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B1 noun 9 min read

affare

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips affare in 30 Seconds

Explanation affare in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'affare' primarily in the context of shopping and basic phrases. Think of it as 'a good deal.' If you go to a market and buy a souvenir for a low price, you can say 'È un buon affare!' (It is a good deal!). You might also hear the phrase 'Fatti gli affari tuoi,' which is a very common (though slightly rude) way to say 'Mind your own business.' At this stage, focus on the masculine gender: 'un affare' and 'gli affari.' You don't need to know all the complex business meanings yet, just that it relates to buying things or personal business. Remember that 'buon' is used before 'affare' instead of 'buono.' This is a simple rule to make your Italian sound more natural immediately. You can use it when you are happy with a purchase or when you want to tell someone to stop asking too many personal questions.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'affare' in more complete sentences and understand its role in professional contexts. You might learn the term 'uomo d'affari' (businessman) or 'donna d'affari' (businesswoman). You should also be able to use it with different adjectives, such as 'un affare importante' (an important matter) or 'un brutto affare' (a bad business/situation). At this level, you are beginning to see that 'affare' isn't just about money; it's about any situation you are involved in. You might use it to describe a task at work or a situation with a friend. You should also be comfortable with the plural 'affari' when talking about 'business' in general, like 'Lui viaggia spesso per affari' (He often travels for business). This helps you distinguish between traveling for fun and traveling for work.

At the B1 level, you should understand the nuance between 'affare' and its synonyms like 'faccenda' or 'questione.' You are now moving into more abstract uses. You might talk about 'affari di cuore' (matters of the heart) or 'affari di stato' (matters of state). You should also be familiar with common idioms like 'affare fatto' (deal done) and 'essere in affari con qualcuno' (to be in business with someone). At this stage, your vocabulary is rich enough to use 'affare' to describe complex situations. You understand that 'un affare' can be a specific transaction, while 'gli affari' can refer to the general state of one's professional or personal life. You can also use it to describe an object in a colloquial way, like 'Cos'è quell'affare sul tavolo?' (What is 그 thingamajig on the table?). This shows a higher level of comfort with the language's flexibility.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'affare' in formal and professional discussions. You might discuss 'volume d'affari' (turnover) or 'affari esteri' (foreign affairs) in a debate or essay. You understand the subtle implications of the word in different registers. For example, you know that calling a legal case a 'brutto affare' implies not just that it is difficult, but that it might be scandalous or morally problematic. You can use the word to navigate social boundaries with more tact, choosing when to use 'sono affari miei' versus more polite alternatives. You also understand the historical or etymological roots of the word—how 'a fare' (to do) became a single noun representing the things we do. Your usage is precise, and you rarely confuse it with 'lavoro' or 'negozio.'

At the C1 level, you use 'affare' with the same variety and nuance as a native speaker. You are familiar with literary uses and can identify the word in complex legal or economic texts. You might use expressions like 'andare a monte un affare' (for a deal to collapse) or 'un affare d'oro' (a very lucrative deal) in high-level business negotiations. You understand the cultural weight of 'affari' in Italian society, including its connotations in the context of family, the mafia (where it often refers to illicit activities), or high-level politics. You can use the word ironically or metaphorically. Your command of the word allows you to grasp the subtle difference between 'fare un affare' (making a bargain) and 'fare gli affari' (conducting business), and you can switch between these meanings seamlessly in a fast-paced conversation.

At the C2 level, 'affare' is a tool for expressing extreme precision or stylistic flair. You can analyze the use of the word in classical Italian literature or modern cinematic scripts. You understand its role in regional dialects and how it might be substituted for other words in different parts of Italy. You are capable of using 'affare' to describe the most complex philosophical 'matters' or the most technical economic 'transactions.' You can handle the word in all its idiomatic glory, using phrases like 'mettere il naso negli affari altrui' (sticking one's nose in others' business) with perfect timing and tone. Your understanding is not just linguistic but deeply cultural, recognizing how the concept of 'affari' reflects Italian values of negotiation, privacy, and social intelligence.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

affare in 30 Seconds

Affare means a deal, bargain, or matter.
It is a masculine noun; the plural is affari.
Use 'buon affare' for a great purchase.
Use 'fatti gli affari tuoi' for mind your business.

The Italian word affare is a multifaceted noun that primarily translates to 'deal,' 'bargain,' 'business,' or 'matter.' At its core, it refers to something that is being done or needs to be handled. In a commercial context, it is the word you use when you have successfully negotiated a price or completed a transaction. If you buy a high-quality leather jacket in Florence for half its original price, you haven't just made a purchase; you have made an affare.

