godersela

Godersela is an Italian pronominal verb meaning to enjoy oneself or to have a very good time. It combines the verb godere (to enjoy) with the reflexive pronoun si and the direct object pronoun la, forming the infinitive godersela. The expression is typically used in informal speech and often refers to savoring a situation, experience, or outcome to the full.

Etymology and grammar: Godere comes from Latin gaudere, and godersela literally conveys enjoying oneself with the thing already mentioned (la). It is conjugated like other pronominal verbs and uses the auxiliary essere in compound tenses. The past participle agrees with the subject (for example, ci siamo goduti il viaggio, masculine singular; ce la siamo godute, feminine plural). In present or other tenses, clitics are usually placed before the finite verb (me la godo, te la godi, ce la godiamo) and can also appear with contracted forms like me la sto godendo for ongoing action.

Usage and nuance: The expression is positive and conveys strong satisfaction or pleasure. It can refer to a personal moment (Mi sto godendo le vacanze), a collective experience (Ci siamo goduti la festa), or the success of someone else (Si stanno godendo la vittoria). Related phrases include gustarsela (to like it) and divertirsi (to have fun); all emphasize enjoying or savoring a moment.

See also: godere, gustarsela, divertirsi.