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guaio

trouble, mess

noun GWAH-yoh Rare

Origin: From Germanic wai (woe).

Also means

problem, fix

Usage Note

Guaio refers to an awkward predicament or mishap rather than a serious danger. The plural guai is used in the warning guai a te! (you'll be sorry! / woe to you!), a very common colloquial threat or admonition. Do not confuse with problema (problem), which is more neutral and formal.

Examples

"Siamo finiti nei guai per colpa sua."

Natural Translation

We ended up in trouble because of him.

Literal Translation

We-are ended in-the troubles for fault his.

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