Disgustare vs. fare schifo
The Italian words 'disgustare' and 'fare schifo' both convey the concept of disgust, but they have different usages and levels of intensity in the Italian language.
Disgustare
'Disgustare' is a verb that means to disgust or to repulse someone. It is often used in more formal contexts and can describe both physical and emotional disgust.
Il suo comportamento mi ha disgustato.
(His behavior disgusted me.)
L'odore di pesce marcio disgusta molte persone.
(The smell of rotten fish disgusts many people.)
Fare schifo
'Fare schifo' is an idiomatic expression that literally means 'to make disgust'. It is more colloquial and often stronger in its impact than 'disgustare'. It's commonly used to express intense dislike or repulsion.
Questo cibo fa schifo!
(This food is disgusting!)
Mi fa schifo come tratta i suoi dipendenti.
(The way he treats his employees is revolting to me.)
Summary
While both 'disgustare' and 'fare schifo' express disgust, 'disgustare' is more formal and can be used in a wider range of contexts, including emotional reactions. 'Fare schifo' is more colloquial, often stronger, and typically used for immediate, visceral reactions or to express strong dislike. Choose 'disgustare' for more polite or formal situations, and 'fare schifo' for casual, emphatic expressions of disgust.