Signification
To be a person of high moral integrity.
Contexte culturel
In Sicily, the phrase has a dual life. It is both a mark of extreme respect for an elder and a chilling label for a mafioso. The context of the speaker is everything. In the Italian Army, 'onore' is a central value. The phrase is used in formal ceremonies to remind soldiers of their oath to the Republic. Authors like Dante and Machiavelli discussed honor extensively, though the specific phrase 'uomo d'onore' solidified later during the Spanish domination. Italian 'Poliziottesco' films of the 70s often used this phrase to create a contrast between the corrupt state and the 'honorable' criminal, a dangerous romanticization.
Context is King
Never use this phrase jokingly in Sicily or Calabria unless you know your audience extremely well.
Literary Usage
When writing, use this phrase to add a sense of gravity or historical weight to a character.
Signification
To be a person of high moral integrity.
Context is King
Never use this phrase jokingly in Sicily or Calabria unless you know your audience extremely well.
Literary Usage
When writing, use this phrase to add a sense of gravity or historical weight to a character.
Gender Neutrality
While 'uomo' is used, you can say 'persona d'onore' to be gender-neutral, though it loses some of its idiomatic punch.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
Nonostante le minacce, il testimone è rimasto un ________.
The phrase requires the elision 'd'onore' and is the standard way to describe someone who stays true to their principles under pressure.
In which context is 'uomo d'onore' used as a euphemism for a criminal?
Scegli l'opzione corretta:
In Italian media, 'uomo d'onore' is the technical term for an initiated member of Cosa Nostra.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate person.
Chi descriveresti come un 'uomo d'onore'?
Honor implies sacrifice and adherence to a code, making the soldier the only fit.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesNonostante le minacce, il testimone è rimasto un ________.
The phrase requires the elision 'd'onore' and is the standard way to describe someone who stays true to their principles under pressure.
Scegli l'opzione corretta:
In Italian media, 'uomo d'onore' is the technical term for an initiated member of Cosa Nostra.
Chi descriveresti come un 'uomo d'onore'?
Honor implies sacrifice and adherence to a code, making the soldier the only fit.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsNo. In literature and formal Italian, it still retains its original meaning of high integrity. However, in the last 50 years, the criminal association has become very strong.
You can say 'una donna d'onore', but it's less common. Usually, 'una donna di parola' or 'una persona integra' is preferred.
A 'gentiluomo' is about manners and class; an 'uomo d'onore' is about a deep, sometimes rigid, moral code.
It's a bit too dramatic for an email. Use 'una persona di parola' or 'professionista serio' instead.
Not at all. Historically, an 'uomo d'onore' could be a very poor peasant who was respected for his integrity.
Expressions liées
Parola d'onore
similarWord of honor.
Uomo di mondo
contrastA man of the world.
Debito d'onore
builds onA debt of honor (often a gambling debt).
Macchiare l'onore
contrastTo stain one's honor.
