essere svagato

/ˈɛs.se.re svaˈɡa.to/
verb phraseIntermediate to be absent-minded
informal

To be distracted or not focused on the present moment, often due to daydreaming or preoccupation.

Non riesco a concentrarmi perché sono svagato tutto il giorno.

I can't concentrate because I've been absent-minded all day.

Era così svagato che ha dimenticato le chiavi a casa.

He was so absent-minded that he forgot his keys at home.

💡

Commonly used to describe someone whose mind is wandering, often in a gentle or sympathetic way.

Collocations

essere molto svagatoto be very absent-mindedsembrare svagatoto seem absent-minded

Related Phrases

avere la testa fra le nuvoleidiom
to have one's head in the clouds

💡Pro Tip

Avoiding confusion with 'essere svogliato'

'Essere svogliato' means 'to be unmotivated' or 'to lack enthusiasm,' while 'essere svagato' refers to being distracted or absent-minded. They are not interchangeable.

Gold Rule

When to use 'essere svagato'

Use this phrase when someone is mentally elsewhere, not necessarily lazy or uninterested. It’s about focus, not effort.

📖Word Origin

From the verb 'essere' (to be) + 'svagato' (past participle of 'svagare', meaning 'to distract' or 'to amuse oneself'). 'Svagato' derives from 'svago' (pastime, distraction), from the Latin 'evagari' (to wander, to roam).

📝Usage Notes

Used to describe temporary or habitual absent-mindedness. Often implies a gentle reproach rather than strong criticism. Common in casual conversation.

Word Breakdown

essere
to be
verb
+
svagato
distracted, absent-minded
adjective
Dizionario Italiano-Inglese