Meaning
The outcome is not worth the cost or struggle.
Cultural Background
In Italy, this phrase is often used by grandparents to teach children about the value of time and money. It's part of a 'common sense' education. Since the phrase originated in France, Italians often associate it with a certain 'European' intellectual heritage, appearing in classical literature. In modern Italian corporate culture, using this phrase shows you are a 'concreto' (down-to-earth) person who focuses on results. Tuscans, known for their sharp wit, might use this phrase with a sarcastic tone to mock someone's useless efforts.
Use it to say No
It's a very polite way to decline a business proposal without saying 'your idea is bad'. It just says 'the math doesn't work'.
Don't over-conjugate
While you can change the tense, 90% of the time it's used in the present tense or the past (non valeva).
Meaning
The outcome is not worth the cost or struggle.
Use it to say No
It's a very polite way to decline a business proposal without saying 'your idea is bad'. It just says 'the math doesn't work'.
Don't over-conjugate
While you can change the tense, 90% of the time it's used in the present tense or the past (non valeva).
The 'Ne' variation
You can say 'Il gioco non NE vale la candela' (adding 'ne' to refer to the situation), which sounds very native.
Test Yourself
Completa la frase con la parola mancante.
Ho provato a convincerlo, ma il gioco non vale la _______.
La parola corretta nell'idioma è 'candela'.
In quale di queste situazioni useresti 'Il gioco non vale la candela'?
Scegli la situazione più appropriata:
Questa situazione mostra uno sforzo enorme per un risultato minimo.
Qual è il significato corretto della frase?
Cosa significa 'Il gioco non vale la candela'?
L'espressione indica un rapporto negativo tra costi e benefici.
Completa il dialogo in modo naturale.
A: 'Vuoi riparare quel vecchio televisore?' B: 'No, costa 150 euro e nuovo ne costa 180. _______.'
È la risposta logica per rifiutare una riparazione non conveniente.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHo provato a convincerlo, ma il gioco non vale la _______.
La parola corretta nell'idioma è 'candela'.
Scegli la situazione più appropriata:
Questa situazione mostra uno sforzo enorme per un risultato minimo.
Cosa significa 'Il gioco non vale la candela'?
L'espressione indica un rapporto negativo tra costi e benefici.
A: 'Vuoi riparare quel vecchio televisore?' B: 'No, costa 150 euro e nuovo ne costa 180. _______.'
È la risposta logica per rifiutare una riparazione non conveniente.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNo, it's not rude. It's a pragmatic observation. However, don't use it for someone's passion project unless you want to be very blunt.
Yes, to say that a relationship or an argument with someone isn't worth the effort.
You can say 'Il gioco vale la candela' (The game IS worth the candle), but it's less common.
Not at all. It's used daily in newspapers and on TV.
You can, but it's not an idiom. It's just a normal sentence. 'Candela' makes it an idiom.
Related Phrases
Valere la pena
synonymTo be worth the effort/trouble.
Tanto vale
similarMight as well.
Il gioco è bello quando dura poco
builds onA joke is good as long as it doesn't last too long.
Rimetterci l'osso del collo
contrastTo lose everything/risk one's neck.
