Meaning
To be pleasant and supportive.
Cultural Background
In Italy, being 'disponibile' (available/helpful) is a high social virtue. Having a good word for everyone is a key part of being 'disponibile'. In the South, hospitality and verbal warmth are legendary. The 'parola buona' is often accompanied by an offering of coffee or food. The phrase echoes the biblical 'parola che salva' (the word that saves). Many Italians associate this trait with saintly or deeply moral figures. With the rise of 'soft skills' in Italian corporate culture, this phrase is now used to describe 'emotional intelligence'.
Use it for Eulogies
If you ever have to give a speech about a kind person who passed away, this is the most respectful and common phrase to use.
Don't overdo it
If you say someone has a 'parola buona' for *literally* everyone, including criminals, it might sound like you think they are naive.
Meaning
To be pleasant and supportive.
Use it for Eulogies
If you ever have to give a speech about a kind person who passed away, this is the most respectful and common phrase to use.
Don't overdo it
If you say someone has a 'parola buona' for *literally* everyone, including criminals, it might sound like you think they are naive.
The Negative Power
Using the negative 'Non ha una parola buona per nessuno' is a very strong way to describe a toxic person in Italian.
Test Yourself
Conjugate the verb 'avere' in the correct form.
Mia nonna era speciale: lei _______ sempre una parola buona per tutti.
The sentence starts with 'era' (imperfect), so the second verb should also be in the imperfect 'aveva' to describe a past habit.
Which sentence best describes a person who 'ha una parola buona per tutti'?
Chi ha una parola buona per tutti...
The phrase describes someone who uses speech to support and uplift others.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: 'Perché tutti amano il portiere del palazzo?' B: 'Perché è gentilissimo, _________________.'
The context of being 'gentilissimo' and 'loved by everyone' fits the idiom perfectly.
Match the person to the description.
Quale di queste persone ha probabilmente 'una parola buona per tutti'?
Empathy and kindness in difficult situations are hallmarks of this expression.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMia nonna era speciale: lei _______ sempre una parola buona per tutti.
The sentence starts with 'era' (imperfect), so the second verb should also be in the imperfect 'aveva' to describe a past habit.
Chi ha una parola buona per tutti...
The phrase describes someone who uses speech to support and uplift others.
A: 'Perché tutti amano il portiere del palazzo?' B: 'Perché è gentilissimo, _________________.'
The context of being 'gentilissimo' and 'loved by everyone' fits the idiom perfectly.
Quale di queste persone ha probabilmente 'una parola buona per tutti'?
Empathy and kindness in difficult situations are hallmarks of this expression.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, it's a lovely way to describe a well-behaved and kind child.
It's more specific. 'Essere gentile' is general kindness; this phrase specifically highlights the use of supportive speech.
It's possible, but the singular 'una parola buona' is the fixed idiomatic form.
Not at all. It's used daily in modern Italian, from TV shows to social media.
Related Phrases
mettere una buona parola
similarTo put in a good word for someone (recommendation).
essere un pezzo di pane
synonymTo be a very good/kind person.
avere la lingua tagliente
contrastTo have a sharp/cutting tongue.
dire pane al pane
contrastTo speak bluntly/honestly.
