Meaning
Patience leads to better results.
Cultural Background
The proverb reflects the Italian 'Slow Food' philosophy, which started in 1986 as a protest against fast food. It emphasizes that quality life requires time. In the South, the pace of life is often slower due to the heat and a long history of agricultural life. This proverb is a daily mantra. While Northern Italy is very productive, there is still a respect for 'doing things right' rather than just 'doing things fast,' especially in luxury manufacturing. Teachers often use this to discourage 'cramming' (studiare tutto all'ultimo minuto) and encourage steady study habits.
Use it for encouragement
This is the best phrase to say to a fellow language learner who feels like they are progressing too slowly.
Don't use it in a rush
If someone is waiting for you and you are late, saying this will make them very angry!
Meaning
Patience leads to better results.
Use it for encouragement
This is the best phrase to say to a fellow language learner who feels like they are progressing too slowly.
Don't use it in a rush
If someone is waiting for you and you are late, saying this will make them very angry!
The 'Short' Version
In casual conversation, you can just say 'Chi va piano...' and people will finish the sentence in their heads.
Slow Food Connection
Mentioning this proverb when discussing Italian food will make you sound very culturally aware.
Test Yourself
Completa il proverbio con le parole mancanti.
Chi va ______, va ______ e lontano.
Il proverbio corretto usa 'piano' per la velocità e 'sano' per la salute.
In quale situazione è più appropriato usare questo proverbio?
Un tuo amico sta studiando troppo e non dorme la notte.
Il proverbio consiglia pazienza e costanza, perfetto per l'apprendimento di una lingua.
Abbina le parti del proverbio.
Parti del proverbio:
Questa è la sequenza logica e ritmica del proverbio.
Completa il dialogo tra un nonno e un nipote.
Nipote: 'Voglio finire questo disegno subito!' Nonno: 'Calma, nipote mio. ______.'
Il nonno sta consigliando al nipote di non avere fretta per fare un buon lavoro.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Speed vs. The Proverb
Practice Bank
4 exercisesChi va ______, va ______ e lontano.
Il proverbio corretto usa 'piano' per la velocità e 'sano' per la salute.
Un tuo amico sta studiando troppo e non dorme la notte.
Il proverbio consiglia pazienza e costanza, perfetto per l'apprendimento di una lingua.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Questa è la sequenza logica e ritmica del proverbio.
Nipote: 'Voglio finire questo disegno subito!' Nonno: 'Calma, nipote mio. ______.'
Il nonno sta consigliando al nipote di non avere fretta per fare un buon lavoro.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, though often ironically or when discussing lifestyle choices like 'slow living'. It remains one of the top 5 most recognized proverbs in Italy.
While 'lento' also means slow, 'piano' is the fixed word in the proverb. Using 'lento' would sound like you don't know the saying.
In this context, it means both 'healthy' (not exhausted) and 'safe' (not having accidents).
It is neutral. You can say it to your boss, your grandmother, or your best friend.
The closest equivalent is 'Slow and steady wins the race.'
The repetition creates a musical rhythm and emphasizes that each stage (slowly, healthily, far) is part of the same movement.
Absolutely. It is very common to say this to someone who is driving too fast.
Not really, but 'La fretta fa i gattini ciechi' (Haste makes blind kittens) is a more negative way to say 'don't rush'.
Yes, it's often used to describe sustainable growth vs. a 'bubble'.
Yes, in this structure 'chi' always takes the third-person singular verb.
Related Phrases
La fretta è una cattiva consigliera
similarHaste is a bad advisor.
Piano piano
builds onSlowly, slowly / Step by step.
Presto e bene non stanno insieme
similarFast and well don't go together.
Chi dorme non piglia pesci
contrastHe who sleeps catches no fish.
