Signification
Acting honestly without bad motives.
Contexte culturel
The 'presunzione di buona fede' is a pillar of the Italian Civil Code. This means that in a dispute, you don't have to prove you were honest; the other person has to prove you were dishonest. In Ticino, 'buona fede' is taken very seriously in business. It is linked to the Swiss value of 'affidabilità' (reliability). Being accused of 'malafede' can end a professional career. As one of the world's oldest republics, San Marino maintains ancient legal traditions where 'buona fede' is tied to the concept of 'buon padre di famiglia' (a good family man acting responsibly). The concept is also tied to 'purezza di cuore' (purity of heart). In a religious context, being in buona fede means your soul is free from the sin of deceit.
The Subjunctive Trigger
When you say 'I think he is in good faith,' use the subjunctive: 'Credo che sia in buona fede.' It sounds much more natural and advanced.
Don't use 'con'
Never say 'con buona fede.' It's a classic English-speaker mistake. Always use 'in'.
Signification
Acting honestly without bad motives.
The Subjunctive Trigger
When you say 'I think he is in good faith,' use the subjunctive: 'Credo che sia in buona fede.' It sounds much more natural and advanced.
Don't use 'con'
Never say 'con buona fede.' It's a classic English-speaker mistake. Always use 'in'.
The Sarcasm Alert
Be careful with your tone. 'Sei proprio in buona fede, eh?' with a smirk means 'I know you're lying.'
Teste-toi
Completa la frase con la preposizione corretta.
Ho commesso un errore, ma ero ____ buona fede.
In Italian, the expression is always 'in buona fede'.
Quale frase esprime un'azione onesta ma sbagliata?
Scegli la frase corretta:
'Agire in buona fede' means to act with honest intentions.
Abbina la situazione alla reazione corretta.
Situazione: Hai dato un'informazione sbagliata a un turista perché la strada era chiusa da poco.
This is the perfect context for 'buona fede'—an honest mistake based on lack of knowledge.
Completa il dialogo tra due colleghi.
A: 'Perché non mi hai avvertito della riunione?' B: 'Mi dispiace, ___________, pensavo che avessi ricevuto l'invito automatico.'
The past tense 'ero' is used to explain the state of mind at the time of the mistake.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Buona Fede vs. Malafede
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesHo commesso un errore, ma ero ____ buona fede.
In Italian, the expression is always 'in buona fede'.
Scegli la frase corretta:
'Agire in buona fede' means to act with honest intentions.
Situazione: Hai dato un'informazione sbagliata a un turista perché la strada era chiusa da poco.
This is the perfect context for 'buona fede'—an honest mistake based on lack of knowledge.
A: 'Perché non mi hai avvertito della riunione?' B: 'Mi dispiace, ___________, pensavo che avessi ricevuto l'invito automatico.'
The past tense 'ero' is used to explain the state of mind at the time of the mistake.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's used daily for any misunderstanding where you didn't mean to cause trouble.
No, it's an uncountable concept. You are 'in buona fede', you don't 'have a good faith'.
'Sincerità' is about telling the truth; 'buona fede' is about your overall intent and lack of malice in an action.
No, only for people or their actions/intentions.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
You say 'Ho agito in buona fede'.
No, 'fede' remains singular in this expression.
Technically no. 'Buona fede' implies you actually tried to do the right thing.
Yes, but 'bona fide' in English is often used as an adjective (a bona fide expert), while in Italian it's almost always a state (essere in...).
Yes, it's very common when accusing someone of lying or cheating.
Expressions liées
in malafede
contrastActing with the intent to deceive.
a fin di bene
similarWith good intentions.
parlare col cuore in mano
builds onTo speak with total honesty.
persona alla mano
specialized formAn easy-going, honest person.
