Meaning
Making a strong positive impact.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'fare colpo' is deeply tied to 'la bella figura'. It's not just about vanity; it's about social competence. In the south, 'fare colpo' often involves hospitality and food. Impressing guests with a massive feast is a standard social goal. In Italian business, 'fare colpo' is often achieved through 'sprezzatura'—making a difficult task look easy and stylish. Similar to Italy, but with a focus on community reputation. Making a good impression on the 'vicinato' (neighbors) is key.
The 'Di' Buffer
Always remember to add 'di' before pronouns: 'su di me', 'su di te'. It makes you sound much more native.
Don't Overuse
If you say you want to 'fare colpo' on everyone, you might sound a bit superficial. Use it for specific goals.
Meaning
Making a strong positive impact.
The 'Di' Buffer
Always remember to add 'di' before pronouns: 'su di me', 'su di te'. It makes you sound much more native.
Don't Overuse
If you say you want to 'fare colpo' on everyone, you might sound a bit superficial. Use it for specific goals.
Modesty
Italians often use this phrase to tease friends: 'Vuoi fare colpo, eh?' when a friend dresses up.
Past Tense
Use 'ho fatto colpo' to talk about a successful meeting. It's a great way to start a story.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'fare colpo' and the necessary preposition.
Marco ha comprato dei fiori perché vuole _______ _______ _______ Maria.
We need the infinitive 'fare' after 'vuole' and the preposition 'su' for the person.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
How do you say 'He impressed me'?
Personal pronouns like 'me' require the 'di' buffer after 'su'.
Choose the best response to complete the dialogue.
A: 'Com'è andato il colloquio?' B: 'Bene, credo di _______.'
In the past infinitive, 'fare' takes 'avere'.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Fare Colpo vs. Fare una Brutta Figura
Practice Bank
3 exercisesMarco ha comprato dei fiori perché vuole _______ _______ _______ Maria.
We need the infinitive 'fare' after 'vuole' and the preposition 'su' for the person.
How do you say 'He impressed me'?
Personal pronouns like 'me' require the 'di' buffer after 'su'.
A: 'Com'è andato il colloquio?' B: 'Bene, credo di _______.'
In the past infinitive, 'fare' takes 'avere'.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it's less common. You could say 'Questo quadro fa colpo' (This painting is striking), but usually, we say it 'colpisce'.
No, on a resume use 'Capacità di persuasione' or 'Ottime doti comunicative'. Use 'fare colpo' when talking about the interview later.
'Fare colpo' is more idiomatic and implies a 'hit' or a 'wow' factor. 'Impressionare' can be neutral or even negative (to shock).
No, that is a common mistake. Always use 'su'.
Not at all! It's very common in professional and social contexts too.
You would say 'Sono rimasto colpito' or 'Lui ha fatto colpo su di me'.
No, even if you impress many people, it remains 'fare colpo'.
No, it is a standard idiom used by all ages and in most social classes.
Yes! 'La tua pizza ha fatto colpo su tutti gli invitati.'
There isn't a direct single idiom, but you could say 'passare inosservato' (to go unnoticed) or 'fare una brutta figura' (to make a bad impression).
Related Phrases
fare un figurone
similarTo make a great impression
colpo di fulmine
specialized formLove at first sight
colpire nel segno
similarTo hit the mark
fare breccia
synonymTo break through
lasciare il segno
builds onTo leave a mark
