Meaning
Acting in a clever or dishonest way.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'furbizia' is often contrasted with 'senso civico' (civic sense). While historically admired as a survival skill, it is now often blamed for Italy's economic and bureaucratic hurdles. In the South, 'furbizia' is sometimes linked to the 'Arte di Arrangiarsi'—the creative ability to solve problems in difficult circumstances, often by bending rules. In the North, 'fare il furbo' is often viewed more strictly as a lack of professionalism or work ethic, especially in corporate environments. The term 'furbetti' (little sly ones) became a media buzzword after several scandals involving bankers and public employees, turning a cute diminutive into a sharp insult.
Don't overdo it
Calling someone a 'furbo' can be an insult. Use it carefully with strangers.
Use the diminutive
Use 'furbetto' if you want to sound less aggressive and more like you're teasing.
Meaning
Acting in a clever or dishonest way.
Don't overdo it
Calling someone a 'furbo' can be an insult. Use it carefully with strangers.
Use the diminutive
Use 'furbetto' if you want to sound less aggressive and more like you're teasing.
The 'Fesso' dynamic
In Italy, if you don't 'fare il furbo', some might call you a 'fesso' (fool). It's a weird cultural double-bind!
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form of the phrase for a female subject.
Giulia cerca sempre di ______ quando deve pulire casa.
Since Giulia is female and singular, we use 'la furba'.
Fill in the missing verb in the past tense (Passato Prossimo).
Quei ragazzi ______ i furbi e non hanno pagato il biglietto.
The past tense of 'fare' with 'loro' is 'hanno fatto'.
Match the response to the situation.
Someone cuts in front of you at the post office.
This is the standard way to call out someone cutting in line.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Ho detto al professore che il cane ha mangiato il compito.' B: 'Ancora? Smettila di ______!'
The context of lying to a teacher fits 'fare il furbo' perfectly.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Essere Furbo vs. Fare il Furbo
Where you see 'I Furbi'
Public Life
- • Taxes
- • Queues
- • Public Transport
Personal Life
- • Games
- • Chores
- • Arguments
Practice Bank
4 exercisesGiulia cerca sempre di ______ quando deve pulire casa.
Since Giulia is female and singular, we use 'la furba'.
Quei ragazzi ______ i furbi e non hanno pagato il biglietto.
The past tense of 'fare' with 'loro' is 'hanno fatto'.
Someone cuts in front of you at the post office.
This is the standard way to call out someone cutting in line.
A: 'Ho detto al professore che il cane ha mangiato il compito.' B: 'Ancora? Smettila di ______!'
The context of lying to a teacher fits 'fare il furbo' perfectly.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions90% of the time, yes. It implies you are cheating. However, among close friends, it can be a playful way of saying 'I see what you're trying to do!'
Yes, but change it to 'fare la furba'. Example: 'Maria fa la furba'.
There isn't a direct idiom, but 'comportarsi onestamente' (to behave honestly) or 'seguire le regole' (to follow the rules) are the conceptual opposites.
No, it's a standard idiom used by everyone from children to news anchors.
Avoid it. It's too informal and implies a lack of integrity, which is not a good look for a candidate!
It's the 'cute' version of furbo. It's often used for kids or for very small, harmless tricks.
It's a historical cultural trait related to navigating complex bureaucracies and foreign occupations over centuries.
It's a specific type of cheating—the kind where you use your wits to find a loophole.
'Non fare il furbo con me!' is the perfect translation.
No, but it's often used as a nickname for pets, especially cats or dogs that are good at stealing food.
Related Phrases
Essere furbo come una volpe
similarTo be as sly as a fox.
Fare il finto tonto
similarTo pretend to be stupid/clueless.
Fare il dritto
synonymTo act like a 'straight' (sharp) guy.
Essere un fesso
contrastTo be a fool/sucker.
Furbetti del cartellino
specialized formPeople who cheat on their work time-clock.
