heypolyglot
Italian

lunatico

/luˈnatiko/adjective / noun · masculineB2 / C1
Extended vocabulary · Vocabulary rank 32,408

Meaning · adjective

moody, temperamental

  • Subject to unpredictable, sudden changes of mood or temperament.

In a sentence

Oggi è molto lunatico e non vuole parlare con nessuno.

Today he is very moody and doesn't want to talk to anyone.

È difficile lavorare con una persona così lunatica.

It is difficult to work with such a moody person.

Non sono lunatica, sono soltanto stanca.

I'm not moody, I'm just tired.

Word forms (4)
WordWord forms
lunaticomasculine · singular
lunaticafeminine · singular
lunaticimasculine · plural
lunatichefeminine · plural

Usage notes

  • False friend: it means 'moody' or 'fickle', not 'insane' or 'crazy' like English 'lunatic'.

Related words

Opposites

Meaning · noun

moody person

  • A person whose moods change abruptly and unpredictably.

In a sentence

Quel ragazzo è un lunatico: un momento ride e poi si isola.

That guy is moody: one moment he laughs and then he withdraws.

Non fare il lunatico proprio adesso che abbiamo ospiti.

Don't be moody right now when we have guests.

Lavorare con un lunatico imprevedibile può diventare davvero stressante.

Working with an unpredictable, moody person can become truly stressful.

Word forms (2)
WordWord forms
lunaticomasculine · singular
lunaticimasculine · plural

Usage notes

  • Often functions as an adjective as well ('un ragazzo lunatico').
  • Females are referred to as 'la lunatica' (plural: 'le lunatiche'). Masculine plural: 'i lunatici'.
Explore vocabulary lessons →