Signification
Care leads to success.
Contexte culturel
This proverb is the antithesis of the 'hustle culture' found in the US or UK. It reflects the value of 'fare le cose per bene' (doing things properly). Founded in Italy by Carlo Petrini, this global movement uses the spirit of this proverb to fight against fast food and the disappearance of local traditions. In the South, the pace of life is often slower due to the heat and historical agricultural rhythms. This proverb is a point of pride there. Ironically, while Italians are known for fast driving, this is the #1 phrase taught in driving schools and by parents.
Shorten it like a native
If you want to sound really Italian, just say 'Chi va piano...' and let the other person finish it or just nod. It shows you share a deep cultural understanding.
Don't use it for laziness
If you haven't started your homework at all, don't use this proverb as an excuse. It's for people who are working, just not rushing.
Signification
Care leads to success.
Shorten it like a native
If you want to sound really Italian, just say 'Chi va piano...' and let the other person finish it or just nod. It shows you share a deep cultural understanding.
Don't use it for laziness
If you haven't started your homework at all, don't use this proverb as an excuse. It's for people who are working, just not rushing.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb with the missing words.
Chi va ____, va ____ e va ____.
The standard form is 'piano' (slowly), 'sano' (safely), and 'lontano' (far).
In which situation is this proverb MOST appropriate?
Your friend is trying to learn 500 new Italian words in one day and is crying.
The proverb is used to encourage patience and steady progress.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Non riesco a finire questo lavoro, è troppo lungo!' B: 'Non ti preoccupare, ____.'
While 'meglio tardi che mai' (better late than never) fits, 'chi va piano...' is the classic response to someone overwhelmed by a long task.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesChi va ____, va ____ e va ____.
The standard form is 'piano' (slowly), 'sano' (safely), and 'lontano' (far).
Your friend is trying to learn 500 new Italian words in one day and is crying.
The proverb is used to encourage patience and steady progress.
A: 'Non riesco a finire questo lavoro, è troppo lungo!' B: 'Non ti preoccupare, ____.'
While 'meglio tardi che mai' (better late than never) fits, 'chi va piano...' is the classic response to someone overwhelmed by a long task.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, though often ironically or when talking about long-term goals like university or career paths.
No. In the context of this proverb, 'piano' is the only correct word. 'Lentamente' sounds too clinical.
Both! In this context, it means you arrive without injury (safe) and without burning out (healthy).
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
It's a rhetorical device to create rhythm and emphasize that the 'going' is a continuous process.
The most direct equivalent is 'Slow and steady wins the race.'
Yes, if you are advising a client to take their time with a decision, it can be a very polite way to give advice.
Not really a positive one. Most Italian proverbs about speed are negative, like 'La gatta frettolosa...'
No, keep it in the third person singular 'va' because 'Chi' is the subject.
Yes, many Italian pop and folk songs use this phrase to talk about life's journey.
Expressions liées
Pian piano
builds onBit by bit / slowly
A passi di piombo
similarWith leaden steps
La gatta frettolosa ha fatto i gattini ciechi
similarThe hasty cat gave birth to blind kittens
Presto e bene non stanno insieme
synonymQuickly and well do not go together
