Meaning
A person involved in commercial trade.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Piazza Affari' in Milan is the heart of Italian finance. Being an 'uomo d'affari' in Italy often implies a connection to this specific location and its fast-paced culture. In Milan, the 'uomo d'affari' is often associated with the 'aperitivo' culture, where business deals are discussed in a semi-formal social setting after work. In the South, the term might be used with more reverence or, conversely, with a hint of suspicion if the person's wealth is not clearly tied to a known local industry. Younger Italians might find 'uomo d'affari' too formal and prefer 'imprenditore' or 'founder,' reflecting a shift from corporate hierarchy to individual innovation.
Use 'Donna d'affari' for women
Italian is a gendered language. Using 'uomo' for a woman sounds very outdated and grammatically incorrect.
Avoid 'Faccendiere'
As mentioned, this has a strong negative connotation of shady dealings.
Meaning
A person involved in commercial trade.
Use 'Donna d'affari' for women
Italian is a gendered language. Using 'uomo' for a woman sounds very outdated and grammatically incorrect.
Avoid 'Faccendiere'
As mentioned, this has a strong negative connotation of shady dealings.
The 'Dottore' factor
In Italy, many 'uomini d'affari' are addressed as 'Dottore' if they have a university degree, which is standard for the role.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
Maria è una _____ di grande successo a Milano.
Since the subject is Maria, we must use the feminine 'donna' and the elided 'd'affari'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Regarding a group of male professionals:
The plural of 'uomo' is 'uomini', and we keep the elision 'd'affari'.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate context.
Context: A formal newspaper article about a CEO.
'Uomo d'affari' is the standard formal term for a newspaper.
Fill in the missing line.
A: 'Perché Giorgio porta sempre la cravatta?' B: 'Perché lui...'
In this descriptive context, the indefinite article 'un' is required.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
The Business World Lexicon
Roles
- • Uomo d'affari
- • Imprenditore
- • Manager
Places
- • Ufficio
- • Azienda
- • Piazza Affari
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMaria è una _____ di grande successo a Milano.
Since the subject is Maria, we must use the feminine 'donna' and the elided 'd'affari'.
Regarding a group of male professionals:
The plural of 'uomo' is 'uomini', and we keep the elision 'd'affari'.
Context: A formal newspaper article about a CEO.
'Uomo d'affari' is the standard formal term for a newspaper.
A: 'Perché Giorgio porta sempre la cravatta?' B: 'Perché lui...'
In this descriptive context, the indefinite article 'un' is required.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, it is the direct equivalent, but it carries a slightly more formal and traditional tone than the English loanword.
It is grammatically possible but sounds unnatural. The elided form 'd'affari' is the standard.
Very common, especially in news, literature, and formal professional contexts.
Grammatically, you would use the masculine plural: 'uomini d'affari'. However, in modern inclusive speech, you might say 'uomini e donne d'affari'.
Related Phrases
Fare affari
builds onTo do business / To strike a deal
Uomo di mondo
similarA man of the world / Sophisticated person
Imprenditore
specialized formEntrepreneur / Business owner
Giro d'affari
relatedTurnover / Volume of business
