Significado
To honor a previous arrangement.
Contexto cultural
In many Italian family-run businesses, a verbal agreement followed by 'staremo ai patti' is considered as binding as a written contract. Trust is built over time through consistent adherence to these pacts. In the South, 'stare ai patti' is closely tied to the concept of 'rispetto' (respect). Breaking a pact is not just a legal failure but a social one that can damage a family's reputation for generations. The term 'Patto' is frequently used in political alliances (e.g., Patto del Nazareno). Media often use 'stare ai patti' to criticize politicians who change sides or break coalition promises. Among Italian teenagers playing video games or sports, 'stare ai patti' is used to prevent 'cheating' or changing rules mid-game.
Use it for accountability
It's a great phrase to use when you feel someone is being unfair after an agreement was made.
Don't forget the plural
Always say 'patti' (plural), even if you are only talking about one specific rule.
Significado
To honor a previous arrangement.
Use it for accountability
It's a great phrase to use when you feel someone is being unfair after an agreement was made.
Don't forget the plural
Always say 'patti' (plural), even if you are only talking about one specific rule.
The 'Stare' Conjugation
Remember that 'stare' is irregular. Practice 'io sto', 'tu stai' to use this idiom fluently.
The power of the word
In Italy, saying 'stiamo ai patti' is a strong way to end a negotiation and confirm trust.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'stare ai patti'.
Se vuoi che io ti aiuti di nuovo, tu ______ (presente) ai patti questa volta!
The sentence requires the second person singular present indicative to match 'tu'.
Which sentence correctly uses the idiom?
Choose the correct option:
'Stare ai patti' is the correct idiomatic form.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Hai promesso di portarmi al mare se pulivo casa.' B: 'Hai ragione, ______.'
The speaker is acknowledging they must honor their promise.
Match the situation to the correct use of the phrase.
In which situation would you say 'Dobbiamo stare ai patti'?
This involves a previous agreement that is being challenged.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Stare vs. Fare
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosSe vuoi che io ti aiuti di nuovo, tu ______ (presente) ai patti questa volta!
The sentence requires the second person singular present indicative to match 'tu'.
Choose the correct option:
'Stare ai patti' is the correct idiomatic form.
A: 'Hai promesso di portarmi al mare se pulivo casa.' B: 'Hai ragione, ______.'
The speaker is acknowledging they must honor their promise.
In which situation would you say 'Dobbiamo stare ai patti'?
This involves a previous agreement that is being challenged.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
14 preguntasIt is grammatically correct but sounds unnatural. 99% of the time, Italians use the plural 'ai patti'.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss, your mother, or your best friend.
'Mantenere la parola' is just about your word. 'Stare ai patti' implies a mutual deal between two or more people.
Yes! 'Siamo stati ai patti' (We stuck to the deal).
It can be, depending on your tone. It's assertive. If you say it with a smile, it's a reminder. If you shout it, it's an accusation.
No, for laws we use 'rispettare la legge'. 'Patti' are personal or specific agreements.
Yes, 'rimanere' is a perfect synonym for 'stare' in this context, though slightly less common.
Not exactly, but 'patti chiari' is the most common informal shorthand.
You could say 'Questo non era nei patti' (This wasn't in the deal).
No, 'patti' comes from 'pactum' (agreement). 'Patio' comes from 'patere' (to be open).
Yes, if you made an agreement (like who does the dishes), but it might sound a bit cold for emotional promises.
The opposite is 'venire meno ai patti' (to fail the pacts).
Very often, to ensure everyone follows the agreed-upon rules of the game.
Yes, it's a common way to refer to the terms of a written contract in conversation.
Frases relacionadas
patti chiari, amicizia lunga
builds onClear agreements make for long friendships.
venire ai patti
similarTo reach a compromise.
mantenere la parola
synonymTo keep one's word.
rimangiarsi la parola
contrastTo eat one's words / go back on a promise.
stringere un patto
builds onTo strike a deal.
