Meaning
Participating in an event.
Cultural Background
The 'piazza' is the heart of Italian participation. To 'prendere parte' to the life of the piazza is a fundamental social ritual. Religious festivals (feste patronali) involve the whole community. Taking part is often seen as a duty to the family and the saint. In Italian-speaking Switzerland, 'prendere parte' is common in official communal assemblies (assemblee comunali), reflecting direct democracy. Meetings (riunioni) are often long because everyone is expected to 'prendere parte' and express an opinion, even if it's not their direct area.
The 'A' Rule
Always remember the preposition 'a'. If you say 'prendere parte in', you sound like a translation app!
Singular Only
Never say 'prendere parti' for participation. It's always singular 'parte'.
Meaning
Participating in an event.
The 'A' Rule
Always remember the preposition 'a'. If you say 'prendere parte in', you sound like a translation app!
Singular Only
Never say 'prendere parti' for participation. It's always singular 'parte'.
Condolences
Memorize 'Prendo parte al tuo dolore' as a single block. It's the most elegant way to show sympathy in Italy.
Active vs Passive
Using 'prendere parte' suggests you are doing something, not just watching. Use it to show you are a 'doer'.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'prendere parte' and the right preposition.
Ieri noi (passato prossimo) ________ ________ ________ maratona.
We need the past tense (abbiamo preso) and the articulated preposition (a + la = alla).
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the right usage:
'Prendere parte' requires the preposition 'a'.
Match the Italian phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are common confusing variations.
Fill in the missing words in the dialogue.
A: C'è una riunione alle tre. B: Va bene, ________ ________ ________ anch'io.
'Prendo parte' is the correct way to say you will participate in the meeting.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Prendere Parte vs. Fare Parte
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIeri noi (passato prossimo) ________ ________ ________ maratona.
We need the past tense (abbiamo preso) and the articulated preposition (a + la = alla).
Choose the right usage:
'Prendere parte' requires the preposition 'a'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are common confusing variations.
A: C'è una riunione alle tre. B: Va bene, ________ ________ ________ anch'io.
'Prendo parte' is the correct way to say you will participate in the meeting.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, slightly. 'Partecipare' is the everyday verb, while 'prendere parte' sounds a bit more polished and intentional.
Absolutely. 'Prendere parte a una gara' or 'a un torneo' is very common.
It uses 'avere'. For example: 'Ho preso parte'. Remember that 'preso' is irregular.
No. That is a common mistake influenced by English. Always use 'a'.
No, it stays singular: 'Noi abbiamo preso parte'.
It means to take someone's side in an argument. It's a different expression!
Yes, it's perfect for webinars, online courses, or forum discussions.
Yes, it's very common in emails: 'La ringrazio per aver preso parte alla riunione'.
No, that's for events. For food, use 'prendere un pezzo' or 'una fetta'.
'Unirsi' means to join a group that already exists. 'Prendere parte' focuses on the activity itself.
Related Phrases
fare parte di
similarTo be a member of
mettersi in gioco
builds onTo get involved/risk oneself
aderire a
specialized formTo join/subscribe to
partecipare
synonymTo participate
prendere le parti di
contrastTo take someone's side
