Meaning
Available on the internet.
Cultural Background
While the phrase is common, Italy has a significant 'digital divide' between generations. Younger Italians use 'a portata di mouse' frequently, while older generations may still prefer 'a portata di mano' and physical shops. The use of this phrase exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic when Italians, traditionally hesitant about online shopping, were forced to find everything 'a portata di mouse'. Some Italian language purists dislike the use of the English word 'mouse'. However, 'a portata di mouse' is so widely accepted that even the Accademia della Crusca recognizes its usage in modern Italian. The Italian government uses the slogan 'La PA a portata di mouse' to promote the SPID (Digital Identity System) and online bureaucracy.
Marketing Magic
If you are writing a business email in Italian, use this phrase to sound customer-oriented and modern.
No Article!
Remember: it's 'a portata di mouse', NOT 'a portata del mouse'. Adding 'del' makes it sound like a physical measurement of a specific mouse's cable length!
Meaning
Available on the internet.
Marketing Magic
If you are writing a business email in Italian, use this phrase to sound customer-oriented and modern.
No Article!
Remember: it's 'a portata di mouse', NOT 'a portata del mouse'. Adding 'del' makes it sound like a physical measurement of a specific mouse's cable length!
The 'Clic' Alternative
If you want to sound 100% modern, use 'a portata di clic'. It's becoming more popular than 'mouse' in 2024.
The 'Mano' Connection
Always remember that this is a play on 'a portata di mano'. If you know one, you know the other!
Test Yourself
Completa la frase con la parola corretta.
Con il nuovo sito, tutti i nostri prodotti sono a portata di _______.
Since we are talking about a website ('sito'), 'mouse' is the correct idiomatic choice.
Quale frase è più naturale in una pubblicità per un negozio online?
Scegli l'opzione migliore:
This is a standard marketing phrase to indicate online availability.
Abbina l'espressione al suo significato.
Trascina le coppie:
Each 'portata' phrase refers to a different type of reach.
Completa il dialogo tra due amici.
A: 'Non trovo il numero della pizzeria!' B: 'Cerca su Google, è tutto _______.'
Both 'a portata di mouse' and 'a portata di clic' are correct and natural in this context.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Mano vs. Mouse
Practice Bank
4 exercisesCon il nuovo sito, tutti i nostri prodotti sono a portata di _______.
Since we are talking about a website ('sito'), 'mouse' is the correct idiomatic choice.
Scegli l'opzione migliore:
This is a standard marketing phrase to indicate online availability.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Each 'portata' phrase refers to a different type of reach.
A: 'Non trovo il numero della pizzeria!' B: 'Cerca su Google, è tutto _______.'
Both 'a portata di mouse' and 'a portata di clic' are correct and natural in this context.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsYes, although 'a portata di touch' is more precise, 'a portata di mouse' is still used as a general term for 'online access'.
It is masculine: 'il mouse'. However, in this phrase, the article is omitted.
It's fine for a tech or marketing job, but for a very traditional corporate role, say 'accessibile digitalmente'.
The phrase is usually used in the singular. You wouldn't say 'a portata di mice'.
No. 'A portata di mouse' means it's easy to reach. 'Alla portata di tutti' means it's cheap/affordable.
No, that is not a standard idiom and sounds strange to native speakers.
Italy adopts many English tech terms directly. Translating it to 'topo' would sound like you're talking about a rodent.
They are almost identical. 'A un clic di distanza' is a bit more dramatic and common in advertising headlines.
Absolutely, it's perfect for Instagram captions or Facebook ads.
Yes, it is a standard national idiom used from Milan to Sicily.
It doesn't matter! The phrase is figurative. It still applies.
It is always 'a'. 'In portata' is incorrect.
Only if you mean they are available to chat online (e.g., 'Il tuo tutor è a portata di mouse').
Yes, though 'a portata di clic' is slowly catching up in frequency.
Related Phrases
a portata di mano
builds onWithin arm's reach / handy
a portata di clic
synonymJust a click away
a portata di touch
specialized formWithin a tap's reach
alla portata di tutti
similarAffordable/accessible to everyone
fuori portata
contrastOut of reach
