Let’s learn one of the most used typical Italian expressions – that’s “far cadere le braccia” (literally: make arms fall down) while finding out how Massimo is doing with his new girlfriend, Sara. Things are definitely not looking good: he says everytime she opens her mouth, his arms fall down… uhm, no, not a good sign! We’ll also review and practice “come va con…” (how is it going with…), a very common way of asking people about things they are doing. Enjoy!
I was in Italy a few years ago, and I remeber the song “non farti cadere le braccia”. Is the meaning the same as it is used on this episode?
It is actually a little different – the meaning of the expression on Edoardo Bennato’s song “Non Farti Cadere Le Braccia” is “do not surrender”.
you are great! keep it up… i will soon type in Italian!
In the Supplement; for the participle for the verb scocciare in one place essere is used “sono scocciato di Sara” and in another avere is used “mi hai scocciato”
how do you know which to use? I know (or think I know!) essere for intransitive verbs and avere for transitive, so is scocciare both?
Herb, please note the difference between “Sara mi ha scocciato (Sara ha scocciato me)” and “Io mi sono scocciato di Sara” – both mean the same thing, but the subject and verbs are different.
The first sentence uses the verb “scocciare” (to annoy), the second the reflexive “scocciarsi” (to be annoyed).
At one point in the discussion, but not in the dialogue, Massimo says something like: “A volte, le cose cambiano in fretta.” He makes the sense of it clear, but could you confirm/correct my transcription of exactly what he said?
Ludwig, the sentence “a volte, le cose cambiano in fretta” means “sometimes, things change fast”.
How would one say “Stop annoying me.” I am guessing “Ferma scocciarmi” ???
Steve, that would be “smetti di scocciarmi” (using the verb ‘smettere’).
I have just started learning Italian after having some Italian students on my English courses and your podcasts are fantastic! It is so helpful to listen, repeat and lean new expressions – I think you’ve got it just right!