
pigro / pigra
lazy
- Il bradipo è un animale pigro.
- La domenica sono pigro e resto a letto.
- Mia sorella è pigra: non vuole mai uscire.
Vocabulary A1–A2
Observe the scene and discover each word through the image and three example Italian sentences.


lazy

hard-working

energetic

lively

sleepy

vain

proud

brave

fearful

shy

curious

cunning

wise

intelligent

fond of sweets

stubborn

patient

calm

cheerful

jealous

romantic

friendly

sociable

solitary

independent

kind

sweet

affectionate

loyal

protective

peaceful

aggressive

dangerous

wild

kind

mean

generous

selfish

stingy

honest

polite

rude

nice

unpleasant

funny

chatty

obedient

rebellious

tidy

messy

distracted

attentive

sensitive

touchy

optimistic

pessimistic

happy

sad

angry

nervous

bored

surprised
These adjectives describe character and mood, and are mostly used for people (Mia nonna è generosa, Sono triste, Sei troppo distratto): the animals are just a fun way to remember them. Many adjectives have two forms: pigro (masculine) and pigra (feminine); those ending in -e, like felice and gentile, have only one. The links between animals and traits are mostly stereotypes, as in Italian sayings (furbo come una volpe, “sly as a fox”; testardo come un mulo, “stubborn as a mule”): they are not scientific facts.
Drag-and-drop exercise
Drag an animal onto the adjective that describes it. For each adjective you only need to find at least one animal, but you can add as many as you like. On a phone: tap the animal, then tap the adjective.
Can’t remember an animal? Review the lesson Animals.
Animals: drag them onto the adjectives or tap them
Animals: drag them onto the adjectives or tap them
Animals: drag them onto the adjectives or tap them
Animals: drag them onto the adjectives or tap them
Animals: drag them onto the adjectives or tap them
Animals: drag them onto the adjectives or tap them
Animals: drag them onto the adjectives or tap them
With negation
Now the other way round: drag an animal that does not have that trait. Again, one is enough. Beware of traps: the tray also contains animals that do have it.
Animals: drag them onto the adjectives or tap them
Free production
Write your version and compare it with the proposed solution. These activities remain saved on the device, but non modificano il punteggio.
Translate freelyThe ant is very hard-working.
Proposed solution: La formica è molto laboriosa.
Translate freelyThe lion is a brave animal.
Proposed solution: Il leone è un animale coraggioso.
Translate freelyThe dog is a loyal friend.
Proposed solution: Il cane è un amico fedele.
Translate freelyThe cat is curious: it looks everywhere.
Proposed solution: Il gatto è curioso: guarda dappertutto.
Translate freelyThe rabbit is shy and fearful.
Proposed solution: Il coniglio è timido e pauroso.
Translate freelyMy grandmother is generous: she always gives something to her grandchildren.
Proposed solution: Mia nonna è generosa: dà sempre qualcosa ai nipoti.
Translate freelyToday I am sad, but my dog makes me happy.
Proposed solution: Oggi sono triste, ma il mio cane mi rende felice.
Translate freelyThe donkey is stubborn, but it is very patient.
Proposed solution: L’asino è testardo, ma è molto paziente.
Translate freelyMy colleague is polite, but his friend is rude.
Proposed solution: Il mio collega è educato, ma il suo amico è maleducato.
Translate freelyThe fox is cunning and independent.
Proposed solution: La volpe è furba e indipendente.
Translate freelyYou are too distracted: you never listen!
Proposed solution: Sei troppo distratto: non ascolti mai!
Translate freelyThe child is angry because he lost the game.
Proposed solution: Il bambino è arrabbiato perché ha perso il gioco.
Translate freelyThe dolphin is intelligent and sociable.
Proposed solution: Il delfino è intelligente e socievole.
Translate freelyMy sister is tidy, but I am messy.
Proposed solution: Mia sorella è ordinata, ma io sono disordinato.
Translate freelyThe cat is lazy and sleepy after lunch.
Proposed solution: Il gatto è pigro e sonnolento dopo pranzo.
Italiano con Martin
Two teachers, two perspectives. Choose the approach that best matches your interests.