Italian · Emotions & Descriptions
"Worried" in Italian: preoccupato/a
preoccupato/a
Worried in Italian is preoccupato/a (preh-ok-koo-PAH-toh). Agree with gender: sono preoccupato / sono preoccupata. Preoccuparsi means to worry.
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Sono preoccupato: non risponde da ore.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce preoccupato/a
Say it
preh-ok-koo-PAH-toh
/pre.ok.kuˈpa.to/
preh-ok-koo-PAH-toh, stress on PAH. Double c is like kk.
"Worried" in Italian: quick reference
| Italian | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| preoccupato / preoccupata | worried Adjective after essere. | Adjective after essere. |
| preoccupati / preoccupate | worried (plural) Groups. | Groups. |
| essere preoccupato | to be worried State. | State. |
| non preoccuparti | don't worry Reassuring tu. | Reassuring tu. |
How to use preoccupato/a in real life
- 1Waiting for a call
Sono preoccupato: non risponde da ore.
I'm worried: he hasn't answered for hours.
Sono preoccupato.
- 2Before an exam
Lei è preoccupata ma preparata.
She's worried but prepared.
Preoccupata feminine.
- 3Parents texting
I miei sono preoccupati per il volo in ritardo.
My parents are worried about the delayed flight.
Preoccupati plural.
Mistakes English speakers make with preoccupato/a
Incorrect: Sono preoccupata. (man about himself)
Correct: Sono preoccupato.
Match -o / -a to gender.
Incorrect: Sono worry.
Correct: Sono preoccupato/a.
Use preoccupato, not English worry.
Good to know
Non preoccuparti is daily social oil—said on buses, in queues, after small mistakes. Families can sound highly preoccupati about travel and health without meaning panic.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
A friend is late coming home
ChatPal
Sei preoccupato perché Marco non scrive?
Are you worried because Marco isn't writing?
You
Sì, sono preoccupato. Di solito avvisa.
Yes, I'm worried. He usually gives a heads-up.
ChatPal
Non stare troppo preoccupato: c'è traffico.
Don't stay too worried: there's traffic.
You
Hai ragione. Se resto preoccupato, lo richiamo.
You're right. If I stay worried, I'll call him again.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Worried" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Worried" in Italian
How does gender work?
Preoccupato / preoccupata; plural preoccupati / preoccupate.
How do I say don't worry?
Non preoccuparti (tu) or non si preoccupi (Lei).
Is it the same as nervous?
Related but different: worried is preoccupato; nervous/agitated is often agitato.
Can it take per?
Yes: preoccupato per il ritardo.
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