Signification
To have a special liking for someone or something.
Contexte culturel
Italians often use 'avere un debole' to talk about regional specialties. Admitting a 'debole' for a specific cheese or wine is a way of showing culinary knowledge and passion. The concept of the 'nipotino' (little grandson) is central. Grandparents are culturally 'allowed' to have a 'debole' that bypasses the parents' rules. In the world of Italian fashion, having a 'debole' for a certain designer or accessory is seen as having 'gusto' (taste). Italian cinema often portrays the 'debole' as a romantic destiny. It's not just a like; it's a magnetic pull.
Use it for people!
It's a very sweet way to admit you like someone without being too aggressive.
Watch the article
Don't forget the article after 'per'. It's 'per IL caffè', not 'per caffè'.
Signification
To have a special liking for someone or something.
Use it for people!
It's a very sweet way to admit you like someone without being too aggressive.
Watch the article
Don't forget the article after 'per'. It's 'per IL caffè', not 'per caffè'.
Add 'sempre'
Adding 'sempre' (always) makes you sound very native: 'Ho sempre avuto un debole per...'
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'avere' and the preposition.
Io _______ un debole _______ scarpe rosse.
The subject is 'Io' (ho) and 'scarpe' is feminine plural, so 'per' + 'le' = 'per le'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the sentence that correctly expresses a soft spot.
The idiom requires the verb 'avere' and the preposition 'per'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Vuoi un altro cioccolatino? B: Oh no, lo sai che _______!
This is the standard way to admit a weakness for sweets in a social context.
Match the situation to the sentence.
Situation: A grandmother always gives money to her grandson.
The grandmother is the one with the soft spot for the grandson.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Common 'Deboli'
Food
- • Gelato
- • Pizza
- • Cioccolato
People
- • Crush
- • Nipoti
- • Attori
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIo _______ un debole _______ scarpe rosse.
The subject is 'Io' (ho) and 'scarpe' is feminine plural, so 'per' + 'le' = 'per le'.
Choose the sentence that correctly expresses a soft spot.
The idiom requires the verb 'avere' and the preposition 'per'.
A: Vuoi un altro cioccolatino? B: Oh no, lo sai che _______!
This is the standard way to admit a weakness for sweets in a social context.
Situation: A grandmother always gives money to her grandson.
The grandmother is the one with the soft spot for the grandson.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsYes! It's very common to say 'Ho un debole per i cani' or 'per il mio cane'.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
'Mi piace' is general. 'Avere un debole' implies a specific, almost irresistible attraction.
It's better to say 'Ho un debole per il nuoto' (the noun).
Usually, yes. It's used for things that bring pleasure.
Expressions liées
Andare matto per
similarTo be crazy about something
Prendersi una cotta
specialized formTo have a crush
Essere il proprio tallone d'Achille
similarTo be one's Achilles' heel
Avere un debolezza per
synonymTo have a weakness for
