Meaning
To confront a problem or reality.
Cultural Background
In Italian business meetings, 'fare i conti' is often the moment where abstract ideas meet the budget. It is a sign of respect to be the one who brings the conversation back to 'i conti'. In Tuscany, where modern Italian was born, the word 'conto' is used very frequently in idioms. You might hear 'tornare il conto' (to be worth it/to add up) more often there. Neorealist films often use this phrase to describe the working class 'facing' the harsh post-war reality. It's a staple of dramatic scripts. In the South, 'fare i conti' can carry a stronger sense of 'honor' and 'settling scores' between families, though this is becoming more of a cinematic trope than a daily reality.
The 'Reality' Combo
90% of the time, this phrase is followed by 'con la realtà'. Memorize this as a single block.
Don't say 'Face the accounts'
Avoid translating 'face' literally as 'faccia'. Stick to 'fare'.
Meaning
To confront a problem or reality.
The 'Reality' Combo
90% of the time, this phrase is followed by 'con la realtà'. Memorize this as a single block.
Don't say 'Face the accounts'
Avoid translating 'face' literally as 'faccia'. Stick to 'fare'.
Reflexive Use
Use 'fare i conti con se stessi' to sound very deep and introspective in writing.
The Threat
Be careful using this with people you don't know well; it can sound like you want to fight.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'fare i conti con'.
Dopo la festa, Marco ha dovuto ________ la casa sporca.
We use the plural 'i conti' and the preposition 'con' to describe facing a situation.
Which sentence is used to warn someone about consequences?
Choose the correct option:
This sense of the phrase implies a personal reckoning or confrontation.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: 'Non ho studiato per l'esame.' B: 'Beh, domani ________ il professore!'
The future tense 'farai' is appropriate here as the exam is tomorrow.
Match the sentence to the situation.
Sentence: 'Dobbiamo fare i conti con la realtà: l'auto è rotta.'
The phrase is used here to accept a difficult fact.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDopo la festa, Marco ha dovuto ________ la casa sporca.
We use the plural 'i conti' and the preposition 'con' to describe facing a situation.
Choose the correct option:
This sense of the phrase implies a personal reckoning or confrontation.
A: 'Non ho studiato per l'esame.' B: 'Beh, domani ________ il professore!'
The future tense 'farai' is appropriate here as the exam is tomorrow.
Sentence: 'Dobbiamo fare i conti con la realtà: l'auto è rotta.'
The phrase is used here to accept a difficult fact.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsTechnically yes, but it sounds dramatic. Use 'Chiedere il conto' for the bill.
Mostly. It usually involves a 'difficult' reality, though you could 'fare i conti' with a surprisingly large inheritance too!
'Affrontare' is to face/attack a problem. 'Fare i conti' is more about the realization and acceptance of the situation.
No, it must be 'con qualcuno'. 'A qualcuno' is a common mistake.
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in a professional context to discuss market realities.
No, 'to count' is just 'contare'. This is a fixed idiom.
'Sto facendo i conti con le conseguenze' is the best translation.
Yes, 'Ho fatto i conti con...' is very common for looking back at a lesson learned.
In Rome, you might hear 'vedersela con', which is more about the struggle.
Rarely. It's almost always for something you were avoiding or that is challenging.
It means to judge how someone else spends their money. It's usually rude!
In this idiom, yes. Always.
Related Phrases
Rendere conto
similarTo justify or explain one's actions.
Tenere conto di
similarTo take into consideration.
I conti non tornano
builds onSomething doesn't add up / something is wrong.
Metterci la faccia
similarTo take personal responsibility publicly.
Scontare
specialized formTo pay for a mistake (or a crime).
