Meaning
Trusting what someone says.
Cultural Background
In Italy, invitations are often given out of politeness. Using 'prendere in parola' is a way to signal that you are actually interested and not just being polite back. While contracts are important, a person's verbal commitment still carries significant weight in small and medium-sized Italian enterprises (PMI). In the South, the concept of 'parola d'onore' is extremely strong. Taking someone in word is seen as a deep sign of respect for their family and character. Italians pride themselves on hospitality. If you 'take them in word' regarding food, be prepared for a feast!
Use it for invitations
It's the best way to show you're serious about a social invite without sounding demanding.
Check the gender
If you take a woman at her word in the past tense, it's 'L'ho presA in parola'.
Meaning
Trusting what someone says.
Use it for invitations
It's the best way to show you're serious about a social invite without sounding demanding.
Check the gender
If you take a woman at her word in the past tense, it's 'L'ho presA in parola'.
The 'Social Dance'
In Italy, sometimes people offer things to be polite. Taking them in word 'breaks' the politeness and forces a real answer.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct pronoun and verb form for 'prendere in parola' in the present tense.
Se mi offri un gelato, io ___ ______ in parola!
You are speaking to 'you' (tu), so the pronoun is 'ti'.
Which sentence correctly uses the past tense?
Ieri Maria ha promesso di aiutarmi e...
The past participle 'preso' becomes 'presa' to agree with the feminine object 'Maria' (l').
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: 'Se vuoi, puoi restare a dormire qui.' B: '_________________'
'Ti prendo in parola' is the standard idiomatic way to accept such an offer.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesSe mi offri un gelato, io ___ ______ in parola!
You are speaking to 'you' (tu), so the pronoun is 'ti'.
Ieri Maria ha promesso di aiutarmi e...
The past participle 'preso' becomes 'presa' to agree with the feminine object 'Maria' (l').
A: 'Se vuoi, puoi restare a dormire qui.' B: '_________________'
'Ti prendo in parola' is the standard idiomatic way to accept such an offer.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, but it's better to use 'Prendo atto della Sua proposta' or 'Confido nella Sua parola' for a more professional tone.
It is always 'in parola'. 'Per parola' is incorrect in Italian.
You can say 'Prendimi in parola' or simply 'Fidati di me'.
Usually, it's used for positive offers or neutral facts, but you could use it sarcastically: 'Ti prendo in parola, vediamo se fallisci.'
Related Phrases
dare la parola
similarTo give one's word/promise
mantenere la parola
builds onTo keep one's word
rimangiarsi la parola
contrastTo go back on one's word
parola d'onore
specialized formWord of honor
