"Nervoso per il Discorso": Meaning, Grammar, and Practical Use

Have you ever had to speak in public? Maybe for a school presentation, a wedding toast, or a talk at a conference. It’s a situation that often leads to anxiety. To describe that feeling, in Italian, we often use the expression "nervoso per il discorso." This comprehensive guide will help you understand its precise meaning, master the underlying grammar, and use it correctly, to learn Italian and speak like a native, improving your Italian vocabulary and your ability to describe emotions.

Table of Contents

• What does “nervoso per il discorso” mean?
• The Grammar Behind the Phrase: Rules and Common Errors
• Real-life Examples with “nervoso per il discorso”
• Related Words and Expressions
• Conclusion

What does “nervoso per il discorso” mean?

• Nervoso: State of anxiety, agitation, or worry. Indicates an emotional reaction to a situation perceived as stressful or challenging.
• Per: Preposition that introduces the cause or reason for a mood.
• Il discorso: The act of speaking in public, a presentation, a conference, or any oral statement.

It means to feel anxiety or worry about having to speak in public or give a presentation. It doesn’t necessarily indicate an illness, but a temporary emotional state tied to a specific event.

More: Complete Guide to Nostalgico dei tempi passati Meaning and How to Use It Naturally

The Grammar Behind the Phrase: Rules and Common Errors

• Adjective agreement: The adjective "nervoso" agrees in gender and number with the subject.
  • Masculine singular: nervoso (Il presentatore è nervoso.)
  • Feminine singular: nervosa (La relatrice è nervosa.)
  • Masculine plural: nervosi (I candidati sono nervosi.)
  • Feminine plural: nervose (Le studentesse sono nervose.)
• Use of the preposition "per": The preposition "per" indicates the cause or purpose. In this context, "per il discorso" clarifies the reason for being nervous. It is the correct preposition to indicate the reason for a feeling or action. As noted by WordReference, the preposition "per" is used to indicate the cause or motive of a state.
• Common errors in Italian:
  • Do not use "di" or "da": "Sono nervoso di il discorso" or "Sono nervoso dal discorso" are errors. The correct form is always "nervoso per il discorso."
  • Confusing "nervoso" with "arrabbiato": "Nervoso" refers to anxiety, not anger. If you are angry with someone, you would use "Sono arrabbiato con [person]" or "Sono infuriato per [situation]."

Real-life Examples with “nervoso per il discorso”

Here are some examples showing how to use "nervoso per il discorso" in everyday situations.

• Dialogue 1: Before the presentation

  Persona A: "Come ti senti riguardo alla presentazione di domani?" Persona B: "Onestamente, sono un po' nervoso per il discorso. Spero di non dimenticare nulla."

• Dialogue 2: The stage debut

  Persona A: "Hai visto quanto era teso l'attore prima di salire sul palco?" Persona B: "Sì, era evidente. Credo fosse nervoso per il discorso che doveva fare all'inizio dello spettacolo."

• Dialogue 3: The meeting presentation

  Persona A: "Maria non ha parlato molto alla riunione." Persona B: "Lo so, mi ha detto che era piuttosto nervosa per il discorso che aveva preparato. Non è abituata a parlare davanti a tutti."

• Example 4: The oral exam

  Luca ha studiato per giorni, ma era comunque nervoso per il discorso dell'esame orale.

• Example 5: The wedding toast

  Anche se aveva provato mille volte, il testimone era visibilmente nervoso per il discorso di matrimonio.

Related Words and Expressions

Conclusion

We have explored the expression "nervoso per il discorso," learning its meaning, correct grammar, and how to use it in various contexts. It is a natural way to describe anxiety related to public speaking.

Now it’s your turn! Try to create a sentence using "nervoso per il discorso" or one of the related expressions. Share it in the comments below!