المعنى
To appear presentable.
خلفية ثقافية
The 'Passeggiata' is the ultimate stage for 'fare una figurina.' On Sunday afternoons, Italians walk through the city center specifically to see and be seen, wearing their best clothes. In the South, 'fare una figurina' is deeply tied to family honor. If a child looks messy, it reflects poorly on the mother's care and the family's status. Even in the high-fashion world of Milan, the concept of being a 'figurino' (the masculine version) is used to describe the ideal silhouette of a model. During processions or First Communions, looking like a 'figurina' is almost a religious requirement. It shows respect for the sacred nature of the event.
The 'Nonna' Rule
If you are visiting an Italian grandmother, always aim to 'fare una figurina.' It's the best way to show you are doing well in life.
Watch the Article
Saying 'fare la figurina' (the sticker) can sometimes mean you are just standing there doing nothing while others work.
المعنى
To appear presentable.
The 'Nonna' Rule
If you are visiting an Italian grandmother, always aim to 'fare una figurina.' It's the best way to show you are doing well in life.
Watch the Article
Saying 'fare la figurina' (the sticker) can sometimes mean you are just standing there doing nothing while others work.
Irony is Key
You can use this phrase ironically when you are clearly NOT presentable, e.g., waking up with messy hair: 'Guarda che figurina che faccio stamattina!'
Diminutives Matter
The '-ina' ending makes the compliment feel 'cute' and 'precious.' Use it for people you feel close to.
اختبر نفسك
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'fare'.
Se ti metti la cravatta, ________ proprio una figurina!
The subject is 'tu' (implied by 'ti metti'), so the verb must be 'fai'.
Which phrase means 'to make a fool of yourself'?
Attento a non...
'Figuraccia' is the negative counterpart to 'figurina/bella figura'.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate situation.
In which situation would you say 'Fate proprio delle figurine!'?
The phrase is a compliment for looking presentable and neat.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Ho paura di non essere abbastanza elegante.' B: 'Ma no! Con quel vestito ________.'
'Fai una figurina' is a reassuring compliment about looking presentable.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Good vs. Bad Impression
بنك التمارين
4 تمارينSe ti metti la cravatta, ________ proprio una figurina!
The subject is 'tu' (implied by 'ti metti'), so the verb must be 'fai'.
Attento a non...
'Figuraccia' is the negative counterpart to 'figurina/bella figura'.
In which situation would you say 'Fate proprio delle figurine!'?
The phrase is a compliment for looking presentable and neat.
A: 'Ho paura di non essere abbastanza elegante.' B: 'Ma no! Con quel vestito ________.'
'Fai una figurina' is a reassuring compliment about looking presentable.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةNo, it can be used for men, women, and children. However, for men, 'essere un figurino' is slightly more common.
Usually no. It is specifically for people. For objects, you would say 'è un gioiellino' (it's a little jewel).
Yes, it's a sweet and appropriate way to compliment the couple's appearance in a speech.
'Bella figura' is about the overall impression (behavior + looks), while 'figurina' is 90% about the visual appearance.
Not necessarily, though the diminutive '-ina' does evoke a sense of neatness and compactness.
No, that sounds strange. Use 'fare una figurona' if you want to say someone made a HUGE good impression.
Yes, it is understood everywhere, though it has a slightly more 'homely' or 'traditional' feel in the South.
You can say 'Voglio fare una figurina' or 'Ci tengo a fare bella figura.'
It has a vintage charm, but it's still very much in use, especially in family contexts.
Only if used with heavy sarcasm, implying someone is too focused on their looks and doing nothing else.
عبارات ذات صلة
fare bella figura
similarTo make a good impression
essere un figurino
synonymTo be very well-dressed
fare una figuraccia
contrastTo make a fool of oneself
mettersi in ghingheri
builds onTo get all dressed up
tirato a lucido
similarPolished up
