Meaning
To give something up.
Cultural Background
The 'cultura del sacrificio' is a pillar of Italian identity, especially in the South. It is linked to the idea that family comes before the individual. The phrase has strong religious undertones. The idea of 'offering up' one's suffering (offrire i propri sacrifici) is a common spiritual practice. Politicians often use the word 'sacrifici' to prepare the public for tax hikes or budget cuts, often promising they are 'necessari'. Commentators often praise players for their 'spirito di sacrificio' when they run a lot to help the team, even if they don't score.
Use the plural for life stories
When talking about your career or upbringing, use 'fare dei sacrifici' to sound more natural and humble.
Don't over-dramatize
If you say 'faccio un sacrificio' for something tiny, Italians might think you are being sarcastic or 'pesante' (heavy/annoying).
Meaning
To give something up.
Use the plural for life stories
When talking about your career or upbringing, use 'fare dei sacrifici' to sound more natural and humble.
Don't over-dramatize
If you say 'faccio un sacrificio' for something tiny, Italians might think you are being sarcastic or 'pesante' (heavy/annoying).
The 'Mamma' context
In Italy, the phrase is most commonly associated with mothers. If you want to describe a dedicated mother, 'una madre che fa sacrifici' is the standard phrase.
Test Yourself
Completa la frase con la forma corretta del verbo 'fare'.
I miei nonni ________ molti sacrifici durante la guerra.
The sentence refers to a completed action in the past (the war), so the 'passato prossimo' is the most appropriate.
Quale di queste situazioni descrive meglio 'fare un sacrificio'?
Scegli l'opzione corretta:
A sacrifice involves giving up a pleasure (the game) for a better goal (the gift).
Completa il dialogo tra due amici.
A: 'Vieni in discoteca stasera?' B: 'No, domani ho l'esame. Devo _________________.'
Giving up a night out to study is a classic example of 'fare un sacrificio'.
Abbina il tipo di sacrificio alla situazione.
1. Sacrificio economico, 2. Sacrificio fisico, 3. Sacrificio di tempo
Economic = money/vacation; Physical = training/rain; Time = working/weekend.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Sacrificio vs. Sforzo
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI miei nonni ________ molti sacrifici durante la guerra.
The sentence refers to a completed action in the past (the war), so the 'passato prossimo' is the most appropriate.
Scegli l'opzione corretta:
A sacrifice involves giving up a pleasure (the game) for a better goal (the gift).
A: 'Vieni in discoteca stasera?' B: 'No, domani ho l'esame. Devo _________________.'
Giving up a night out to study is a classic example of 'fare un sacrificio'.
1. Sacrificio economico, 2. Sacrificio fisico, 3. Sacrificio di tempo
Economic = money/vacation; Physical = training/rain; Time = working/weekend.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsUsually, yes. It implies a significant choice. For small things, use 'fare uno sforzo' or 'rinunciare a'.
Yes, it's very common to say you are doing it 'for' someone else.
A 'rinuncia' is just the act of giving up. A 'sacrificio' is the act of giving up *with a purpose*.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Yes: 'Dovrò fare un sacrificio'.
Only if you are in a church. In 99% of cases, it's secular.
Use 'ho fatto un sacrificio'.
It's just more formal. Use it in writing or speeches.
Yes, it's very common to describe training and discipline.
Maybe 'togliersi uno sfizio' (to indulge a whim).
Related Phrases
stringere la cinghia
similarTo tighten the belt / spend less money.
fare i salti mortali
builds onTo do the impossible / go to extreme lengths.
rinunciare a
synonymTo give up / renounce.
immolarsi
specialized formTo sacrifice oneself completely.
