che schifo
/ˈke ˈski.fo/word by word
The English phrase "yuck" is translated into Italian as che schifo.
che schifo is used to indicate disgust. This can be a reaction to physical sensations, such as bad smells or tastes or it can be used to react to situations or behaviors that are morally disgusting.
Meaning: uttered to indicate disgust (intj)
Which one should you use?
If you want to express a stronger sense of disgust, you can use the informal version Che schifezza! Additionally, if you want to say "It sucks!", you can use the informal phrase Fa schifo!
How does it change in a sentence?
As an exclamatory noun phrase, che schifo does not change based on the gender of the object you are reacting to.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈke ˈski.fo/. The phrase has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The word schifo is a distant relative of the English word 'shy'. Both words evolved from a root meaning 'fearful' or 'timid'.
- In Italy, the physical gesture of clicking the tongue against the roof of the mouth often accompanies che schifo to emphasize the sensation of disgust.
- Depending on the tone, che schifo can be used ironically to tease a friend who is being overly picky about food.
Examples in context
- Che schifo!Yuck!This sentence is useful for seeing how to use che schifo as an exclamation.Tatoeba #3283548 by Guybrush88, translation #8672229 by ajje
- Che schifo, l'acqua della piscina è sporca.Yuck, the pool water is dirty.
Example conversation
Sofia and Alessandro are at a restaurant and look at a plate of old seafood.
- AlessandroGuarda questo piatto, che schifo!Look at this plate, yuck!
- SofiaHai ragione, Alessandro, non è commestibile.You're right, Alessandro, it's not edible.
- AlessandroChiamiamo subito il cameriere.Let's call the waiter right away.
- SofiaSì, questo accade spesso qui.Yes, this happens often here.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (che, schifo) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries che, schifo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
