Signification
Taking time to consider.
Contexte culturel
Italians often use hand gestures while saying this. A common one is tapping the temple with the index finger or rubbing the chin. In the Roman dialect (Romanesco), you might hear 'Fammi pensà', dropping the final 're'. This is very informal. In the south, the phrase might be preceded by a long 'Eeeee...' or 'Uè...', adding more emphasis to the pause. In Italian business, 'Fammi pensare' can be a way to avoid saying 'No' directly, maintaining 'la bella figura' (the good image).
The 'Allora' Combo
Combine it with 'Allora' for maximum native effect: 'Allora... fammi pensare...'
Double the M
Never write 'Fami'. It looks like a typo to Italians and changes the rhythm of the word.
Signification
Taking time to consider.
The 'Allora' Combo
Combine it with 'Allora' for maximum native effect: 'Allora... fammi pensare...'
Double the M
Never write 'Fami'. It looks like a typo to Italians and changes the rhythm of the word.
Eye Contact
It's okay to break eye contact while saying this. Looking up or away signals you are actually 'searching' your brain.
Use it to stall
If you forget a word, say 'Fammi pensare' to keep the conversation going while you look it up on your phone!
Teste-toi
Choose the correct form of the phrase to use with a friend.
A: Vuoi un gelato? B: ________, non ho fame.
'Fammi pensare' is the correct informal form with the double 'm'.
Complete the sentence with the missing letters.
Fa__i pensare un secondo.
The 'm' must be doubled because of the raddoppiamento fonosintattico.
What would you say to a waiter who asks for your order too quickly?
Cameriere: Siete pronti? Learner: No, ________.
Since you are talking to a waiter (formal/neutral), 'Mi faccia pensare' is more appropriate.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are deciding which shoes to buy.
You use this phrase when making a choice.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formal vs Informal
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesA: Vuoi un gelato? B: ________, non ho fame.
'Fammi pensare' is the correct informal form with the double 'm'.
Fa__i pensare un secondo.
The 'm' must be doubled because of the raddoppiamento fonosintattico.
Cameriere: Siete pronti? Learner: No, ________.
Since you are talking to a waiter (formal/neutral), 'Mi faccia pensare' is more appropriate.
You are deciding which shoes to buy.
You use this phrase when making a choice.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsNo, it's very polite among friends. In formal settings, just use 'Mi faccia pensare'.
Yes, it's 100% correct, just slightly less common in casual speech.
It's a grammatical rule called 'raddoppiamento fonosintattico' triggered by the short verb 'fa'.
Yes, but it's better to use 'Ci penserò' (I will think about it) for a more professional tone.
It can, especially if you add 'e ti dico' (and I'll tell you).
'Pensare' is general; 'riflettere' is deeper and more serious.
Yes, it is a standard national phrase.
Only in Rome or very informal settings; otherwise, keep the 're' at the end.
Usually 3-5 seconds. If you need longer, say 'È una domanda difficile'.
Absolutely, it's very common for parents to say this to children.
'Vediamo un po'' is the most common casual alternative.
No, for that use 'Fammi vedere'.
No, 'pensarlo' means 'think it'. Just 'Fammi pensare' is enough.
Use 'Fateci pensare'.
Expressions liées
Fammi sapere
similarLet me know
Fammi vedere
similarLet me see
Lasciami in pace
contrastLeave me alone
Pensaci tu
builds onYou think about it / You handle it
Ci penso io
builds onI'll take care of it
