Italian Phrase
Sono pieni di polvere.
Meaning
This phrase describes multiple objects that are covered in or filled with dust. It uses the plural form of the verb 'essere' (to be) and the masculine plural adjective 'pieni' (full) to indicate a state of neglect or long-term storage.
When to use
Use this when talking about cleaning chores, exploring an attic, or describing old items in a warehouse. It is specifically used for plural masculine or mixed-gender objects.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sonopienidipolvere
Sono
The third-person plural form of the verb 'essere' (to be), used here for 'they are'.
Pieni
The masculine plural adjective meaning 'full'; it must agree with the plural subject it describes.
Di
A preposition used after 'pieno' to specify what the objects are full of.
🗨In Conversation
Dovremmo spostare questi vecchi libri?
Should we move these old books?
Sì, ma fai attenzione perché sono pieni di polvere.
Yes, but be careful because they are full of dust.
✕Common Mistakes
Sono pieno di polvere.
The adjective must be plural ('pieni') to match the plural verb 'sono'.
Sono pieni da polvere.
In Italian, the adjective 'pieno' is followed by the preposition 'di' (of), not 'da' (from).
↔Alternatives
Sono impolverati.
They are dusty.
Sono coperti di polvere.
They are covered in dust.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, 'fare la polvere' (dusting) is a common household task. You will often hear this phrase during 'le pulizie di primavera' (spring cleaning) or when browsing through items at a 'mercatino dell'usato' (flea market).