Significado
Near enough to hear someone speak.
Contexto cultural
In Italy, the 'piazza' is the heart of social life. Being 'a portata di voce' is the standard for social interaction. Italians often prefer to shout a greeting across a small square rather than calling on a phone. Mediterranean cultures generally have a smaller 'personal space' bubble. This means being 'a portata di voce' is considered a comfortable and normal distance for acquaintances, not just close friends. The term 'portata' has deep roots in Italy's history as a maritime power. It originally referred to the range of cannons on ships or the reach of lighthouse beams. Despite high smartphone usage, Italians still value 'presenza fisica'. The phrase is often used now to contrast real-life meetings with digital ones.
The 'Safety' Phrase
Use this phrase when you want to sound caring or responsible, especially with children or in nature.
Don't say 'orecchio'
Even though English says 'earshot', Italians never say 'a portata di orecchio'. It sounds very strange!
Significado
Near enough to hear someone speak.
The 'Safety' Phrase
Use this phrase when you want to sound caring or responsible, especially with children or in nature.
Don't say 'orecchio'
Even though English says 'earshot', Italians never say 'a portata di orecchio'. It sounds very strange!
Use with 'Rimanere'
The most natural way to use this is with the verb 'rimanere' (to stay/remain). It sounds very native.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the sentence with the correct phrase.
Non andare troppo lontano nel bosco, resta a _______ di voce.
The full idiom is 'a portata di voce'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'We are within earshot'?
Scegli la frase corretta:
The preposition 'a' and the noun 'voce' are the standard components of this idiom.
Match the Italian phrase with its English equivalent.
Abbina le frasi:
Each 'portata' phrase has a specific sensory or practical meaning.
Complete the dialogue between a mother and her son.
Mamma: 'Marco, puoi andare a giocare in giardino.' Marco: 'Grazie mamma!' Mamma: 'Ma ricordati: rimani sempre _______.'
The mother wants to be able to call him back, so 'voce' is the most appropriate.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Voce vs. Mano
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosNon andare troppo lontano nel bosco, resta a _______ di voce.
The full idiom is 'a portata di voce'.
Scegli la frase corretta:
The preposition 'a' and the noun 'voce' are the standard components of this idiom.
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
Each 'portata' phrase has a specific sensory or practical meaning.
Mamma: 'Marco, puoi andare a giocare in giardino.' Marco: 'Grazie mamma!' Mamma: 'Ma ricordati: rimani sempre _______.'
The mother wants to be able to call him back, so 'voce' is the most appropriate.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your grandmother, or a stranger in the street.
Yes! 'Il cane deve restare a portata di voce' is a perfect sentence.
'Vicino' just means close. 'A portata di voce' specifically means close enough to communicate.
It's not a standard idiom, but people will understand you mean 'within shouting distance'.
No, it works in past, present, and future. 'Siamo stati a portata di voce tutto il tempo.'
It is standard Italian used equally across the entire peninsula.
Yes, it can imply a sweet proximity. 'Voglio averti sempre a portata di voce.'
They both share the root 'portare' (to carry/lead), but 'portone' is a large door.
No, for signals we use 'copertura' or 'campo'.
Yes, it's a very common way to describe the spatial relationship between characters in novels.
Frases relacionadas
a portata di mano
similarWithin reach / handy
a portata di sguardo
similarWithin sight
a un tiro di schioppo
similarA stone's throw away
fuori portata
contrastOut of reach / out of range
