Feelings

1. Sono contento

   I'm pleased

   Usage

   For happiness about something that just happened — a gift, a kindness

   Grammar Note

   A female speaker says "sono contenta"

2. Sono felice

   I'm happy

   Usage

   Deeper than "contento", describing a state. "Sono felice di conoscerti" is the standard line on meeting someone

   Grammar Note

   "Felice" has one form for both genders

3. Non vedo l'ora

   I can't wait

   Usage

   Literally "I cannot see the hour" — the Italian way of saying you are looking forward to something. Continue with "di": "non vedo l'ora di vederti"

4. Sono emozionato

   I'm moved / thrilled

   Usage

   A mix of being moved and being excited. It has nothing to do with the English "embarrassed" — use it when a view or a piece of music gets to you

   Grammar Note

   A female speaker says "sono emozionata"

5. Sono orgoglioso

   I'm proud

   Usage

   Works for your own achievement or as praise: "sono orgoglioso di te"

   Grammar Note

   A female speaker says "sono orgogliosa"

6. Che sollievo

   What a relief

   Usage

   When lost luggage turns up or a test comes back clear

7. Ti voglio bene

   I care about you

   Usage

   Deep affection for family and friends, not a romantic declaration. Italian firmly separates romantic "ti amo" from affectionate "ti voglio bene" — saying "ti amo" to a friend lands far too heavily

8. Mi manchi

   I miss you

   Usage

   For someone close. With the formal "Lei" it becomes "mi manca"

   Grammar Note

   Literally "you are lacking to me" — the subject is the other person, the reverse of English

9. Sono triste

   I'm sad

   Usage

   "Triste" does not change for gender

10. Che peccato

    What a shame

    Usage

    Literally "what a sin" — the set phrase for a closed shop or a cancelled plan, and equally for sympathising with someone else's bad luck

11. Sono deluso

    I'm disappointed

    Usage

    A calm way to register a complaint. It does not mean the English "deluded"

    Grammar Note

    A female speaker says "sono delusa"

12. Mi sento solo

    I feel lonely

    Usage

    For the low moments of solo travel. "Solo" covers both alone and lonely

    Grammar Note

    A female speaker says "mi sento sola"

13. Ho nostalgia di casa

    I'm homesick

    Usage

    For missing home part-way through a long trip. "Nostalgia" comes from the Greek for the ache of returning home

14. Sono arrabbiato

    I'm angry

    Usage

    In a complaint, showing the card says enough without raising your voice. "Sono arrabbiato con ..." — angry with someone

    Grammar Note

    A female speaker says "sono arrabbiata"

15. Mi dà fastidio

    That bothers me

    Usage

    A gentle way to flag noise or cigarette smoke. It lets you ask to move seats without creating a scene

16. Ho paura

    I'm scared

    Usage

    Add "di" for the thing you fear: "ho paura dell'altezza" — I am afraid of heights

    Grammar Note

    Italian uses "avere" — to have — for fear. "Sono paura" is not Italian

17. Che spavento

    What a fright

    Usage

    The reflex line when something startles you, and it carries no blame

18. Sono preoccupato

    I'm worried

    Usage

    For luggage that has not arrived or family you cannot reach

    Grammar Note

    A female speaker says "sono preoccupata"

19. Sono stressato

    I'm stressed

    Usage

    A settled borrowing from English "stress"

    Grammar Note

    A female speaker says "sono stressata"

20. Che imbarazzo

    How embarrassing

    Usage

    Use it about your own slip; aimed at someone else it becomes a criticism

21. Sono imbarazzato

    I'm embarrassed

    Usage

    For blushing at a compliment or fumbling in public. Do not confuse it with "emozionato", which means moved

    Grammar Note

    A female speaker says "sono imbarazzata"

22. Mi annoio

    I'm bored

    Usage

    Uses the reflexive "annoiarsi". Keep it about your own state — aimed at someone's plan it is rude

23. Sono stanco

    I'm tired

    Usage

    Show it when your feet have had enough and you want to suggest a break

    Grammar Note

    A female speaker says "sono stanca"

24. Sono esausto

    I'm exhausted

    Usage

    Stronger than "stanco" — after a long journey, or when you truly cannot walk further

    Grammar Note

    A female speaker says "sono esausta"

25. Ho sonno

    I'm sleepy

    Usage

    Never "sono sonno". Watch the near-miss too: "ho sogno" would mean having a dream

    Grammar Note

    Sleepiness takes "avere", like "ho fame" (hungry) and "ho sete" (thirsty)

26. Sto bene

    I'm well

    Usage

    The answer to "come stai?", and equally to a question about your health

    Grammar Note

    Health takes "stare", not "essere" — "sono bene" is not Italian

27. Non mi sento bene

    I don't feel well

    Usage

    The opening line when you feel ill. "Sto male" is stronger — properly unwell

28. Sono confuso

    I'm confused

    Usage

    Signals that you have not followed the explanation, without blaming the other person

    Grammar Note

    A female speaker says "sono confusa"

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