Italian Phrase
Sono stanco/a
Meaning
This phrase expresses physical or mental exhaustion. It uses the verb 'essere' (to be) followed by the adjective 'stanco'. In Italian, adjectives must agree in gender with the person speaking, which is why the ending changes between 'o' and 'a'.
When to use
Use this phrase in everyday conversation to express that you need rest or are feeling drained. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts when explaining why you cannot participate in an activity.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sonostancostanca
Essere (Sono)
'Sono' is the first-person singular of the verb 'essere', meaning 'I am'.
Gender Agreement
The adjective 'stanco' ends in 'o' for men and 'a' for women (stanca) to match the speaker's gender.
🗨In Conversation
Vuoi uscire a cena stasera?
Do you want to go out for dinner tonight?
No, scusa, sono troppo stanco.
No, sorry, I am too tired.
✕Common Mistakes
Ho stanco
In Italian, you 'are' tired (essere), you do not 'have' tiredness (avere).
Sono stanco (said by a woman)
Women must use the feminine ending -a (stanca) to agree with their gender.
↔Alternatives
Sono esausto/a
I am exhausted
Sono distrutto/a
I am shattered/destroyed
Ho sonno
I am sleepy
Cultural Tip
Italians often use 'Sono stanco' as a way to transition out of a social event or to justify taking a 'bioccolo' (a short nap). It is socially acceptable to complain about being 'stanco' as a way to bond over a hard day of work.