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Italian Phrase

Quest'estate è più fredda del solito?

/kwestˈe.sta.te ɛ pju ˈfred.da del ˈsɔ.li.to/
Meaning"Is this summer colder than usual?"
💡

Meaning

This phrase is used to inquire if the current summer season is experiencing unusually low temperatures compared to what is typically expected. It's a direct question about a perceived deviation from the norm regarding summer weather.

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When to use

You would use this phrase when you notice that the weather during the summer feels uncharacteristically cold and you want to confirm your observation with someone else. It's perfect for casual conversations about the weather, especially when expressing surprise or mild concern about climate patterns.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Quest'estateèpiù freddadel solito

1

Quest'estate

'Quest'estate' means 'this summer'. 'Questa' (this) contracts to 'quest'' before a vowel, and 'estate' is a feminine noun meaning 'summer'.

2

È (essere)

'È' is the third-person singular form of the verb 'essere' (to be). It's used here to describe the state or condition of the summer.

3

Più... del

This structure is used for comparisons of inequality, meaning 'more... than'. 'Più' means 'more', and 'del' is the contraction of 'di' (than) and 'il' (the), used before 'solito'.

4

Solito

'Solito' means 'usual' or 'customary'. When used with 'del', 'del solito' means 'than usual'.

🗨In Conversation

A

Non so tu, ma io sento un po' freddo oggi.

I don't know about you, but I feel a bit cold today.

Sì, hai ragione! Quest'estate è più fredda del solito?

Yes, you're right! Is this summer colder than usual?

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Quest'estate sta più fredda del solito?

    The verb 'stare' is generally not used for describing inherent qualities or states like temperature. 'Essere' (è) is correct for 'it is cold'.

  • Quest'estate è più fredda di solito?

    When comparing with 'solito' (usual), you need the definite article 'il' combined with 'di', forming 'del solito'.

  • È più fredda quest'estate del solito?

    While understandable, placing 'quest'estate' at the beginning of the sentence is more natural and emphasizes the subject of the unusual weather.

↔Alternatives

  • Fa più freddo del solito quest'estate?

    Is it colder than usual this summer?

  • L'estate è insolitamente fredda?

    Is the summer unusually cold?

  • Non trovi che faccia più freddo quest'estate?

    Don't you think it's colder this summer?

it

Cultural Tip

Italians often engage in conversations about the weather, as it's a common and safe topic for small talk, especially with acquaintances or strangers. Commenting on unusual weather, like a cold summer, can be a good way to initiate a conversation or express a shared experience. Don't be surprised if you hear similar observations from locals.