Commercial Transaction: A specific agreement or trade, often involving money or exchange of goods.
A Bargain: Specifically used to describe a 'steal' or a very good price on an item.
Personal Concern: A matter that pertains only to a specific individual, often used in the plural 'affari'.

Beyond the marketplace, affare expands into the realm of personal boundaries. You will frequently hear the plural form, affari, in the context of privacy. When someone tells you 'Fatti gli affari tuoi,' they are telling you to 'mind your own business.' This transition from a financial 'deal' to a personal 'matter' is crucial for understanding Italian social dynamics. It covers everything from a state affair (affari di stato) to a romantic entanglement (affare di cuore).

Ho comprato questa macchina usata a un prezzo incredibile; è stato proprio un buon affare.

In professional settings, 'uomo d'affari' (businessman) or 'donna d'affari' (businesswoman) uses the word to denote the sphere of commerce. It implies a level of strategy and negotiation. Unlike the word 'lavoro,' which refers to the labor or the job itself, affare refers to the transaction or the specific case being managed. If a lawyer says 'Ho un affare complicato tra le mani,' they mean they have a complex case or matter to resolve. Culturally, Italians value the ability to spot a 'buon affare.' Whether it is at a local market or in a corporate boardroom, the word carries a sense of accomplishment. It suggests that the speaker was savvy enough to navigate the complexities of a situation to reach a favorable outcome. It is not just about the money; it is about the wisdom of the choice.

Non sono affari che ti riguardano, quindi per favore non chiedere.

Use this word when discussing your budget, your professional life, or when setting boundaries with curious relatives. It is a versatile tool that bridges the gap between the economy and everyday life.

Using affare correctly requires an understanding of its gender (masculine) and how it interacts with adjectives. Since it is a masculine noun ending in '-e,' its plural is affari. When you want to describe a 'good deal,' the most common construction is 'un buon affare.' Notice how the adjective 'buono' truncates to 'buon' before the masculine noun.

With Adjectives: Un affare d'oro (a golden deal), un pessimo affare (a terrible deal), un affare rischioso (a risky business).
In Prepositional Phrases: Andare a monte un affare (for a deal to fall through), essere in affari con qualcuno (to be in business with someone).

In the plural, affari is often used with the verb 'farsi.' The phrase 'farsi gli affari propri' is a cornerstone of Italian conversation. It literally means 'to make one's own affairs,' but functionally it means to mind one's business.

Marco è un esperto nel concludere un affare vantaggioso per l'azienda.

Another common usage involves the verb 'trattarsi.' When you want to say 'It is a matter of...' you can say 'Si tratta di un affare di stato.' This elevates the importance of the subject matter. It is also used to describe objects when you can't find the right word, similar to 'thingamajig,' though 'coso' is more common for that. However, in a slightly formal or ironic sense, you might call a strange object an 'affare.' When discussing international relations, you will see 'Ministero degli Affari Esteri' (Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Here, affari represents the official duties and relations of a country. If you are a student, you might talk about your 'affari accademici.' The word adapts to the level of formality of its surrounding adjectives.

Non vorrei mai essere nei tuoi panni con questo brutto affare legale.

Finally, remember that 'fare affari' means to conduct business in general. 'Abbiamo fatto molti affari in Cina' means we have conducted a lot of business in China. It implies a series of transactions rather than just one single bargain.

You will encounter affare in almost every corner of Italian life, from the loud, bustling street markets to the quiet, sterile offices of Milan. In a market like Porta Portese in Rome, you will hear vendors shouting about their prices, and customers whispering to their friends, 'Guarda che affare!' (Look what a bargain!). In this context, the word is synonymous with victory—the victory of getting more value than what was paid.

At the Market: Used to describe discounted items or successful haggling.
On the News: Used in political reporting: 'affari interni' (internal affairs) or 'scandalo d'affari' (business scandal).
In Cinema/TV: Often heard in detective shows when referring to a 'brutto affare' (a nasty business or case).

In the workplace, the word is more formal. Colleagues might discuss 'il volume d'affari' (turnover/business volume) or 'concludere l'affare' (closing the deal). If you are watching an Italian news broadcast, you will hear about 'Affari Costituzionali' or 'Affari Europei.' Here, the word takes on a weight of governance and law.

