Meaning
Asking something too personal.
Cultural Background
In Italy, asking about someone's salary is considered much more indiscreet than in the US, but asking about someone's health or family is often seen as a sign of caring. In Southern Italy, social boundaries can be more porous. What a Northerner calls a 'domanda indiscreta,' a Southerner might call 'interessamento' (showing interest). In a professional setting, 'indiscrezione' is a serious matter. Leaking company secrets is often referred to as 'un'indiscrezione di corridoio' (a hallway indiscretion). In religious contexts, 'indiscrezione' is linked to the sin of gossip. Confessors are bound by absolute discretion.
The 'Scusa' Buffer
Always start with 'Scusa se...' or 'Spero di non...' when using this phrase. It makes you sound much more native and polite.
Don't use 'Chiedere'
This is the #1 mistake for English speakers. Remember: You MAKE a question in Italian.
Meaning
Asking something too personal.
The 'Scusa' Buffer
Always start with 'Scusa se...' or 'Spero di non...' when using this phrase. It makes you sound much more native and polite.
Don't use 'Chiedere'
This is the #1 mistake for English speakers. Remember: You MAKE a question in Italian.
Money is the Limit
In Italy, asking about money is almost always 'indiscreto.' Avoid it unless you are very close to the person.
Adjective Agreement
If you ask many questions, they are 'domande indiscrete' (ending in -e).
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'fare'.
Scusa, non volevo ______ una domanda indiscreta.
After 'volevo' (modal verb), we need the infinitive 'fare'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to apologize before asking a personal question?
You want to ask a new friend about their salary.
This uses the correct verb 'fare' and the polite 'posso' (can I).
Match the Italian phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are the standard translations for these related concepts.
What would the second speaker say to complain about a nosy neighbor?
A: 'La vicina mi ha chiesto quanto pago d'affitto!' B: 'Che maleducata, ______!'
It uses the indirect object 'ti' (to you) and the correct feminine agreement.
In which situation is 'fare una domanda indiscreta' MOST appropriate?
Choose the best context:
This is a highly personal and potentially uncomfortable question, making it 'indiscreta'.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Is it Indiscreet?
Indiscreet
- • Salary
- • Weight
- • Why are you single?
- • Inheritance
Safe
- • Weather
- • Food
- • Travel
- • Hobbies
Practice Bank
5 exercisesScusa, non volevo ______ una domanda indiscreta.
After 'volevo' (modal verb), we need the infinitive 'fare'.
You want to ask a new friend about their salary.
This uses the correct verb 'fare' and the polite 'posso' (can I).
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the standard translations for these related concepts.
A: 'La vicina mi ha chiesto quanto pago d'affitto!' B: 'Che maleducata, ______!'
It uses the indirect object 'ti' (to you) and the correct feminine agreement.
Choose the best context:
This is a highly personal and potentially uncomfortable question, making it 'indiscreta'.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's not a swear word or even particularly rude. It's a descriptive word for a lack of tact.
Yes, but use the formal 'Le faccio' instead of 'Ti faccio'. It shows you respect their privacy.
'Personale' is neutral. 'Indiscreta' implies that the question might be slightly inappropriate or nosy.
It's just a linguistic convention. Think of it as 'constructing' or 'posing' a question.
Yes, 'una persona indiscreta' is a nosy person or a busybody.
It's often seen as 'indiscreto,' especially with women or in professional settings.
You can say 'Non essere indiscreto' or more informally 'Fatti i fatti tuoi'.
Yes, an 'occhiata indiscreta' is a nosy or prying look.
A 'domanda discreta' or 'domanda opportuna' (appropriate question).
Yes, to apologize for asking something sensitive about the company.
Related Phrases
essere indiscreto
similarto be nosy
farsi i fatti propri
contrastto mind one's own business
porre un quesito
specialized formto pose a question
impicciarsi
synonymto meddle
domanda a bruciapelo
similarpoint-blank question
