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essere assente
/ˈɛs.se.re asˈsɛn.te/
to be absent
Marco è assente oggi perché ha l'influenza.
Marco is absent today because he has the flu.
neutral
To not be present in a place or situation where one is expected.
Gli studenti sono assenti perché è giorno festivo.
The students are absent because it's a holiday.
Il direttore è assente dalla riunione per motivi personali.
The director is absent from the meeting for personal reasons.
Used in both formal and informal contexts, often in reference to school, work, or meetings.
Collocations
essere assente per malattiato be absent due to illnessessere assente senza preavvisoto be absent without noticeessere assente dal lavoroto be absent from work
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Mistakes
Avoid using 'mancare' as a direct synonym in all contexts. 'Mancare' often implies 'to miss' (e.g., 'Mi manchi' = 'I miss you'), while 'essere assente' strictly means 'to be absent'.
Gold Rule
Formal vs. Informal
In formal settings (e.g., work emails), use 'essere assente' for clarity. In casual speech, 'mancare' can sometimes be used interchangeably, but context is key.
Word Origin
From Latin 'absens, absentis' (being away) + 'esse' (to be). The Italian phrase 'essere assente' combines the verb 'essere' (to be) with the adjective 'assente' (absent), directly translating the Latin structure.
Usage Notes
Common in both spoken and written Italian. In formal contexts, it may be used in attendance records or official documents. The phrase can also imply a temporary or permanent absence.
Word Breakdown
essere
to be
verbassente
absent
adjectiveDizionario Italiano-Inglese