Bedeutung
To lack integrity or character.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The character of Don Abbondio in Manzoni's 'I Promessi Sposi' is the ultimate 'uomo da poco'. His refusal to marry the protagonists out of fear of a local tyrant defines the Italian literary concept of moral mediocrity. The term is frequently used in political editorials (like in 'Corriere della Sera') to describe 'trasformismo'—the practice of changing political sides for personal gain. In traditional Southern Italian contexts, being called 'un uomo da poco' is a grave insult to one's 'onore' (honor) and can lead to long-standing family feuds. Neorealist films often depict 'uomini da poco' who are forced by poverty to betray their values, creating a complex sympathy for the character.
Gender Sensitivity
While 'uomo' is the traditional form, using 'persona da poco' is safer and more common in modern, inclusive Italian.
The 'Da' Secret
Remember that 'da' here indicates a quality. It's the same 'da' as in 'abito da sera' (evening dress) or 'cane da caccia' (hunting dog).
Bedeutung
To lack integrity or character.
Gender Sensitivity
While 'uomo' is the traditional form, using 'persona da poco' is safer and more common in modern, inclusive Italian.
The 'Da' Secret
Remember that 'da' here indicates a quality. It's the same 'da' as in 'abito da sera' (evening dress) or 'cane da caccia' (hunting dog).
The Power of Silence
Sometimes, calling someone an 'uomo da poco' is more insulting than using a swear word because it attacks their very essence and dignity.
Teste dich selbst
Qual è il significato corretto di 'uomo da poco' in questa frase: 'Nonostante il successo, è rimasto un uomo da poco'?
Il successo non ha cambiato la sua...
The phrase refers to character, not physical traits or money.
Completa la frase con la forma corretta.
Giulia non vuole uscire con lui perché pensa che sia un ________ da poco.
The singular 'uomo' is needed to match 'lui'.
Abbina la situazione alla reazione corretta.
Situazioni: 1. Un amico ruba un'idea. 2. Un politico mantiene la parola. 3. Un uomo scappa davanti a un pericolo.
Stealing ideas and cowardice are traits of an 'uomo da poco'. Keeping one's word is the opposite.
Completa il dialogo.
A: 'Perché non ti fidi di lui?' B: 'Perché in passato si è dimostrato un ________.'
The standard form is 'uomo da poco'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Uomo da poco vs. Pover'uomo
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenIl successo non ha cambiato la sua...
The phrase refers to character, not physical traits or money.
Giulia non vuole uscire con lui perché pensa che sia un ________ da poco.
The singular 'uomo' is needed to match 'lui'.
Situazioni: 1. Un amico ruba un'idea. 2. Un politico mantiene la parola. 3. Un uomo scappa davanti a un pericolo.
Stealing ideas and cowardice are traits of an 'uomo da poco'. Keeping one's word is the opposite.
A: 'Perché non ti fidi di lui?' B: 'Perché in passato si è dimostrato un ________.'
The standard form is 'uomo da poco'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, but change it to 'una donna da poco' or 'una persona da poco'. Note that 'una donna da poco' can sometimes carry an outdated, sexist connotation regarding her 'virtue', so 'persona da poco' is preferred.
Yes, it is a serious moral judgment. It's not a 'light' insult like 'stupid'. It implies the person is fundamentally worthless.
The opposite is 'una persona perbene', 'un uomo d'onore' (in a positive sense), or 'una persona di spessore'.
No. A very rich person can be an 'uomo da poco' if they lack integrity.
Yes, to describe someone who is unreliable or unethical in their professional dealings.
No, that sounds unnatural. The correct preposition is 'da'.
Very. Especially in dramas or crime movies where character and loyalty are central themes.
Use 'È un uomo basso' or 'È un uomo di piccola statura'.
When referring to objects, it means 'cheap'. When referring to people, it means 'of low character'.
It is formal/neutral. You can use it in a newspaper article or a serious conversation.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Persona di poco conto
synonymAn insignificant person.
Mezza cartuccia
similarA half-cartridge; a weakling.
Uomo d'onore
contrastA man of honor.
Pover'uomo
similarA poor/pathetic man.
Uomo di mondo
contrastA man of the world.
