Bedeutung
Do things gradually.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The phrase reflects the Italian concept of 'pazienza'. It is often used to temper the frustration caused by slow-moving bureaucracy. In regions like Sicily or Campania, this phrase is often linked to the idea of 'fare le cose per bene' (doing things properly), suggesting that speed leads to errors. In the industrial North, it is used more as a project management term to describe 'milestones' and methodical planning. Italy has the world's highest concentration of UNESCO sites. Restoration is a meticulous process that is the ultimate physical example of 'un passo alla volta'.
Use it for encouragement
It's the perfect thing to say to a fellow language learner who is feeling frustrated.
Don't forget the 'alla'
Saying 'un passo a volta' is a very common beginner mistake. Always include the 'la'!
Bedeutung
Do things gradually.
Use it for encouragement
It's the perfect thing to say to a fellow language learner who is feeling frustrated.
Don't forget the 'alla'
Saying 'un passo a volta' is a very common beginner mistake. Always include the 'la'!
Combine with 'piano piano'
You can say 'Piano piano, un passo alla volta' for extra emphasis on being careful and gradual.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Non avere fretta, impara l'italiano un ______ ______ ______.
The standard idiom is 'un passo alla volta'.
Which situation is best suited for the phrase 'un passo alla volta'?
Scegli la situazione corretta:
Writing a long book is a gradual process that requires patience.
Match the Italian phrase with its English equivalent.
Abbina le frasi:
All these phrases relate to gradual progress.
Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.
A: 'Ho troppe cose da fare oggi, sono stressato!' B: 'Calmati, fai tutto ______.'
This is the most appropriate encouragement for someone who is stressed.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenNon avere fretta, impara l'italiano un ______ ______ ______.
The standard idiom is 'un passo alla volta'.
Scegli la situazione corretta:
Writing a long book is a gradual process that requires patience.
Ordne jedem Element links seinen Partner rechts zu:
All these phrases relate to gradual progress.
A: 'Ho troppe cose da fare oggi, sono stressato!' B: 'Calmati, fai tutto ______.'
This is the most appropriate encouragement for someone who is stressed.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenIt is neutral. You can use it in almost any context, from a casual chat to a business meeting.
Yes, but it's literal. It means you are literally skipping steps on a staircase. Metaphorically, we always use 'un' (one).
'Gradualmente' is more formal and technical. 'Un passo alla volta' is more idiomatic and encouraging.
In Italian, 'volta' refers to an instance or a turn in a sequence. 'Tempo' refers to time in a general or chronological sense.
Yes, many Italian artists use it to talk about life journeys and personal growth.
Absolutely. 'Dimagrire un passo alla volta' is a very common expression.
No, it sounds more like a gentle suggestion or a piece of wise advice.
Yes, if a relationship is moving too fast, you might say 'Andiamo un passo alla volta'.
Not really, but 'piano piano' is a shorter way to convey a similar feeling.
Yes, it's one of the first idioms taught because it's so useful for students.
Verwandte Redewendungen
piano piano
similarslowly, bit by bit
a piccoli passi
similarin small steps
tutto e subito
contrasteverything and right now
bruciare le tappe
contrastto skip stages / to rush
passo dopo passo
synonymstep after step
