Bedeutung
Actions have consequences for the doer.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Many Italian proverbs, including this one, were popularized through Tuscan literature and the works of authors like Collodi (Pinocchio). In Tuscany, there is a strong tradition of 'beffa' (the prank), and this proverb serves as the moral 'check' on such behavior. In Naples, this proverb is often linked to the concept of 'malocchio' (the evil eye) or 'jella' (bad luck). If you do something bad to someone, you are inviting bad luck upon yourself. In Sicilian culture, the proverb can take on a more serious tone related to honor and 'omertà'. It isn't just a light warning; it's a statement about the inevitability of social or personal retribution. On Italian social media (Twitter/X, Instagram), you'll see this phrase used in 'cancel culture' contexts or when a public figure is caught in a lie. It has transitioned perfectly into the age of the internet.
The 'La' Mystery
Remember that 'la' refers to 'the bad thing.' You don't need to say what the thing is; the proverb does it for you!
Don't be too happy
If you say this with too much joy when someone is suffering, you might seem 'cattivo' (mean) yourself. Use it with a bit of philosophical distance.
Bedeutung
Actions have consequences for the doer.
The 'La' Mystery
Remember that 'la' refers to 'the bad thing.' You don't need to say what the thing is; the proverb does it for you!
Don't be too happy
If you say this with too much joy when someone is suffering, you might seem 'cattivo' (mean) yourself. Use it with a bit of philosophical distance.
Perfect for 'Ben gli sta'
Combine it with 'Ben gli sta!' (Serves him right!) for maximum impact when someone gets their comeuppance.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
Chi la ___ l'_______.
The proverb uses the third-person 'fa' and the subjunctive 'aspetti'.
In which situation is it appropriate to say 'Chi la fa l'aspetti'?
Situation: Your friend wins a marathon after training for a year.
The proverb is used for negative actions, not for rewards for hard work.
What does the 'la' in the phrase refer to?
In 'Chi la fa l'aspetti', the 'la' refers to:
It's an elliptical pronoun referring to 'una cattiva azione' or 'una birichinata'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Ho sentito che il bullo della scuola è stato sospeso.' B: 'Ben gli sta! ____.'
'Chi la fa l'aspetti' fits the context of someone getting their comeuppance.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenChi la ___ l'_______.
The proverb uses the third-person 'fa' and the subjunctive 'aspetti'.
Situation: Your friend wins a marathon after training for a year.
The proverb is used for negative actions, not for rewards for hard work.
In 'Chi la fa l'aspetti', the 'la' refers to:
It's an elliptical pronoun referring to 'una cattiva azione' or 'una birichinata'.
A: 'Ho sentito che il bullo della scuola è stato sospeso.' B: 'Ben gli sta! ____.'
'Chi la fa l'aspetti' fits the context of someone getting their comeuppance.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenIt's not exactly rude, but it is blunt. It's a moral judgment. Use it with people you know well or when discussing a third person.
Yes, it's often used for small things like pranks or minor lies, not just big crimes.
Because it's a command/wish directed at the person: 'Let him expect it.' This is the exhortative subjunctive.
Not really. For positive things, Italians might say 'Il bene genera bene' (Good generates good), but it's not as common a proverb.
Probably not. It's too informal and sounds a bit like a threat or a personal judgment. Stick to professional language.
In this specific proverb, yes. It's a fixed grammatical fossil.
Yes, from Milan to Palermo, everyone knows and uses this phrase.
No, that would sound very strange to an Italian ear. The feminine 'la' is mandatory.
The closest are 'What goes around comes around' and 'You reap what you sow.'
It's old, but not 'outdated.' People of all ages use it today.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Chi di spada ferisce, di spada perisce
similarHe who lives by the sword, dies by the sword.
Raccogliere ciò che si è seminato
synonymTo reap what you have sown.
La ruota gira
similarThe wheel turns.
Tutto torna
similarEverything comes back.
