Bedeutung
Ignoring a situation intentionally.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The phrase is linked to 'Bella Figura.' Sometimes, acknowledging a mistake is considered ruder than the mistake itself. Ignoring it allows everyone to maintain their dignity. In some contexts, 'fare finta di nulla' can be a survival strategy related to 'omertà' (not seeing/hearing illegal acts), though this is a much darker and more specific usage. Hierarchy is important. If a superior makes a minor error, subordinates will often 'fare finta di nulla' to avoid challenging their authority in public. On social media, 'fare finta di nulla' describes seeing a message or story but not reacting to it to maintain a certain social power dynamic.
Use 'Niente' for friends
While 'nulla' is perfect, 'fare finta di niente' sounds slightly more natural and relaxed when talking to friends.
Don't forget 'DI'
The most common mistake is saying 'fare finta nulla'. Always keep that 'di' in there!
Bedeutung
Ignoring a situation intentionally.
Use 'Niente' for friends
While 'nulla' is perfect, 'fare finta di niente' sounds slightly more natural and relaxed when talking to friends.
Don't forget 'DI'
The most common mistake is saying 'fare finta nulla'. Always keep that 'di' in there!
The 'Far' shortcut
Drop the 'e' in 'fare' to sound like a native: 'Far finta di nulla' flows much better in conversation.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'fare finta di nulla'.
Ieri ho visto il mio professore al cinema, ma io ________.
The sentence refers to a specific completed action in the past ('Ieri'), so the Passato Prossimo is required.
Which is the most natural way to say 'Pretend nothing happened!' to a friend?
Scegli la risposta corretta:
The correct order is Verb + finta + di + nulla.
Match the situation to the reason for 'fare finta di nulla'.
Situazione: Vedi un amico con la zip dei pantaloni aperta.
In this context, 'fare finta di nulla' is an act of politeness to avoid embarrassment.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Hai sentito cosa ha detto il capo?' B: 'Sì, è stato terribile. Ma in ufficio tutti ________.'
The subject is 'tutti' (everyone), which requires the third-person plural 'fanno'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenIeri ho visto il mio professore al cinema, ma io ________.
The sentence refers to a specific completed action in the past ('Ieri'), so the Passato Prossimo is required.
Scegli la risposta corretta:
The correct order is Verb + finta + di + nulla.
Situazione: Vedi un amico con la zip dei pantaloni aperta.
In this context, 'fare finta di nulla' is an act of politeness to avoid embarrassment.
A: 'Hai sentito cosa ha detto il capo?' B: 'Sì, è stato terribile. Ma in ufficio tutti ________.'
The subject is 'tutti' (everyone), which requires the third-person plural 'fanno'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
6 FragenIt depends on the context. Often, it's actually considered polite because it avoids pointing out someone else's mistake or embarrassment.
Yes, if you're describing how you handled a sensitive social situation diplomatically.
There is no difference in meaning. 'Nulla' is slightly more formal/literary, while 'niente' is more common in speech.
You can say 'Ho fatto finta di non vedere.' It follows the same pattern.
No, it's a standard Italian phrase used equally across the entire peninsula.
Yes, but it often implies a criticism. 'Il governo fa finta di nulla' means the government is failing to act.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Fare finta di niente
synonymTo pretend nothing happened.
Fare il finto tonto
specialized formTo play dumb.
Chiudere un occhio
similarTo turn a blind eye.
Passare sopra
similarTo overlook something.
