Meaning
To become well-known.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'il nome' is often linked to family honor. In small towns, your reputation is tied to your family's history for generations. In the 'Made in Italy' sectors (fashion, food, design), 'farsi un nome' is the primary goal for any new brand to justify premium pricing. In these traditional fields, 'farsi un nome' often requires publishing in specific journals or winning landmark cases. Young Italians use this phrase for YouTubers and influencers, showing how the traditional concept has adapted to the creator economy.
Use with 'come'
Always follow with 'come' + [profession] to sound more natural in interviews.
Avoid 'fare un nome'
Remember, 'fare un nome' means to name a suspect. Don't accidentally tell your boss you're snitching!
Meaning
To become well-known.
Use with 'come'
Always follow with 'come' + [profession] to sound more natural in interviews.
Avoid 'fare un nome'
Remember, 'fare un nome' means to name a suspect. Don't accidentally tell your boss you're snitching!
The power of 'Il Nome'
In Italy, referring to someone as 'un nome' (a name) means they are a big deal in their industry.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'farsi un nome' in the Passato Prossimo.
Giulia ________ (farsi un nome) come fotografa di moda.
Reflexive verbs use 'essere' and the past participle must agree with the feminine subject 'Giulia'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'They made a name for themselves'?
Reflexive 'si' + auxiliary 'sono' + plural participle 'fatti'.
Match the context to the best use of the phrase.
Context: A young lawyer wins a very difficult case.
Winning a difficult case is a classic way to build a professional reputation.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesGiulia ________ (farsi un nome) come fotografa di moda.
Reflexive verbs use 'essere' and the past participle must agree with the feminine subject 'Giulia'.
How do you say 'They made a name for themselves'?
Reflexive 'si' + auxiliary 'sono' + plural participle 'fatti'.
Context: A young lawyer wins a very difficult case.
Winning a difficult case is a classic way to build a professional reputation.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsUsually, yes. It implies respect. However, you can say 'farsi un cattivo nome' (to make a bad name), though 'farsi una cattiva reputazione' is more common.
Yes! 'L'azienda si è fatta un nome per la sua affidabilità' is perfect.
'Diventare famoso' is general fame (like a movie star). 'Farsi un nome' implies earning respect for a specific skill.
Yes. 'Lei si è fatta un nome'.
Related Phrases
lasciare il segno
similarTo leave a mark
essere sulla bocca di tutti
similarTo be on everyone's lips
rovinarsi la reputazione
contrastTo ruin one's reputation
un nome, una garanzia
builds onA name, a guarantee
