Feelings

1. Sugnu cuntentu

   I'm pleased

   Usage

   Expresses pleasure about something that has just happened, such as a gift or a kindness

   Grammar Note

   A woman says Sugnu cuntenta. Cuntentu is listed in the Dieli dictionary. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

2. Sugnu filici

   I'm happy

   Usage

   Describes a settled state of happiness rather than a passing pleasure

   Grammar Note

   Filici has one form for both genders, and the unstressed e is written i. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

3. Sugnu orgogghiusu

   I'm proud

   Usage

   Used for pride in your own achievement or in a relative's or friend's success

   Grammar Note

   Formed from the noun orgogghiu (pride); a woman says orgogghiusa. The sound is spelt gghi, not gl. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

4. Ti vogghiu beni

   I care about you

   Usage

   Expresses deep affection for family and friends; it is not a romantic declaration

   Grammar Note

   Literally "I want you well". Use it only with people you are close to, not with someone you should address formally. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

5. Mi manchi

   I miss you

   Usage

   Tells someone close, who is far away, that you miss them

   Grammar Note

   Literally "you are lacking to me": the subject is the person you miss, the reverse of English. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

6. Sugnu tristu

   I'm sad

   Usage

   The basic way to say you feel sad

   Grammar Note

   A woman says Sugnu trista. Tristu is a headword in the Dieli dictionary. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

7. Chi piccatu!

   What a shame

   Usage

   Said about a closed shop or a cancelled plan, and also to sympathise with someone's bad luck

   Grammar Note

   Piccatu originally means "sin" and is also the exclamation "what a pity"

8. Mi sentu sulu

   I feel lonely

   Usage

   Expresses loneliness during the low moments of solo travel

   Grammar Note

   Sulu covers both "alone" and "lonely"; a woman says Mi sentu sula. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

9. Sugnu arraggiatu

   I'm angry

   Usage

   Conveys anger in a complaint without raising your voice. "Angry with someone" is Sugnu arraggiatu cu…

   Grammar Note

   A woman says Sugnu arraggiata. The noun raggia means "anger" and also "rabies". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

10. Mi duna fastidiu

    That bothers me

    Usage

    A gentle way to flag noise or cigarette smoke, so you can ask to move seats without a scene

    Grammar Note

    Literally "it gives me annoyance", with the subject left out. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

11. Haiu scantu

    I'm scared

    Usage

    The basic way to say you are afraid. Add di for the thing you fear

    Grammar Note

    Fear takes "have": do not say Sugnu scantu. The verb scantari means "to frighten". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

12. Chi scantu!

    What a fright

    Usage

    The reflex line when something startles you; it carries no blame

    Grammar Note

    Chi plus a noun makes the exclamation "what a ...". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

13. Chi mbarazzu!

    How embarrassing

    Usage

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

    Grammar Note

    The word begins with mb-. Virgogna means "shame" and is heavier, so mbarazzu suits a light "how embarrassing". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

14. Sugnu stancu

    I'm tired

    Usage

    Use it when your feet have had enough, as a lead-in to suggesting a break

    Grammar Note

    A woman says Sugnu stanca. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

15. Haiu sonnu

    I'm sleepy

    Usage

    Says you are sleepy, for instance when you want to rest after a long journey

    Grammar Note

    Sonnu means "sleepiness" and also "dream". Sleepiness is said with "have". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

16. Staiu beni

    I'm well

    Usage

    The answer to "how are you", and to a question about your health

    Grammar Note

    Health and condition take stari, so do not say Sugnu beni. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

17. Nun mi sentu beni

    I don't feel well

    Usage

    The opening line when you feel ill

    Grammar Note

    The negation nun goes right before the verb group mi sentu. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

18. Sugnu cunfusu

    I'm confused

    Usage

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

    Grammar Note

    A woman says Sugnu cunfusa. Cunfusu is listed in the Dieli dictionary. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

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