a voce
Orally
Phrase in 30 Seconds
Use 'a voce' when you want to discuss something by speaking rather than writing a message or email.
- Means: Communicating through speech instead of text or writing.
- Used in: Work meetings, phone calls, or meeting friends in person.
- Don't confuse: Do not use it to mean 'loudly' (that is 'ad alta voce').
Explanation at your level:
मतलब
Speaking instead of writing.
सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमि
In Italy, many business deals start 'a voce' over coffee. The formal contract often comes much later, as the verbal agreement builds the necessary 'fiducia' (trust). In regions like Sicily or Campania, 'a voce' is often accompanied by specific gestures that clarify the meaning, making the spoken word much richer than anything written. The 'esame orale' (oral exam) is a staple of the Italian school system. Students are expected to explain complex topics 'a voce' from a young age. Historically, the 'testimone oculare' (eyewitness) who reports 'a voce' has always held a high status in Italian social justice, reflecting a culture of oral testimony.
The 'Basta Messaggi' Rule
If you've sent more than 3 texts about a complex topic, it's time to say 'Parliamone a voce'.
Volume vs. Medium
Don't say 'a voce' if you want someone to speak up in a noisy room. Use 'più forte' or 'ad alta voce'.
मतलब
Speaking instead of writing.
The 'Basta Messaggi' Rule
If you've sent more than 3 texts about a complex topic, it's time to say 'Parliamone a voce'.
Volume vs. Medium
Don't say 'a voce' if you want someone to speak up in a noisy room. Use 'più forte' or 'ad alta voce'.
The Handshake
In Italy, an agreement 'a voce' is often sealed with a firm handshake. It's a sign of honor.
खुद को परखो
Complete the sentence with the correct phrase.
Non voglio scrivere un'email, preferisco parlarne ___.
'A voce' is the standard phrase for 'verbally'.
Which sentence means 'We made a verbal agreement'?
Scegli la frase corretta:
'A voce alta' would mean you shouted the agreement.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: 'Ti mando un messaggio con i dettagli?' B: 'No, è complicato. ___.'
The context of 'it's complicated' suggests speaking is better than writing.
🎉 स्कोर: /3
विज़ुअल लर्निंग टूल्स
A Voce vs. Ad Alta Voce
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
10 सवालYes! 'A voce' applies to any spoken communication, whether in person, on the phone, or via a video call.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
'Verbalmente' is more technical and formal, often used in legal or academic contexts. 'A voce' is the everyday version.
No, it is a fixed expression. It always stays 'a voce'.
Technically yes, but it sounds redundant. Italians always prefer 'a voce'.
You can use 'passaparola' or say 'la notizia si è diffusa a voce'.
Almost. 'A viva voce' is more emphatic, like saying 'with my own living voice'.
No, for singing you would say 'a cappella' (without instruments) or just 'cantare'.
It's cultural. Speaking allows for gestures and tone, which are vital to Italian communication.
Yes, it means 'rumor has it' (literally: a voice is circulating).
संबंधित मुहावरे
a viva voce
similarIn person and out loud
a quattr'occhi
specialized formFace-to-face / Privately
per iscritto
contrastIn writing
sottovoce
similarIn a whisper / Quietly
ad alta voce
similarLoudly
कहाँ इस्तेमाल करें
At Work
Boss: Hai letto il mio report?
Employee: Sì, ma preferirei discuterne a voce con lei.
Dating
Persona A: Mi piaci molto.
Persona B: Dimmelo a voce stasera a cena.
With Friends
Amico 1: Com'è andata la vacanza?
Amico 2: Troppo lunga da raccontare per messaggio, ti dico tutto a voce!
Customer Service
Cliente: Il sito non funziona.
Operatore: La chiamo subito per risolvere a voce.
At the Doctor
Paziente: Posso avere i risultati via email?
Dottore: No, preferisco commentarli a voce in studio.
In the Street
Passante: Scusi, dove si trova il Duomo?
Locale: È difficile, glielo spiego a voce: giri a destra...
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of the 'V' in 'Voce' as a 'V' for 'Verbal'. 'A Voce' = 'Always Verbal'.
Visual Association
Imagine a smartphone with a big red 'X' over it, and next to it, two people sitting at a cafe table with speech bubbles connecting them.
Rhyme
Se vuoi chiarezza e non un intoppo, parla a voce e non scrivere troppo!
Story
Marco was tired of texting his girlfriend. Every message led to a fight. Finally, he said, 'Basta! Parliamo a voce.' They met, talked, and realized it was all a misunderstanding. The voice saved the day.
Word Web
चैलेंज
Next time you are about to send a long Italian text to a language partner, stop and send a voice note instead, starting with 'Ti spiego a voce...'
In Other Languages
de palabra / de viva voz
Spanish often uses 'de' instead of 'a'.
de vive voix
French is slightly more formal when using this specific phrase.
mündlich
German uses a single word rather than a prepositional phrase.
口頭で (kōtō de)
Japanese has very distinct levels of formality that change the phrase entirely.
شفهياً (shafahiyan)
The anatomical reference is to the lips rather than the voice.
口头 (kǒutóu)
It is often used as a compound modifier for nouns.
말로 (mallo)
Korean uses the instrumental particle '-lo'.
de viva voz
Like Spanish, it prefers the preposition 'de'.
Easily Confused
Learners think 'a voce' means 'out loud'.
Remember: 'a voce' = medium (speaking), 'alta voce' = volume (loud).
Used in grammar to mean 'form of the verb'.
This is only used when conjugating or analyzing verbs.
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल (10)
Yes! 'A voce' applies to any spoken communication, whether in person, on the phone, or via a video call.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
'Verbalmente' is more technical and formal, often used in legal or academic contexts. 'A voce' is the everyday version.
No, it is a fixed expression. It always stays 'a voce'.
Technically yes, but it sounds redundant. Italians always prefer 'a voce'.
You can use 'passaparola' or say 'la notizia si è diffusa a voce'.
Almost. 'A viva voce' is more emphatic, like saying 'with my own living voice'.
No, for singing you would say 'a cappella' (without instruments) or just 'cantare'.
It's cultural. Speaking allows for gestures and tone, which are vital to Italian communication.
Yes, it means 'rumor has it' (literally: a voice is circulating).