L'uomo d' affare ha presentato una proposta che non potevamo rifiutare.

Socially, affare is the shield used to protect one's privacy. If someone is being too nosy, a sharp 'Sono affari miei' (Those are my business/concerns) is a common way to end the conversation. It is a word that defines the boundary between the public sphere and the private individual. In literature, the word often appears in titles or descriptions of complex plots. A 'complicato affare' suggests a mystery or a situation with many moving parts. Whether it is a bargain on a pair of shoes or a high-stakes diplomatic negotiation, affare is the word that describes the 'what' of the situation.

È un affare di famiglia che dobbiamo risolvere tra di noi.

Listening for this word in podcasts about economy (economia) or politics (politica) will help you see its formal range, while eavesdropping at a 'mercato' will show you its practical, everyday value.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing affare with 'business' in the sense of a physical company. In English, you might say 'I am going to my business,' meaning your shop or office. In Italian, you cannot say 'Vado al mio affare.' Instead, you would say 'Vado in ufficio' (office) or 'Vado nel mio negozio' (shop). Affare is the transaction or the matter, not the physical location.

Affare vs. Negozio: Affare is the deal; Negozio is the physical shop.
Affare vs. Lavoro: Affare is a specific matter or transaction; Lavoro is the general concept of work or a job.
Farsi gli affari: Don't say 'fare affari propri' when you mean 'mind your business'; use the reflexive 'farsi gli affari propri'.

Another mistake is using 'affare' to mean 'a thing' in a general sense when 'cosa' is more appropriate. While 'affare' can mean 'matter,' using it for every object (like 'passami quell'affare') is possible but can sound a bit strange or overly technical/colloquial depending on the context.

Errato: Il mio affare vende scarpe. Corretto: Il mio negozio vende scarpe.

Gender errors are also common. Because it ends in '-e,' some learners mistake it for feminine. It is always 'un affare' (masculine), never 'una affare.' In the plural, it is 'gli affari,' not 'le affari.' Finally, avoid translating 'business trip' as 'viaggio di affare.' The correct plural form is required: 'viaggio d'affari.' Using the singular here sounds unnatural to a native speaker.

Non è un affare che ti riguarda, quindi non intrometterti.

By keeping these distinctions in mind—location vs. transaction, singular vs. plural, and masculine gender—you will avoid the most common pitfalls.

In Italian, there are several words that overlap with affare, and choosing the right one depends on the nuances of the situation.

Faccenda: Often used for 'chore' or 'small matter.' 'Faccende domestiche' are household chores. It feels more everyday and less commercial than affare.
Questione: Used for a 'question' or an 'issue' that needs discussion. 'È una questione di tempo' (It's a matter of time).
Trattativa: Specifically refers to the 'negotiation' phase. You are in a 'trattativa' before you conclude the 'affare'.
Business: Yes, Italians use the English word 'business' too! It is common in corporate jargon, but usually refers to the industry or the concept of profit-making.

If you are talking about a physical object whose name you've forgotten, you might use 'coso' or 'aggeggio' (gadget) instead of 'affare.'

La questione è più complessa di quanto sembri a prima vista.

For a 'bargain,' another word is 'occasione.' You might see signs in windows saying 'Grandi occasioni' (Great deals/opportunities). While affare is the result of the purchase, 'occasione' is the opportunity itself. In legal contexts, 'causa' (case) or 'procedimento' (proceeding) are used instead of 'affare' to be more precise. However, a lawyer might still colloquially refer to a case as a 'brutto affare' if it is particularly messy. Understanding these synonyms allows you to describe the world with more precision.

Ho molte faccende da sbrigare prima di poter uscire stasera.

By comparing 'affare' with its cousins like 'faccenda' and 'questione,' you see that 'affare' sits at the intersection of money and personal significance.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word literally means 'to do.' Over time, the phrase 'a fare' merged into a single noun to describe the things people do for money or concern.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /afˈfa.re/

US /afˈfɑː.reɪ/

Second syllable (af-FA-re)

Rhymes With

cantare mare giocare particolare altare parlare andare dare

Common Errors

Pronouncing only one 'f'. It must be a doubled consonant sound.
Misplacing the stress on the first syllable.
Pronouncing the final 'e' like an English 'ee'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Common in news and literature, easy to recognize.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of pluralization and common collocations.

Speaking 3/5

Idioms like 'fatti gli affari tuoi' require correct tone and context.

