Bedeutung
Inexperienced at a task.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The concept of 'gavetta' (starting from the bottom) is closely linked to being 'alle prime armi'. Italians value the process of learning through humble beginnings. Using this phrase in an office shows 'umiltà' (humility), which is a respected trait in Italian professional culture. The phrase reflects Italy's long history of city-state warfare and the importance of military training for young men. In the Renaissance, apprentices (garzoni) were 'alle prime armi' in the workshops of masters like Leonardo or Michelangelo.
Use it to be polite
If you don't understand something in Italy, say 'Scusi, sono alle prime armi con la lingua'. People will be much more patient and helpful!
Don't change the gender
Even if you are a woman, it is 'alle prime armi'. 'Armi' is always feminine plural in this phrase.
Bedeutung
Inexperienced at a task.
Use it to be polite
If you don't understand something in Italy, say 'Scusi, sono alle prime armi con la lingua'. People will be much more patient and helpful!
Don't change the gender
Even if you are a woman, it is 'alle prime armi'. 'Armi' is always feminine plural in this phrase.
Specify the field
Add 'nel campo di...' (in the field of) to sound more professional. E.g., 'Sono alle prime armi nel campo del marketing'.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Marco non sa ancora usare il forno perché è ______ ______ ______ ______.
The idiom is fixed as 'alle prime armi'.
Which situation best fits the phrase 'essere alle prime armi'?
Scenario:
The phrase specifically describes a beginner or novice.
Fill in the missing line.
A: 'Ti piace il tuo nuovo lavoro in banca?' B: 'Sì, ma è difficile. _________.'
The speaker is explaining why the new job is difficult (because they are a beginner).
Match the person to the description.
1. Un chirurgo esperto. 2. Uno studente al primo giorno. 3. Un pensionato.
The student is the one 'alle prime armi'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Experience Levels
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenMarco non sa ancora usare il forno perché è ______ ______ ______ ______.
The idiom is fixed as 'alle prime armi'.
Scenario:
The phrase specifically describes a beginner or novice.
A: 'Ti piace il tuo nuovo lavoro in banca?' B: 'Sì, ma è difficile. _________.'
The speaker is explaining why the new job is difficult (because they are a beginner).
1. Un chirurgo esperto. 2. Uno studente al primo giorno. 3. Un pensionato.
The student is the one 'alle prime armi'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNot really. It's usually for skills or jobs. For a child, we say 'sta imparando a camminare' or 'muove i primi passi'.
It's neutral. You can use it with friends or with your boss.
No, 'armi' means weapons. Body arms are 'braccia'.
No, the phrase is always plural: 'alle prime armi'.
No, it's a factual description. However, if you say it with a sarcastic tone, it could be slightly patronizing.
The opposite is 'essere un veterano' or 'essere un esperto'.
Yes, it's very common for sports, especially technical ones like skiing or tennis.
You say: 'Sono alle prime armi con l'italiano'.
No, it just implies you lack experience. You could be very talented but still 'alle prime armi'.
Yes, 'essere un novellino' is the more slangy/informal version.
Verwandte Redewendungen
nuovo del mestiere
synonymNew to the trade.
muovere i primi passi
similarTo take the first steps.
essere un veterano
contrastTo be a veteran/expert.
fare la gavetta
builds onTo work one's way up from the bottom.
