Meaning
To be nearby and accessible.
Cultural Background
Italians value efficiency in the kitchen and office. Keeping things 'a portata di mano' is a sign of a good cook or worker. In Italian business, being prepared is key. Using this phrase shows you are ready for any question. Italians often advise travelers to keep documents 'a portata di mano' due to security checks. In a well-organized Italian home, everything has its place 'a portata di mano'.
Invariable phrase
Remember, it never changes. Don't try to make it plural!
Use it for goals
It sounds very natural when talking about achieving something soon.
Meaning
To be nearby and accessible.
Invariable phrase
Remember, it never changes. Don't try to make it plural!
Use it for goals
It sounds very natural when talking about achieving something soon.
Practicality
Italians love being practical. This phrase is a great way to show that trait.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct phrase.
Tieni il telefono ____ per chiamare in caso di emergenza.
The idiom is fixed as 'a portata di mano'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the best option.
The idiom is invariable and uses the singular 'mano'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Dove hai messo le chiavi? B: Sono ____ sul tavolo.
It fits the context of being nearby and accessible.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You are working and need a pen quickly.
This is the perfect scenario for using the phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesTieni il telefono ____ per chiamare in caso di emergenza.
The idiom is fixed as 'a portata di mano'.
Choose the best option.
The idiom is invariable and uses the singular 'mano'.
A: Dove hai messo le chiavi? B: Sono ____ sul tavolo.
It fits the context of being nearby and accessible.
You are working and need a pen quickly.
This is the perfect scenario for using the phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, it is only for objects or goals.
It is neutral and works in all settings.
It is a fixed idiom, so it stays singular.
Then you say it is 'lontano'.
No, that sounds weird. Stick to 'mano'.
Yes, very common for project management.
Not exactly. 'A portata di mano' implies you can use it easily.
A-por-TA-ta-di-MA-no.
Yes, it is very common now.
Yes, often in motivational songs.
There is no plural, it is invariable.
No, it is standard Italian.
Related Phrases
a portata di voce
similarwithin earshot
a portata di click
builds oneasily accessible online
a portata di mano
synonymnearby
a portata di sguardo
similarwithin sight
