المعنى
To maintain one's position despite opposition.
خلفية ثقافية
In the Italian parliament, 'mantenere il punto' is often used by party leaders to signal to their base that they are not making 'inciuci' (shady deals) with the opposition. The figure of the 'capofamiglia' (head of the family) is traditionally expected to 'mantenere il punto' to ensure order, though this is changing in modern urban Italy. In Italian business culture, 'mantenere il punto' is seen as a sign of reliability. If you back down too easily, you might be seen as 'poco serio' (not serious/unreliable). Italian sports commentators often use this phrase to describe a coach who refuses to change his tactics or starting lineup despite a string of losses.
Use with 'nonostante'
This phrase pairs perfectly with 'nonostante' (despite) to show the pressure you are resisting. 'Ho mantenuto il punto nonostante le critiche'.
Don't overdo it
If you 'mantieni il punto' too often, Italians might call you 'testardo' (stubborn) or 'capone' (big-headed).
المعنى
To maintain one's position despite opposition.
Use with 'nonostante'
This phrase pairs perfectly with 'nonostante' (despite) to show the pressure you are resisting. 'Ho mantenuto il punto nonostante le critiche'.
Don't overdo it
If you 'mantieni il punto' too often, Italians might call you 'testardo' (stubborn) or 'capone' (big-headed).
The 'g' in 'mantengo'
Remember the irregular 'g' in the first person: 'Io mantengo'. It's a common B2 exam trap!
اختبر نفسك
Conjugate the verb 'mantenere' correctly in the present tense.
Io _______ il punto perché sono sicuro di avere ragione.
The first person singular of 'mantenere' is 'mantengo', following the pattern of 'tenere'.
Choose the best meaning for the phrase in this context.
Il capo ha mantenuto il punto nonostante lo sciopero degli operai.
'Mantenere il punto' means refusing to change one's position or decision.
Match the response to the situation.
Quale frase è più appropriata se vuoi dire che non cambierai il prezzo di vendita?
'Mantenere il punto' is the correct idiom for staying firm in a negotiation.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Tutti dicono che ti sbagli.' B: 'Non mi importa, io _______.'
This is the standard way to say 'I'm sticking to my guns' in a conversation.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
وسائل تعلم بصرية
بنك التمارين
4 تمارينIo _______ il punto perché sono sicuro di avere ragione.
The first person singular of 'mantenere' is 'mantengo', following the pattern of 'tenere'.
Il capo ha mantenuto il punto nonostante lo sciopero degli operai.
'Mantenere il punto' means refusing to change one's position or decision.
Quale frase è più appropriata se vuoi dire che non cambierai il prezzo di vendita?
'Mantenere il punto' is the correct idiom for staying firm in a negotiation.
A: 'Tutti dicono che ti sbagli.' B: 'Non mi importa, io _______.'
This is the standard way to say 'I'm sticking to my guns' in a conversation.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةNot necessarily. It can be a sign of integrity. However, in a very polite setting, it might sound a bit firm.
No, it is almost exclusively used for abstract positions, opinions, or decisions.
'Impuntarsi' is more negative and implies irrational stubbornness, while 'mantenere il punto' is more neutral.
It's better to say 'mantenere il punto'. Adding 'mio' is understandable but less idiomatic.
Yes, it's very common in journalism and business reports.
Use the passato prossimo: 'Ho mantenuto il punto'.
The phrase is usually singular ('il punto'), even if you have many arguments.
No, you would say 'ho ceduto' (I yielded) or 'ho cambiato idea' (I changed my mind).
Yes, it is a standard Italian idiom used from Milan to Sicily.
Yes, e.g., 'Ho mantenuto il punto sul fatto che non volevo uscire stasera'.
عبارات ذات صلة
tenere testa
similarTo stand up to someone.
non mollare
similarDon't give up.
cedere il passo
contrastTo give way / to yield.
fare il punto della situazione
builds onTo take stock of the situation.
