Signification
Ignoring something intentionally.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'Bella Figura' often dictates that one should ignore small social errors to keep the atmosphere pleasant. Historically, 'fare finta di niente' could be linked to 'omertà,' where ignoring certain events was a matter of community safety. Hierarchies are important. If a superior makes a minor mistake, subordinates will almost always 'fare finta di niente.' On social media, 'fare finta di niente' is the equivalent of not liking or commenting on a controversial post by a friend.
The 'Nulla' Upgrade
Use 'fare finta di nulla' in a job interview or a formal email to sound more sophisticated.
Don't Overuse
If you 'fai finta di niente' too much, people might think you are indifferent or uncaring.
Signification
Ignoring something intentionally.
The 'Nulla' Upgrade
Use 'fare finta di nulla' in a job interview or a formal email to sound more sophisticated.
Don't Overuse
If you 'fai finta di niente' too much, people might think you are indifferent or uncaring.
Body Language
When saying this, Italians often do a small shrug or look away to emphasize the 'ignoring' part.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'fare'.
Ieri ho visto il mio professore al cinema, ma ________ finta di niente.
The sentence refers to a specific completed action in the past ('Ieri'), so the Passato Prossimo 'ho fatto' is required.
Which is the most natural way to say 'Ignore it' as a command to a friend?
Qual è il modo corretto?
'Fai finta di niente' is the standard fixed idiom.
Match the situation to the reason for 'fare finta di niente'.
Situazione: Vedi un amico che ha la camicia al contrario.
Ignoring a minor mistake is often done to save someone from embarrassment.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Hai sentito cosa ha detto Marco su di te? B: Sì, ma preferisco ________.
The context implies B wants to ignore the comment to avoid drama.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to 'Fare Finta di Niente'
Social Errors
- • Spilled drink
- • Mispronounced word
- • Loud stomach growl
Avoidance
- • Seeing an ex
- • Avoiding a talkative neighbor
- • Ignoring a flyer
Secrets
- • Surprise party
- • Hidden gift
- • Known gossip
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIeri ho visto il mio professore al cinema, ma ________ finta di niente.
The sentence refers to a specific completed action in the past ('Ieri'), so the Passato Prossimo 'ho fatto' is required.
Qual è il modo corretto?
'Fai finta di niente' is the standard fixed idiom.
Situazione: Vedi un amico che ha la camicia al contrario.
Ignoring a minor mistake is often done to save someone from embarrassment.
A: Hai sentito cosa ha detto Marco su di te? B: Sì, ma preferisco ________.
The context implies B wants to ignore the comment to avoid drama.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but be careful. It can imply you are ignoring a problem that should be solved.
Almost, but 'fare finta di niente' emphasizes the *act of pretending* for social reasons.
No, 'finta' is a noun here and doesn't change gender.
It depends on the context. It's often considered polite to ignore a small mistake.
You can say 'Sto facendo finta di niente,' but it's quite passive-aggressive!
Ho fatto finta di niente.
Yes, many Italian pop songs use it to describe heartbreak or social distance.
Yes, 'fare finta di nulla' is a perfect synonym.
No, not in this fixed form. But 'fare finta che...' does require the subjunctive.
It's common everywhere in Italy, from Milan to Sicily.
Expressions liées
fare finta di nulla
synonymTo pretend nothing happened
chiudere un occhio
similarTo turn a blind eye
fare il vago
similarTo be vague/evasive
ignorare
specialized formTo ignore
sorvolare
similarTo gloss over
