Significado
Ignoring what is said.
Contexto cultural
In Italy, 'furbizia' (cleverness) is often admired. Pretending not to hear is seen as a clever, non-confrontational way to avoid unwanted duties. Many linguistic scholars trace this back to the Florentine markets, where the term 'mercante' was synonymous with someone who was very shrewd and difficult to pin down. The phrase is a staple of Italian parenting. It's almost impossible to grow up in Italy without hearing a parent say this to you at least once a week. Italian newspapers frequently use this idiom to criticize the government's lack of response to social protests or economic crises.
Use it with 'fare'
While 'avere' is correct, 'fare' sounds much more natural and active in modern Italian conversation.
Don't be literal
If you say this to a real merchant, they might take it as a compliment on their business skills or an insult to their honesty!
Significado
Ignoring what is said.
Use it with 'fare'
While 'avere' is correct, 'fare' sounds much more natural and active in modern Italian conversation.
Don't be literal
If you say this to a real merchant, they might take it as a compliment on their business skills or an insult to their honesty!
Ponte a prueba
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition.
Non fare le orecchie ___ mercante!
The idiom always uses 'da' to describe the type of ears.
Which situation best fits the idiom?
In quale situazione si usano 'le orecchie da mercante'?
The idiom refers to intentional ignoring, not physical hearing issues.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Hai chiesto a Paolo di aiutarci?' B: 'Sì, ma lui ha ______.'
The verb 'fare' (to do/make) is the standard verb for this idiom.
🎉 Puntuación: /3
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
3 ejerciciosNon fare le orecchie ___ mercante!
The idiom always uses 'da' to describe the type of ears.
In quale situazione si usano 'le orecchie da mercante'?
The idiom refers to intentional ignoring, not physical hearing issues.
A: 'Hai chiesto a Paolo di aiutarci?' B: 'Sì, ma lui ha ______.'
The verb 'fare' (to do/make) is the standard verb for this idiom.
🎉 Puntuación: /3
Preguntas frecuentes
2 preguntasIt can be a bit confrontational because you are accusing them of lying about not hearing you. Use it with friends or in a joking way.
Probably not. It's a bit too informal and implies someone is being difficult or lazy.
Frases relacionadas
Sordo come una campana
similarDeaf as a bell (completely deaf).
Fare scena muta
similarTo remain silent (especially when you should speak).
Entrare da un orecchio e uscire dall'altro
similarIn one ear and out the other.
Prendere lucciole per lanterne
contrastTo misunderstand completely.
