Significado
Surprising encounters.
Contexto cultural
Italians often use this phrase with a lot of hand gestures, typically bringing the hands close together to show 'smallness'. Americans often associate this phrase with the Disney song, while for Italians, it is purely a social observation. In Japan, the phrase 'Seken wa semai' can sometimes imply that you can't escape your reputation because everyone knows everyone. The Spanish 'handkerchief' metaphor is very common and used in the exact same social contexts as the Italian version.
Use 'Com'è'
To sound more natural, start with 'Com'è' (How is). It shows more emotion.
Don't forget 'IL'
English speakers often say 'Mondo è piccolo'. Always include the 'Il'!
Significado
Surprising encounters.
Use 'Com'è'
To sound more natural, start with 'Com'è' (How is). It shows more emotion.
Don't forget 'IL'
English speakers often say 'Mondo è piccolo'. Always include the 'Il'!
Teste-se
Complete the sentence with the correct words.
Non ci credo! Anche tu sei qui a Parigi? Il ______ è ______!
The idiom is 'il mondo è piccolo'.
In which situation would you say 'Il mondo è piccolo'?
You meet your high school teacher while on vacation in Japan.
This is a classic unexpected encounter in a distant place.
Which is the most natural way to add emphasis?
How do you say 'How small the world is!'?
'Com'è...' is the standard way to form this exclamation in Italian.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Conosci mio cugino?'. B: 'Sì, lavoriamo insieme!'. A: 'Davvero? ______!'
The discovery of a mutual connection triggers the idiom.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosNon ci credo! Anche tu sei qui a Parigi? Il ______ è ______!
The idiom is 'il mondo è piccolo'.
You meet your high school teacher while on vacation in Japan.
This is a classic unexpected encounter in a distant place.
How do you say 'How small the world is!'?
'Com'è...' is the standard way to form this exclamation in Italian.
A: 'Conosci mio cugino?'. B: 'Sì, lavoriamo insieme!'. A: 'Davvero? ______!'
The discovery of a mutual connection triggers the idiom.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
3 perguntasYes, but it's usually neutral or positive. If you meet an enemy, you might say it with a sigh.
Yes, if you discover a mutual connection, it's a very polite way to acknowledge it.
The idiom strictly uses 'piccolo'. 'Piccolino' sounds like you are talking about a toy world.
Frases relacionadas
Tutto il mondo è paese
similarPeople are the same everywhere.
Il mondo è un buco
synonymThe world is a hole (very small).
Com'è piccolo il mondo
specialized formHow small the world is!
