When you're learning Italian, you'll encounter 'figura' quite often. Beyond just meaning 'figure' or 'shape,' it can also refer to one's public image or how one presents themselves. This is why you'll hear expressions like 'fare bella figura' (to make a good impression) or 'fare brutta figura' (to make a bad impression).
It's a versatile word, and understanding these nuances will help you sound more natural in your Italian conversations.
§ What Does "Figura" Mean?
- DEFINITION
- The word "figura" in Italian is a versatile noun that generally translates to "figure" or "shape" in English. However, its meaning can extend to encompass a person's appearance, a character in a story, or even a general impression. It's a feminine noun, so remember to use feminine articles and adjectives with it.
You'll hear "figura" used in many different contexts. It's not just about geometric shapes; it's about how things look, how people present themselves, and how they are perceived.
§ When to Use "Figura"
Let's break down some common situations where you'll encounter and use "figura."
§ Referring to a Shape or Form
This is one of the most straightforward uses. If you're talking about the outline or contour of something, "figura" is your word.
Disegna una figura geometrica.
*He/She draws a geometric figure (shape).*
Vedo delle strane figure nell'ombra.
*I see strange figures (shapes) in the shadow.*
§ Describing a Person's Appearance or Stature
When you're talking about someone's build, their silhouette, or how they carry themselves, "figura" is often used.
Ha una bella figura.
*He/She has a nice figure (physique).*
È una figura imponente.
*He/She is an imposing figure (person/presence).*
§ As a Character or Personality
You'll also find "figura" used to talk about a character in a book, movie, or even a real-life personality who plays a significant role.
La figura principale del romanzo è un detective.
*The main figure (character) of the novel is a detective.*
È una figura importante nella storia italiana.
*He/She is an important figure (person) in Italian history.*
§ "Fare una bella/brutta figura" - Making an Impression
This is a very common idiomatic expression and super useful! It literally means "to make a good/bad figure," but it translates to "to make a good/bad impression" or "to look good/bad."
Voglio fare una bella figura al colloquio.
*I want to make a good impression at the interview.*
Ha fatto una brutta figura con i suoi commenti.
*He/She made a bad impression (looked bad) with his/her comments.*
- Fare una bella figura: To make a good impression, to look good, to present oneself well.
- Fare una brutta figura: To make a bad impression, to look bad, to embarrass oneself.
§ In Professional or Social Contexts
Sometimes "figura" can refer to a role or a position, especially in a professional setting, or even just the presence of someone.
La sua figura professionale è molto rispettata.
*His/Her professional figure (role/person) is very respected.*
Senza la sua figura, la riunione non sarebbe la stessa.
*Without his/her figure (presence), the meeting wouldn't be the same.*
§ Summary of "Figura" Uses
To sum it up, "figura" is a really flexible word in Italian. It can mean:
- A literal shape or form (like a circle or square).
- A person's physical build or appearance.
- A character in a story or a significant person.
- An impression you make on others (especially with "fare una bella/brutta figura").
- A role or presence, particularly in a professional or social setting.
The key is to pay attention to the context. Once you get a feel for it, you'll find yourself using "figura" naturally in many different situations. Keep practicing with examples, and you'll master this useful Italian word in no time!
§ Understanding "Figura"
The Italian word figura is a feminine noun. It's quite versatile, so it's important to understand its different meanings to use it correctly. The primary definitions are 'figure' or 'shape', but it can also mean 'appearance', 'impression', 'person', or even 'card suit'. Don't worry, we'll break it down.
- Italian Word
- figura (noun, feminine)
- CEFR Level
- A2
- Definition
- figure, shape, appearance, impression, person, card suit
§ "Figura" as Figure or Shape
This is the most direct translation. Think of geometric shapes, figures in a drawing, or a physical silhouette.
Disegna una figura geometrica.
La sua figura era alta e snella.
§ "Figura" for Appearance or Impression
This is where figura gets more interesting. It refers to how someone appears or the impression they make, often in a social context. It's about reputation or looking good (or bad).
Ha fatto una brutta figura alla festa.
Non voglio fare una cattiva figura davanti ai suoi genitori.
- The phrases fare bella figura (to make a good impression) and fare brutta/cattiva figura (to make a bad impression) are very common.
- You'll often see it used with verbs like fare (to do/make).
§ "Figura" meaning Person or Character
Sometimes figura refers to a person, especially in a prominent or representative role, or a character in a story/play.
È una figura importante nella politica italiana.
La figura del protagonista è complessa.
§ "Figura" in Card Games
In card games, figura means 'face card' or 'picture card' (e.g., King, Queen, Jack).
Ho tre figure in mano.
§ Prepositions with "Figura"
"Figura" doesn't typically require a specific preposition in the same way some other nouns do. Its usage is more tied to the verb it accompanies.
- When talking about making an impression, you often use fare: fare una figura.
- If you're describing a figure in something (like a book or a painting), you'd use in: la figura nel libro (the figure in the book).
- To talk about a figure of something, you'd use di: la figura di un cavallo (the figure of a horse).
Vedo una strana figura nell'ombra.
La figura di Dante è iconica.
Remember that context is key with figura. Pay attention to the surrounding words to understand its exact meaning in a sentence. Keep practicing, and it will become natural!
Wusstest du?
The word 'figura' in Latin also referred to a rhetorical figure, which is why it can mean a diagram or illustration.
Schwierigkeitsgrad
short
short
short
short
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Beispiele nach Niveau
La figura geometrica è un cerchio.
The geometric [figure] is a circle.
Vedo una figura nell'ombra.
I see a [figure] in the shadow.
Disegna una figura umana semplice.
Draw a simple human [figure].
