Signification
Within easy reach.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'città a portata di mano' is a major selling point in Italian real estate, emphasizing that shops, schools, and parks are walkable. In Italian kitchens, the 'mise en place' (having everything ready) is often described as having ingredients 'a portata di mano' to ensure the pasta doesn't overcook while you look for the salt. Italian government and banking apps often use the slogan 'I tuoi servizi, a portata di mano' to encourage citizens to use digital platforms instead of physical offices. Italian sports newspapers like 'La Gazzetta dello Sport' frequently use this phrase when a team is close to winning the 'Scudetto' (championship).
The 'Essere' Rule
Most often, you'll use this with the verb 'essere'. Just remember: [Subject] + [essere] + a portata di mano.
No Plurals!
Even if you have two hands or are talking about many things, never say 'a portate di mani'. It's a fixed block.
Signification
Within easy reach.
The 'Essere' Rule
Most often, you'll use this with the verb 'essere'. Just remember: [Subject] + [essere] + a portata di mano.
No Plurals!
Even if you have two hands or are talking about many things, never say 'a portate di mani'. It's a fixed block.
Digital Context
Use 'a portata di clic' in your marketing or social media copy to sound like a modern native speaker.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct phrase.
Tengo sempre il mio cellulare a _______ di mano.
The standard idiom is 'a portata di mano'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the correct Italian translation for 'The keys are within reach'.
The idiom does not use articles like 'la' or 'della'.
Match the situation to the most likely use of the phrase.
In which situation would you say 'La vittoria è a portata di mano'?
This is the figurative use meaning a goal is nearly achieved.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: 'Dove hai messo il telecomando?' B: 'Tranquillo, è lì sul divano, a _______.'
This is the most natural way to say it's within reach in a casual setting.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
What is 'A Portata di Mano'?
Physical
- • Phone
- • Keys
- • Coffee
Abstract
- • Success
- • Victory
- • Solution
Digital
- • Files
- • Apps
- • Info
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesTengo sempre il mio cellulare a _______ di mano.
The standard idiom is 'a portata di mano'.
Choose the correct Italian translation for 'The keys are within reach'.
The idiom does not use articles like 'la' or 'della'.
In which situation would you say 'La vittoria è a portata di mano'?
This is the figurative use meaning a goal is nearly achieved.
A: 'Dove hai messo il telecomando?' B: 'Tranquillo, è lì sul divano, a _______.'
This is the most natural way to say it's within reach in a casual setting.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt's better to avoid it. It sounds like the person is a tool. Use 'vicino' or 'disponibile' instead.
It is neutral. You can use it in a business email or with friends.
'Sotto mano' is more informal and usually refers to something you are literally looking at or holding right now.
No, although 'portata' can mean a course of a meal, here it means 'reach' or 'range'.
No, Italians don't say 'arm's reach'. They always use 'hand' (mano).
Yes, to describe resources or data that are easily accessible.
The opposite is 'fuori portata'.
Yes, many Italian pop songs use it to describe love or dreams that are close.
Only if you mean the city's services are close to you, not the city itself from a distance.
No, it is always 'di mano', never 'della mano'.
Expressions liées
sotto mano
similarRight there, available.
alla portata di tutti
builds onAffordable or easy for everyone.
fuori portata
contrastOut of reach.
prendere per mano
similarTo take by the hand.
a portata di clic
specialized formOne click away.
