Meaning
Being exactly right.
Cultural Background
Many Italian towns hold historical archery contests where 'fare centro' was a matter of civic pride and honor. In Italian business, 'fare centro' is a common way to validate a colleague's contribution without being overly formal. On Italian Instagram or TikTok, you might see #fattocentro under posts showing a perfect outfit or a successful recipe. Teachers use it to encourage students who make intuitive leaps in their reasoning.
The 'Al Primo Colpo' Add-on
Add 'al primo colpo' (at the first shot) to sound like a native: 'Hai fatto centro al primo colpo!'
No 'Il'
Remember: 'Fare centro', NOT 'Fare il centro'. Adding the article makes it sound like you are a construction worker building a shopping mall.
Meaning
Being exactly right.
The 'Al Primo Colpo' Add-on
Add 'al primo colpo' (at the first shot) to sound like a native: 'Hai fatto centro al primo colpo!'
No 'Il'
Remember: 'Fare centro', NOT 'Fare il centro'. Adding the article makes it sound like you are a construction worker building a shopping mall.
The Compliment
It is one of the safest and most appreciated compliments you can give an Italian regarding their taste or ideas.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'fare centro'.
Con quel vestito nuovo, Maria ha proprio _______.
We use the past participle 'fatto' because the action of choosing the dress is completed.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the right option:
The idiom does not use an article ('il') and uses the verb 'fare', not 'prendere'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Penso che dovremmo cambiare il colore del logo. B: ________! È esattamente quello che pensavo anche io.
B is agreeing that A's idea *was* (just now) exactly right.
Match the situation to the use of 'fare centro'.
Match: 1. A successful ad campaign. 2. A perfect birthday gift. 3. A correct guess about a secret.
Each context uses 'fare centro' to denote a specific type of success or accuracy.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Accuracy Idioms
Practice Bank
4 exercisesCon quel vestito nuovo, Maria ha proprio _______.
We use the past participle 'fatto' because the action of choosing the dress is completed.
Select the right option:
The idiom does not use an article ('il') and uses the verb 'fare', not 'prendere'.
A: Penso che dovremmo cambiare il colore del logo. B: ________! È esattamente quello che pensavo anche io.
B is agreeing that A's idea *was* (just now) exactly right.
Match: 1. A successful ad campaign. 2. A perfect birthday gift. 3. A correct guess about a secret.
Each context uses 'fare centro' to denote a specific type of success or accuracy.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is used for basketball, soccer, and any sport with a goal, though it is more common figuratively.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
The most common is the passato prossimo: 'Ho fatto centro'.
No, that would mean 'to make a center' in a literal, physical sense, not the idiom.
Yes, it always implies a positive, accurate result.
Yes: 'Abbiamo fatto centro', but 'centro' stays singular.
Yes, but 'azzeccarci' is more common for pure luck.
You can say 'Ci sono andato vicino' (I went close to it).
Yes, it is standard Italian used from North to South.
Only if you mean they achieved something. You don't 'fare centro' a person.
Related Phrases
colpire nel segno
synonymTo hit the mark
andare a segno
similarTo land a hit/succeed
fare fiasco
contrastTo fail miserably
mancare il bersaglio
contrastTo miss the target
azzeccarci
synonymTo guess right
