Meaning
To behave well and be liked.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Bella Figura' is a cornerstone of Italian life. It dictates that one should always present their best self to maintain social harmony. In the South, 'figura' is often tied to hospitality. Making an 'ottima figura' as a host means providing an abundance of food and attention. Professionalism in Italy is highly visual and relational. Making an 'ottima figura' in a meeting often involves 'l'eleganza' (elegance) as much as 'la competenza' (competence). In high-level circles, 'fare un'ottima figura' is synonymous with 'decoro' (decorum). It is about following ancient protocols of speech and behavior.
Use it for others
It is much more common and polite to use this phrase to praise others than to describe yourself. Saying 'Ho fatto un'ottima figura' can sound a bit arrogant.
Watch the article
Don't forget the apostrophe in 'un'ottima'. Since 'figura' is feminine, the article is 'un''. Leaving it out is a common B1-level mistake.
Meaning
To behave well and be liked.
Use it for others
It is much more common and polite to use this phrase to praise others than to describe yourself. Saying 'Ho fatto un'ottima figura' can sound a bit arrogant.
Watch the article
Don't forget the apostrophe in 'un'ottima'. Since 'figura' is feminine, the article is 'un''. Leaving it out is a common B1-level mistake.
The 'Bella Figura' mindset
Remember that this isn't just about being 'fake'. For Italians, making a good impression is a sign of respect for the social environment.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'fare'.
Ieri sera, durante la cena, tu ______ un'ottima figura con tutti.
The sentence refers to 'ieri sera' (yesterday evening), so the passato prossimo 'hai fatto' is required.
Which phrase is the most formal way to say someone made a great impression?
Scegli l'opzione più appropriata per un contesto lavorativo:
'Ottima' is more formal and emphatic than 'bella', while 'figurone' and 'figura della madonna' are informal/slang.
Match the situation to the most likely outcome.
Situazione: Hai studiato molto, ti sei vestito bene e sei stato gentilissimo al colloquio.
Good preparation, appropriate dress, and kindness lead to an 'ottima figura'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Com'è andato l'incontro con i nuovi soci?' B: 'Benissimo, l'amministratore delegato ______.'
The context 'Benissimo' implies a positive result, and the correct verb is 'ha fatto'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
The 'Figura' Scale
Positive
- • Fare un'ottima figura
- • Fare un figurone
- • Fare bella figura
Negative
- • Fare brutta figura
- • Fare una figuraccia
- • Fare una figura barbina
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIeri sera, durante la cena, tu ______ un'ottima figura con tutti.
The sentence refers to 'ieri sera' (yesterday evening), so the passato prossimo 'hai fatto' is required.
Scegli l'opzione più appropriata per un contesto lavorativo:
'Ottima' is more formal and emphatic than 'bella', while 'figurone' and 'figura della madonna' are informal/slang.
Situazione: Hai studiato molto, ti sei vestito bene e sei stato gentilissimo al colloquio.
Good preparation, appropriate dress, and kindness lead to an 'ottima figura'.
A: 'Com'è andato l'incontro con i nuovi soci?' B: 'Benissimo, l'amministratore delegato ______.'
The context 'Benissimo' implies a positive result, and the correct verb is 'ha fatto'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but usually it refers to the *result* of wearing the clothes. 'Con quel vestito farai un'ottima figura' means the dress will make you look great to others.
Yes, 'ottima' is the superlative. It implies a higher level of success or a more formal context than 'bella'.
Grammatically yes, but it sounds unnatural. In Italian idioms, the adjective 'ottima' almost always comes before 'figura'.
The direct opposite is 'fare una brutta figura' (to make a bad impression) or 'fare una figuraccia' (to make a fool of oneself).
Absolutely. It is a pan-Italian expression used from Milan to Sicily.
Yes, it's very common in business news: 'La Ferrari ha fatto un'ottima figura nell'ultima gara.'
No. In English, 'to make a figure' is archaic or rare. The correct English equivalent is 'to make a great impression'.
It is neutral to formal. For a very informal version, use 'fare un figurone'.
Yes: 'Farai un'ottima figura!' is a common way to encourage someone before an event.
Yes, 'figura' is a feminine noun, which is why we use 'un'' (with apostrophe) and 'ottima' (ending in 'a').
Related Phrases
fare bella figura
similarTo make a good impression.
fare un figurone
specialized formTo make a huge/great impression.
fare brutta figura
contrastTo make a bad impression.
fare una figuraccia
contrastTo make a fool of oneself.
