I miei genitori si sono separati qualche anno fa.

My parents separated a few years ago.

Pronunciation

'Separati' = seh-pa-RAH-tee — four syllables. 'Qualche anno fa' = KWAL-keh AN-no FA — 'qualche' before singular noun.

When to use it

Share only when family conversation becomes personal and trust has been established. This is a vulnerable disclosure that Italians share openly — divorce was long taboo but is now widely accepted.

What it means

'Separarsi' = reflexive verb for 'to separate/split up.' Passato prossimo with 'essere': 'si sono separati' — past participle plural masculine. 'Qualche anno fa' = 'a few years ago.' Note: 'qualche' always takes singular noun.

Variations

Sono cresciuto/a con mia madre.

I grew up with my mother.

Describes the outcome of the separation — custody arrangement.

I miei si sono divorziati quando avevo dieci anni.

My parents divorced when I was ten.

'Divorziare' = to divorce. Uses imperfect 'avevo' for age at the time.

Nonostante tutto, vanno ancora d'accordo.

Despite everything, they still get along.

Positive framing — shows maturity and mutual respect despite separation.

Mini Dialogue

— Come mai hai due case di famiglia? — I miei genitori si sono separati qualche anno fa. — Mi dispiace. Come hai vissuto la cosa? — All'inizio male, ma ora siamo tutti più sereni.

— Why do you have two family homes? — My parents separated a few years ago. — I'm sorry. How did you experience it? — Badly at first, but now we're all more at peace.

Cultural Note

Divorce in Italy was only legalised in 1970 and remained socially stigmatised for decades. Today it is fully normalized, particularly in northern Italy. Blended families ('famiglie allargate') are increasingly common and openly discussed.

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Mio fratello lavora all'estero da due anni.

Nella mia famiglia siamo molto uniti.

← All phrases: Talking About Family