Bedeutung
To recommend someone to another person.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The 'buona parola' is a fundamental part of 'social capital' in Italy. It is often seen as more reliable than a written reference because it involves personal honor. In the South, the concept of 'comparaggio' (godparent-like bonds) often involves putting in good words for extended family members as a moral duty. Even in modern Milanese firms, 'networking' is often just a modern term for 'mettere una buona parola'. It's about who can vouch for your 'soft skills'. In Italian universities, having a 'barone' (powerful professor) put in a good word is historically the way to secure research grants.
Use the Diminutive
Use 'mettere una parolina' to sound more humble or to imply you are doing a small, discreet favor.
Reputation Risk
Remember that when you 'metti una buona parola', you are putting your own reputation on the line. If the person fails, it reflects on you.
Bedeutung
To recommend someone to another person.
Use the Diminutive
Use 'mettere una parolina' to sound more humble or to imply you are doing a small, discreet favor.
Reputation Risk
Remember that when you 'metti una buona parola', you are putting your own reputation on the line. If the person fails, it reflects on you.
The 'Per' vs 'Con' Rule
Always remember: Per (for) the friend, Con (with) the boss. Mixing them up is the most common learner error.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'mettere'.
Ieri io ________ una buona parola per te con il capo.
The word 'Ieri' (yesterday) requires the passato prossimo form 'ho messo'.
Which preposition is used for the person you are helping?
Metto una buona parola ____ mio fratello.
We use 'per' to indicate the beneficiary of the 'good word'.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate situation.
Situation: You want to help a friend get an interview at your office.
'Mettere una buona parola' is used for recommendations.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: 'Pensi che mi daranno il prestito?' B: 'Non so, ma se vuoi posso ________ con il direttore della banca.'
This is the standard idiomatic expression for this context.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenIeri io ________ una buona parola per te con il capo.
The word 'Ieri' (yesterday) requires the passato prossimo form 'ho messo'.
Metto una buona parola ____ mio fratello.
We use 'per' to indicate the beneficiary of the 'good word'.
Situation: You want to help a friend get an interview at your office.
'Mettere una buona parola' is used for recommendations.
A: 'Pensi che mi daranno il prestito?' B: 'Non so, ma se vuoi posso ________ con il direttore della banca.'
This is the standard idiomatic expression for this context.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
8 FragenNot necessarily. In Italy, it's often seen as a personal reference. However, if it's used to bypass legal requirements, it becomes 'raccomandazione' in a negative sense.
No, you can't put a good word for yourself. You can 'vouch for yourself', but the idiom implies a third party is intervening.
'Raccomandare' is more formal and direct. 'Mettere una buona parola' is more idiomatic and suggests a friendly, informal conversation.
Yes, but mostly in informal emails or messages. In formal letters, you would use 'segnalare' or 'raccomandare'.
Technically yes, but it's not a common idiom. To say something bad, we usually say 'parlare male di qualcuno'.
No, it's just an attempt to influence. The final decision still rests with the third party.
No, that would be very strange. There must be a level of trust between you and the person you are asking.
You can say: 'Grazie per aver messo una buona parola per me.'
Verwandte Redewendungen
spendere una parola
synonymTo use one's influence to help someone.
fare una raccomandazione
similarTo make a recommendation.
intercedere
specialized formTo intercede or mediate.
mettere i bastoni tra le ruote
contrastTo sabotage someone.
