Signification
To be an ethical person.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is often used by parents and grandparents to describe the 'ideal' partner for their children. It implies a person who respects family traditions and moral codes. In a country where 'raccomandazioni' (connections) are common, being 'di sani principi' is a way to signal that you are meritocratic and honest. The 'sani principi' often overlap with Catholic social teaching, even for non-practicing Italians. It suggests a universal 'goodness' recognized by the community. Italian culture often discusses the 'furbo' (the clever/sly person). Being 'di sani principi' is the direct opposite of being a 'furbo' who takes shortcuts.
Use it in Interviews
It's a 'power phrase' in Italian job interviews. It signals that you are not just skilled, but also ethically reliable.
Watch the Stress
If you stress the second 'i' in 'principi' (prin-CÌ-pi), you are talking about princes, not principles!
Signification
To be an ethical person.
Use it in Interviews
It's a 'power phrase' in Italian job interviews. It signals that you are not just skilled, but also ethically reliable.
Watch the Stress
If you stress the second 'i' in 'principi' (prin-CÌ-pi), you are talking about princes, not principles!
The 'Nonna' Approval
If an Italian grandmother calls you 'di sani principi', you have reached the highest level of social acceptance.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
Mio nonno era un uomo ____ ____ ____; non ha mai mentito a nessuno.
The preposition 'di' is the standard way to introduce this characteristic in Italian.
Which sentence is the most natural way to praise someone's integrity?
Scegli la frase più naturale:
This is the standard, most idiomatic collocation.
Match the Italian phrase with its English equivalent.
Abbina le frasi:
These are all related but have slightly different nuances.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate response.
A: 'Pensi che dovremmo fidarci di quel nuovo socio?' B: 'Assolutamente sì, lo conosco da anni ed è ____.'
'Di sani principi' is the perfect way to vouch for someone's trustworthiness in a professional context.
In which situation would you MOST likely use 'essere di sani principi'?
In quale situazione useresti questa frase?
The phrase refers to moral integrity, not physical health or royalty.
🎉 Score : /5
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
5 exercicesMio nonno era un uomo ____ ____ ____; non ha mai mentito a nessuno.
The preposition 'di' is the standard way to introduce this characteristic in Italian.
Scegli la frase più naturale:
This is the standard, most idiomatic collocation.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are all related but have slightly different nuances.
A: 'Pensi che dovremmo fidarci di quel nuovo socio?' B: 'Assolutamente sì, lo conosco da anni ed è ____.'
'Di sani principi' is the perfect way to vouch for someone's trustworthiness in a professional context.
In quale situazione useresti questa frase?
The phrase refers to moral integrity, not physical health or royalty.
🎉 Score : /5
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes! You say 'Lei è una donna di sani principi'. The phrase 'sani principi' stays plural and masculine because it refers to the principles, not the person.
'Essere di sani principi' sounds slightly more formal and describes a state of being. 'Avere sani principi' is more common in casual conversation.
Not necessarily, but it often implies a traditional moral upbringing that might have religious roots.
You can say 'essere un uomo di principi', but adding 'sani' makes the compliment much stronger and more idiomatic.
Expressions liées
Persona perbene
similarA respectable, well-behaved person.
Tutto d'un pezzo
idiomatic synonymUncompromising, solid in character.
Senza principi
contrastUnprincipled, unscrupulous.
Avere la coscienza pulita
builds onTo have a clean conscience.
Integerrimo
specialized formExtremely upright/honest.
