.No, it is too dangerous.
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.
