Signification
Starting a new project or action.
Contexte culturel
In Italian culture, 'fare il primo passo' is often discussed in the context of 'corteggiamento' (courtship). There is a lot of social debate about whether the man or woman should initiate. In the US, 'taking the first step' is highly valued as a sign of 'leadership' and 'entrepreneurship'. It is a core part of the 'go-getter' attitude. In Japan, taking the first step can be more complex due to 'kuuki wo yomu' (reading the air). Initiating too boldly can sometimes be seen as disruptive to social harmony. In countries like Sweden or Norway, social equality often means that anyone is expected to 'fare il primo passo' regardless of gender or status.
Use with 'Avere'
Always remember that 'fare' uses 'avere' in the past. 'Ho fatto', not 'Sono fatto' (which means something very different!).
Don't say 'Prendere'
Even if you say 'take a step' in English, 'prendere il passo' sounds very strange to Italians.
Signification
Starting a new project or action.
Use with 'Avere'
Always remember that 'fare' uses 'avere' in the past. 'Ho fatto', not 'Sono fatto' (which means something very different!).
Don't say 'Prendere'
Even if you say 'take a step' in English, 'prendere il passo' sounds very strange to Italians.
The Plural Form
Use 'i primi passi' when talking about the early stages of a long process, like 'I primi passi della medicina'.
Pride vs. Peace
In Italy, making the first step after a fight is seen as a sign of 'signorilità' (nobility of character).
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'fare'.
Ieri io ________ il primo passo e ho chiesto scusa a mio fratello.
The sentence starts with 'Ieri' (Yesterday), so we need the passato prossimo: 'ho fatto'.
Which situation best fits the phrase 'fare il primo passo'?
Quale situazione è adatta?
Taking the initiative to invite someone is the classic figurative meaning.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Perché non parli con Giulia?' B: 'Sono timido, spero che ________ lei il primo passo.'
After 'spero che' (I hope that), we use the subjunctive mood. 'Faccia' is the present subjunctive of 'fare'.
Match the Italian phrase with its English equivalent.
Abbina le frasi:
Ensure you don't confuse it with 'passo falso' (mistake) or 'passo indietro' (retreat).
Match the phrase variation to the context.
Quale variazione usi in un contesto formale di lavoro?
'Compiere' is more formal and suitable for professional or literary contexts.
🎉 Score : /5
Aides visuelles
Fare vs. Prendere
Banque d exercices
5 exercicesIeri io ________ il primo passo e ho chiesto scusa a mio fratello.
The sentence starts with 'Ieri' (Yesterday), so we need the passato prossimo: 'ho fatto'.
Quale situazione è adatta?
Taking the initiative to invite someone is the classic figurative meaning.
A: 'Perché non parli con Giulia?' B: 'Sono timido, spero che ________ lei il primo passo.'
After 'spero che' (I hope that), we use the subjunctive mood. 'Faccia' is the present subjunctive of 'fare'.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Ensure you don't confuse it with 'passo falso' (mistake) or 'passo indietro' (retreat).
Quale variazione usi in un contesto formale di lavoro?
'Compiere' is more formal and suitable for professional or literary contexts.
🎉 Score : /5
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsYes, but it's mostly used for babies learning to walk. For adults, we just say 'camminare'.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
There isn't a single opposite, but 'aspettare' (to wait) or 'fare un passo indietro' (to take a step back) are common contrasts.
Technically yes, but it's not an idiom. The idiom is specifically about the *first* step.
Usually 'il' (the). 'Un' (a) is used only if you are talking about one of many possible first steps.
Usually, yes. It's mostly about social or professional initiative.
'Ho fatto io il primo passo' is perfect.
Yes, but it's more 'bookish' or formal.
Absolutely. 'Fare il primo passo in un progetto' is very common.
Then you 'fai un passo falso'.
Yes, to describe a team taking the initiative in a game.
Yes, this specifically means approaching someone to talk or reconcile.
Very. Many Italian pop songs use it to talk about love and courage.
It's considered A2 because it uses the common verb 'fare' and a simple noun 'passo', but the figurative meaning is used through C2.
Expressions liées
Rompere il ghiaccio
similarTo break the ice
Prendere l'iniziativa
synonymTo take the initiative
Aprire le danze
specialized formTo start the dances
Mettersi in gioco
builds onTo put oneself in the game
Fare un passo indietro
contrastTo take a step back
Muovere i primi passi
similarTo move the first steps
