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PhrasesCalling PoliceEro in stato di shock quando è successo.
B2

Ero in stato di shock quando è successo.

I was in a state of shock when it happened.

Pronunciation

SHOK — the word 'shock' is used directly in Italian; stress on the single syllable.

When to use it

Use when explaining to police why your initial account was incomplete or confused. This provides important context for any inconsistencies in your statement.

What it means

Italian police and prosecutors are trained to account for shock-induced memory distortion in witnesses and victims. Stating you were in shock does not undermine your credibility — it explains natural human responses to trauma.

Variations

Non riuscivo a pensare chiaramente.

I wasn't able to think clearly.

Describes the cognitive effect of shock without using the term.

Ho avuto un blackout emotivo.

I had an emotional blackout.

Colloquial — used for gaps in memory or reaction.

Adesso ricordo dei dettagli che prima non ricordavo.

Now I remember details that I did not remember before.

Important statement — allows you to add information to an initial report.

Mini Dialogue

— Prima ha detto che era solo uno, ora dice che erano due. — Mi scusi, ero in stato di shock quando è successo. Adesso sono più calmo/a. — Capisco. Prendiamo la sua versione aggiornata. — Grazie per la comprensione.

— Earlier you said there was only one person, now you say there were two. — I'm sorry, I was in a state of shock when it happened. I am calmer now. — I understand. We'll take your updated account. — Thank you for understanding.

Cultural Note

Italian criminal procedure allows witnesses to supplement or correct their initial statements. The updated version is recorded as an integrazione (addition) to the original report, not a replacement.