essere distratto

/ˈɛs.se.re diˈstra.tto/
verb phrase★Intermediate— to be distracted
informal

To have one's attention diverted; not to focus on the current task.

Mi scuso, sono stato molto distratto e non ho sentito la tua domanda.

I apologize, I was very distracted and didn't hear your question.

💡

Used to describe a temporary mental state; contrast with the reflexive verb "distrarsi".

Collocations

essere molto distrattoto be very distractedessere un po' distrattoto be a little distracted

Related Phrases

distrarsiverb
to get distracted
perdere la concentrazionephrase
to lose concentration

💡Pro Tip

State vs. Action

Use "essere distratto" when you want to state that someone is in a distracted condition; use "distrarsi" when you refer to the act of becoming distracted.

📖Word Origin

From the verb "essere" (to be) and "distratto", past participle of "distrarre" (to distract), which derives from Latin "distrahere" (to draw apart).

📝Usage Notes

Use "essere distratto" to describe a state of mind; the reflexive verb "distrarsi" emphasizes the action of becoming distracted.

Dizionario Italiano-Inglese