Meaning
To act morally.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects the 'senso civico' (civic sense) which is often debated in Italy. It highlights the tension between loyalty to family/friends and loyalty to abstract justice. In regions with a history of organized crime, 'stare dalla parte del giusto' is a powerful statement of anti-mafia stance, often involving 'denuncia' (reporting crimes). Italian law is based on Civil Law (Roman tradition). The concept of 'il giusto' is often invoked in public debates about new laws or judicial reforms. The Catholic Church's emphasis on 'il giusto' as a biblical figure (like St. Joseph) influences how Italians perceive moral uprightness.
Use it for emphasis
Use this phrase when you want to sound very certain about your moral position. It's stronger than just saying 'I'm right'.
Avoid 'Giusto' for directions
Never use 'giusto' to mean 'right' as in 'turn right'. That is always 'destra'.
Meaning
To act morally.
Use it for emphasis
Use this phrase when you want to sound very certain about your moral position. It's stronger than just saying 'I'm right'.
Avoid 'Giusto' for directions
Never use 'giusto' to mean 'right' as in 'turn right'. That is always 'destra'.
The 'Mettersi' variation
Use 'mettersi dalla parte del giusto' if you want to describe the *act* of choosing the right side after being undecided.
Test Yourself
Completa la frase con la forma corretta di 'stare' e la preposizione articolata.
In questa situazione difficile, io voglio _______ dalla parte _______ giusto.
We need the infinitive 'stare' after 'voglio' and the articulated preposition 'del'.
Quale frase esprime un dilemma morale?
Scegli la frase corretta:
This sentence uses the phrase in its figurative, moral sense.
Completa il dialogo tra due colleghi.
A: 'Il manager vuole truccare i dati.' B: 'È terribile. Dobbiamo _______.'
This is the most appropriate phrase for an ethical stand at work.
Abbina la frase alla situazione corretta.
Frase: 'La storia dimostrerà chi stava dalla parte del giusto.'
This phrase is often used for long-term moral judgments.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIn questa situazione difficile, io voglio _______ dalla parte _______ giusto.
We need the infinitive 'stare' after 'voglio' and the articulated preposition 'del'.
Scegli la frase corretta:
This sentence uses the phrase in its figurative, moral sense.
A: 'Il manager vuole truccare i dati.' B: 'È terribile. Dobbiamo _______.'
This is the most appropriate phrase for an ethical stand at work.
Frase: 'La storia dimostrerà chi stava dalla parte del giusto.'
This phrase is often used for long-term moral judgments.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral to formal. You can use it with friends, but it's also common in newspapers and speeches.
Yes, 'stare dalla parte giusta' is also common and means the same thing, though 'del giusto' sounds slightly more idiomatic.
The opposite is 'stare dalla parte del torto' (to be on the side of the wrong).
No, 'giusto' can also mean 'correct' (as in a math answer) or 'fair' (as in a price).
Only if there is a moral issue (like cheating). If you just mean your team is winning, it's not appropriate.
'Dalla' (da + la) indicates 'from/on the side'. 'Della' would mean 'of the side', which doesn't fit the 'standing on' metaphor.
Yes, very often in legal dramas or movies about the Mafia to show a character's integrity.
Rarely. Only if you are arguing about who was 'right' in a moral sense during a breakup.
You say 'Sono stato dalla parte del giusto' or 'Stavo dalla parte del giusto'.
Yes, 'stare dalla parte della storia' is a modern variation of this phrase.
Related Phrases
essere nel giusto
similarTo be right/correct in one's actions or thoughts.
avere ragione
similarTo be factually correct.
stare dalla parte del torto
contrastTo be in the wrong.
fare la cosa giusta
builds onTo do the right thing.
