Signification
Looking foolish.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'Bella Figura' is central to Italian life. It dictates everything from how one dresses to how one speaks in public. 'Fare una figura barbina' is the humorous way to admit you've failed this cultural requirement. In Milan and surrounding areas, 'figura barbina' is often used with a bit of self-irony regarding efficiency. If a business meeting goes poorly due to a technical error, this is the go-to phrase. In the South, social standing and family reputation are paramount. A 'figura barbina' might be felt more deeply if it involves hospitality or family honor. Younger Italians might use 'figuraccia' or slang terms more often, but 'figura barbina' remains a classic that everyone understands and uses to sound a bit more 'refined' in their self-deprecation.
Use it for yourself
It's a great way to show humility and humor when you make a mistake.
Gender agreement
Always keep it feminine: 'una figura barbina', even if you are a man.
Signification
Looking foolish.
Use it for yourself
It's a great way to show humility and humor when you make a mistake.
Gender agreement
Always keep it feminine: 'una figura barbina', even if you are a man.
The 'Che' prefix
Use 'Che figura barbina!' as a quick reaction to someone else's (light) mistake.
Bella Figura
Remember that avoiding a 'figura barbina' is a national sport in Italy.
Teste-toi
Completa la frase con la parola corretta.
Ho dimenticato il portafoglio e ho fatto una figura _______.
'Figura' è femminile singolare, quindi serve l'aggettivo 'barbina'.
Quale situazione descrive meglio una 'figura barbina'?
Scegli l'opzione corretta:
La figura barbina riguarda l'imbarazzo sociale.
Completa il dialogo.
A: 'Ho chiamato il mio professore 'papà' per sbaglio!' B: 'Oh no, _______!'
Chiamare un professore 'papà' è un classico errore imbarazzante.
Abbina la frase alla situazione.
Situazione: Hai inviato un messaggio d'amore alla persona sbagliata.
Inviare un messaggio alla persona sbagliata causa grande imbarazzo.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to use 'Figura Barbina'
Social
- • Wrong name
- • Tripping
- • Spilling drink
Work
- • Unmuted mic
- • Late to meeting
- • Typo in email
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesHo dimenticato il portafoglio e ho fatto una figura _______.
'Figura' è femminile singolare, quindi serve l'aggettivo 'barbina'.
Scegli l'opzione corretta:
La figura barbina riguarda l'imbarazzo sociale.
A: 'Ho chiamato il mio professore 'papà' per sbaglio!' B: 'Oh no, _______!'
Chiamare un professore 'papà' è un classico errore imbarazzante.
Situazione: Hai inviato un messaggio d'amore alla persona sbagliata.
Inviare un messaggio alla persona sbagliata causa grande imbarazzo.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's perfectly safe for all ages. It's just a bit informal.
Yes, if the mistake was minor and you have a friendly relationship. It shows you can laugh at yourself.
'Figuraccia' is more common and generic. 'Barbina' sounds a bit more specific, implying the mistake was 'pathetic' or 'silly'.
No. It modifies 'figura' (feminine), so it's always 'barbina'.
Yes, it's a standard Italian idiom recognized from North to South.
Usually no. It's for people's actions. For a movie, you'd say it's 'un film barbino' (a poor quality movie).
It might be a bit too casual, but it could work for a funny anecdote.
The opposite is 'fare un figurone' or 'fare una bella figura'.
Because a small, thin beard (barbina) was historically a sign of lack of dignity.
Absolutely! It's very common in WhatsApp chats.
Expressions liées
fare una figuraccia
synonymTo make a bad impression.
fare una figura di merda
specialized formTo make a terrible fool of oneself.
fare la figura del cioccolataio
similarTo try to look important and fail.
fare bella figura
contrastTo make a good impression.
fare una gaffe
similarTo make a social blunder.
