Sei sportivo/a?

Are you into sports?

Pronunciation

'Sportivo' = spor-TEE-voh. Stress on the second syllable. The feminine form is 'sportiva'.

When to use it

A casual, friendly question to explore common ground around sport and fitness. Works at any social occasion. Opens conversation about specific sports, teams, or workout habits.

What it means

'Sportivo/a' is an adjective meaning 'sporty' or 'into sports.' Using 'essere + adjective' is an A1 structure. The -o/-a variation signals the importance of Italian grammatical gender agreement.

Variations

Fai qualche sport?

Do you play any sport?

More specific — asks about a particular sport rather than general attitude.

Sei tifoso/a di qualche squadra?

Do you support any team?

'Tifoso/a' = fan/supporter. Immediately opens up football conversation.

Vai in palestra?

Do you go to the gym?

Practical gym-specific question — direct and easy to answer.

Mini Dialogue

— Sei sportivo? — Abbastanza. Corro tre volte a settimana e il weekend vado in bici. — Anch'io! Di solito dove vai in bici? — Sulle colline fuori città. C'è un percorso bellissimo.

— Are you into sports? — Quite. I run three times a week and cycle at weekends. — Me too! Where do you usually cycle? — On the hills outside the city. There's a beautiful route.

Cultural Note

Cycling ('ciclismo') is deeply embedded in Italian culture — both as a sport and leisure activity. The Giro d'Italia is one of the most important national sporting events. Mentioning cycling often creates instant connection.

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Sei appassionato/a di musica?

Ti piace leggere?

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