Meaning
To be brave in a difficult situation.
Cultural Background
The liver is so central to Italian idioms that there is a whole category of 'fegato' expressions. It's not just for courage; it's for anger, jealousy, and health. Roman 'haruspices' would read the livers of sacrificed animals to predict the future. A healthy liver was a sign of divine favor and strength. In 'Poliziottesco' films (Italian crime thrillers of the 70s), the 'commissario' (police chief) is often described as having 'fegato' for standing up to the mafia. Italians use the 'lion' emoji 🦁 alongside 'fegato' to praise activists or people who speak out against social norms.
Use 'da vendere'
If you want to sound like a native, add 'da vendere' to the end. It makes you sound much more fluent and expressive.
Avoid 'Essere'
Never say 'Io sono fegato'. It's a physical impossibility and a grammatical error!
Meaning
To be brave in a difficult situation.
Use 'da vendere'
If you want to sound like a native, add 'da vendere' to the end. It makes you sound much more fluent and expressive.
Avoid 'Essere'
Never say 'Io sono fegato'. It's a physical impossibility and a grammatical error!
The Liver vs. The Heart
In Italy, the heart is for love, but the liver is for 'action'. Use 'fegato' when there is a risk involved.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'avere fegato'.
Marco è un vigile del fuoco, lui ______ ______ da vendere.
We use the verb 'avere' and the noun 'fegato' without an article for the general idiom.
Which sentence means 'It takes guts to tell the truth'?
Quale frase è corretta?
'Ci vuole' is the standard way to say 'it takes' or 'it requires'.
Match the response to the situation.
Qualcuno ha appena fatto paracadutismo per la prima volta.
This is the natural way to praise someone's bravery after a risky act.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesMarco è un vigile del fuoco, lui ______ ______ da vendere.
We use the verb 'avere' and the noun 'fegato' without an article for the general idiom.
Quale frase è corretta?
'Ci vuole' is the standard way to say 'it takes' or 'it requires'.
Qualcuno ha appena fatto paracadutismo per la prima volta.
This is the natural way to praise someone's bravery after a risky act.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's informal but perfectly polite. You can use it with friends, family, and even colleagues.
Yes! Even though it has historical roots in 'masculine' bravery, it is gender-neutral today. 'Lei ha fegato' is very common.
'Coraggio' is the general word for bravery. 'Fegato' is more about 'guts' or 'nerve'—it's more visceral and often implies a specific act of defiance.
Yes, 'molto fegato' or 'un bel fegato' are both common ways to say someone is very brave.
Not a single verb, but you can use 'ardire' (to dare) in very formal contexts.
Ancient medicine believed the liver was the seat of emotions like anger and courage.
You can say 'uno senza fegato' (someone without liver).
Yes, to describe entrepreneurs or leaders who take big risks.
Usually, it's reserved for things that are genuinely scary or difficult. Asking for a coffee isn't 'avere fegato', but asking for a raise is!
Yes, almost every Italian dialect has a version of this, often using the local word for liver (e.g., 'fegat' in Milanese).
Related Phrases
avere fegato da vendere
specialized formTo have courage to spare.
avere coraggio
synonymTo be brave.
mangiarsi il fegato
similarTo be green with envy.
senza fegato
contrastCowardly.
avere fegato marcio
similarTo be very bitter.