Che bella figura questa statua!
What a beautiful [figure] this statue is!
Non fare una brutta figura.
Don't make a bad [impression/figure].
In this context, 'fare una brutta figura' means 'to make a bad impression'.
La sua figura è elegante.
Her [figure] is elegant.
Il libro ha molte figure colorate.
The book has many colored [pictures/figures].
La figura del presidente è importante.
The [figure] of the president is important.
Grammatikmuster
Satzmuster
Che bella figura!
Che bella figura hai fatto al concerto! (What a great impression you made at the concert!)
Ha una bella figura.
Mia nonna ha ancora una bella figura. (My grandmother still has a good figure.)
Ho visto una figura [aggettivo] nell'[luogo].
Ho visto una figura strana nel giardino. (I saw a strange figure in the garden.)
Fai una [aggettivo] figura quando [verbo].
Fai una pessima figura quando arrivi in ritardo. (You make a terrible impression when you arrive late.)
Questa figura [verbo] [complemento].
Questa figura rappresenta un momento storico. (This figure represents a historical moment.)
La figura di [nome] è molto importante per [scopo].
La figura di Leonardo da Vinci è molto importante per l'arte. (The figure of Leonardo da Vinci is very important for art.)
Non fare una brutta figura.
Cerca di non fare una brutta figura davanti ai tuoi suoceri. (Try not to make a bad impression in front of your in-laws.)
Dare un'ottima figura di sé.
È importante dare un'ottima figura di sé al colloquio di lavoro. (It's important to make a great impression of yourself at the job interview.)
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Adjektive
Wortherkunft
Latin 'figura'
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: form, shape, figure
Indo-European, Italic branchKultureller Kontext
The word 'figura' is quite versatile in Italian. Beyond its basic meaning of 'figure' or 'shape', it can also refer to a person's appearance or impression they make. For instance, 'fare bella figura' means to make a good impression, while 'fare una brutta figura' means to make a bad impression or embarrass oneself. This highlights the Italian emphasis on outward presentation and social standing.
Teste dich selbst 24 Fragen
Questa è una _____ geometrica.
We use 'figura' to describe a shape or figure, like a geometric figure.
Non voglio fare una brutta _____.
'Fare una brutta figura' means to make a bad impression.
Il bambino disegna una bella _____.
Here, 'figura' refers to a drawing or shape the child is making.
Qual è la _____ di questo oggetto?
We are asking about the shape or form of the object.
La _____ umana è complessa.
'Figura umana' means the human figure or shape.
Ha fatto una buona _____ al colloquio.
'Fare una buona figura' means to make a good impression.
Choose the best translation for "figura" in this sentence: "La sua figura elegante camminava per la strada."
In this context, 'figura' refers to someone's physical appearance or silhouette.
Which of these is a synonym for "figura" when talking about a shape?
'Forma' is a common synonym for 'figura' when referring to a shape or outline.
Complete the sentence: "Che bella ___! Sembra un ballerino."
Here, 'figura' is used to describe someone's elegant or striking appearance.
The word "figura" can mean a geometrical shape.
Yes, 'figura' can refer to a geometric shape like a square or a circle.
If someone says "fare una bella figura," it means they are drawing a beautiful picture.
"Fare una bella figura" means to make a good impression, not to draw a picture.
You can use "figura" to describe a person's physical appearance.
Yes, 'figura' is often used to describe a person's build, shape, or silhouette.
This sentence means 'The geometric figure is a circle.' You need to put the words in the correct order to form a grammatically sound Italian sentence.
This phrase means 'To make a good impression with the parents.' It's about ordering the words to correctly express the idiom 'fare una bella figura'.
This sentence means 'He/She is a very important historical figure.' The words need to be arranged to correctly convey this meaning in Italian, paying attention to adjective placement.
Choose the best synonym for 'figura' in the context of a person's public image.
'Figura' can refer to a person's public image or reputation, for which 'immagine' (image) is a suitable synonym. 'Forma' means shape, 'disegno' means drawing, and 'statua' means statue.
In which sentence is 'figura' used to describe a specific professional role?
In this sentence, 'figura' refers to the professional role or person of the architect. In the other sentences, it refers to a physical presence, a good impression, or a shadowy form.
Which option best describes the idiomatic expression 'fare una brutta figura'?
'Fare una brutta figura' is an idiom meaning 'to make a poor impression' or 'to embarrass oneself.' It doesn't literally mean to make a bad drawing or to appear unattractive, nor does it refer to losing a game.
The phrase 'una figura di spicco' implies a person of minor importance.
'Una figura di spicco' means a prominent or leading figure, indicating a person of significant importance, not minor.
When referring to a geometric shape, 'figura' can be used interchangeably with 'forma'.
Yes, 'figura' and 'forma' can often be used interchangeably when referring to geometric shapes. For example, 'figura geometrica' or 'forma geometrica'.
If someone says 'Non ci fai una bella figura', they are complimenting your appearance.
'Non ci fai una bella figura' means 'You're not making a good impression' or 'You're making a fool of yourself', which is not a compliment.
/ 24 correct
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Verwandte Inhalte
Im Kontext lernen
Dieses Wort in anderen Sprachen
Verwandte Redewendungen
Mehr art Wörter
disegno
B1A picture made with a pencil or pen.
espressivo
B2Expressive or meaningful.
collezione
B1The action of gathering things together
bellezza
B1A combination of qualities that pleases the senses.
immaginare
B1To form a mental image of something.
film
A1A motion picture
creativo
B2Creative, imaginative, or inventive.
fantasia
B1The faculty or activity of imagining things.
cornice
B1A rigid structure that surrounds something.
pittura
A1The practice of applying paint to a surface.
