Signification
Paying for oneself.
Contexte culturel
In Italy, there is a strong social expectation of 'offrire' (treating others). Paying 'a spese proprie' in a group setting can sometimes be seen as a sign of a 'braccino corto' (stingy person) if it was expected that someone would treat the group, or a sign of extreme independence. Italian labor laws are strict. If an employee is forced to pay 'a spese proprie' for something work-related that should be covered, it is often a point of major legal contention. Many famous Italian authors, including Italo Svevo, originally published their masterpieces 'a spese proprie' because publishers rejected them. This has given the phrase a romanticized 'underdog' connotation in the arts. The phrase is a 'hot button' term in Italian politics. Voters are very sensitive to 'spese pazze' (crazy spending) by politicians, and demanding they pay 'a spese proprie' is a common protest cry.
The 'Pocket' Alternative
If you want to sound more like a native in a bar or shop, use 'di tasca mia' instead of 'a spese proprie'.
Plural Only!
Never say 'a spesa propria'. It sounds very wrong to an Italian ear. Always pluralize 'spese'.
Signification
Paying for oneself.
The 'Pocket' Alternative
If you want to sound more like a native in a bar or shop, use 'di tasca mia' instead of 'a spese proprie'.
Plural Only!
Never say 'a spesa propria'. It sounds very wrong to an Italian ear. Always pluralize 'spese'.
The Lesson Learned
Use 'Ho imparato a mie spese' when you want to show humility or that you've gained wisdom from a failure.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
Non preoccuparti, pago io il caffè a ___ ___.
Since the speaker says 'pago io' (I pay), the possessive should be 'mie' (my).
Which sentence uses the phrase metaphorically?
Choose the correct option:
Option B refers to learning a lesson (the fire burns), which is a figurative use.
Match the Italian phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
The possessive adjective determines whose expense it is.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Chi paga per la riparazione?' B: 'L'ho rotta io, quindi lo faccio ___ ___.'
The speaker is talking about themselves ('L'ho rotta io'), so 'a mie spese' is the most natural fit.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formal vs Informal
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesNon preoccuparti, pago io il caffè a ___ ___.
Since the speaker says 'pago io' (I pay), the possessive should be 'mie' (my).
Choose the correct option:
Option B refers to learning a lesson (the fire burns), which is a figurative use.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
The possessive adjective determines whose expense it is.
A: 'Chi paga per la riparazione?' B: 'L'ho rotta io, quindi lo faccio ___ ___.'
The speaker is talking about themselves ('L'ho rotta io'), so 'a mie spese' is the most natural fit.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but it sounds a bit formal. For a coffee, 'pago io' is more common.
Yes, in the context of projects or education, it translates directly to 'self-funded'.
Because it must agree with the feminine plural noun 'spese'.
No, you must use the possessive adjective: 'a mie spese'.
Yes, it is very common in contracts to define who is responsible for specific costs.
'A spese proprie' is more neutral/formal; 'di tasca propria' is more informal/idiomatic.
Usually, but metaphorically it can involve time, effort, or emotional suffering.
You say 'a tue spese'.
Very common, especially when discussing government spending or legal restitution.
No, for that you use 'a spese altrui' or 'a spese degli altri'.
Expressions liées
di tasca propria
synonymOut of one's own pocket
a spese di qualcuno
similarAt someone else's expense
fare la spesa
builds onTo go grocery shopping
spese folli
specialized formCrazy/extravagant spending
rimborso spese
contrastExpense reimbursement