Listening 2/5

Distinct pronunciation, though double 'f' is important.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

fare buono mio tuo comprare

Learn Next

faccenda questione negozio trattativa occasione

Advanced

affarismo losco volume giro ministero

Grammar to Know

Truncation of 'buono'

Si dice 'buon affare', non 'buono affare'.

Masculine nouns in -e

Affare è maschile (un affare, gli affari).

Elision of articles

L'affare (lo + affare).

Reflexive 'farsi'

Fatti (fai + ti) gli affari tuoi.

Preposition 'd'affari'

Viaggio d'affari (di + affari).

Examples by Level

È un buon affare.

It is a good deal.

Buon is the truncated form of buono.

Fatti gli affari tuoi!

Mind your own business!

Plural 'affari' used for personal matters.

Ho comprato un affare al mercato.

I bought a bargain at the market.

Singular masculine noun.

Questo è un piccolo affare.

This is a small matter.

Adjective follows the noun.

L'affare è chiuso.

The deal is closed.

Use of the definite article with elision.

Non sono affari miei.

It's none of my business.

Plural possessive 'miei'.

Che bell'affare!

What a great deal!

Exclamatory use with 'bello'.

Un affare di poco conto.

A matter of little importance.

Prepositional phrase 'di poco conto'.

Mio padre è un uomo d'affari.

My father is a businessman.

Compound term 'uomo d'affari'.

Viaggio spesso per affari.

I often travel for business.

Preposition 'per' indicates purpose.

Abbiamo concluso un affare importante.

We concluded an important deal.

Verb 'concludere' is common with 'affare'.

Non voglio entrare nei tuoi affari.

I don't want to get into your business.

Verb 'entrare' with preposition 'nei'.

È stato un pessimo affare.

It was a terrible deal.

'Pessimo' is the absolute superlative of 'cattivo'.

Parliamo di affari domani.

Let's talk about business tomorrow.

Plural 'affari' for general business.

Lui ha il senso degli affari.

He has a head for business.

Expression 'avere il senso di'.

È un affare complicato.

It's a complicated matter.

Adjective 'complicato' matches gender/number.

Si tratta di un affare di cuore.

It is a matter of the heart.

Phrase 'si tratta di' means 'it is about'.

Affare fatto! Ci vediamo alle otto.

Deal! See you at eight.

Idiomatic expression for agreement.

Non mettere il naso negli affari degli altri.

Don't stick your nose in other people's business.

Idiom 'mettere il naso'.

Quell'affare sulla mensola è rotto.

That thingamajig on the shelf is broken.

Colloquial use of 'affare' for an object.

Ho fatto un affare d'oro comprando quella casa.

I made a golden deal buying that house.

Idiom 'affare d'oro' for a very good deal.

L'azienda ha un grande volume d'affari.

The company has a large business volume.

Economic term 'volume d'affari'.

È un affare che non mi convince.

It's a deal that doesn't convince me.

Relative clause starting with 'che'.

Dobbiamo sbrigare questo affare il prima possibile.

We need to handle this matter as soon as possible.

Verb 'sbrigare' means to handle or finish quickly.

Il Ministero degli Affari Esteri ha rilasciato una dichiarazione.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement.

Official title usage.

L'affare è andato a monte all'ultimo minuto.

The deal fell through at the last minute.

Idiom 'andare a monte'.

Si è intromesso in affari che non lo riguardavano.

He meddled in business that didn't concern him.

Reflexive verb 'intromettersi'.

Questo è un brutto affare, rischiamo grosso.

This is a nasty business, we are risking a lot.

'Rischiare grosso' is a common expression.

Hanno creato una società per gestire i loro affari.

They created a company to manage their affairs.

Infinitive 'gestire' used for management.

L'affare richiede la massima riservatezza.

The matter requires the utmost confidentiality.

Formal vocabulary like 'riservatezza'.

È un affare di stato, non possiamo parlarne.

It's a matter of state, we can't talk about it.

Pronominal particle 'ne' referring to the matter.

Cercava di concludere l'affare della sua vita.

He was trying to close the deal of his life.

Emphasis on 'della sua vita'.

La trattativa è sfociata in un affare vantaggioso per entrambi.

The negotiation resulted in a deal advantageous for both.

Verb 'sfociare' (to lead into/result in).

Gli affari correnti vengono gestiti dal vice-presidente.

Current affairs are handled by the vice-president.

Administrative term 'affari correnti'.

Nonostante le apparenze, era un affare losco.

Despite appearances, it was a shady deal.

Adjective 'losco' (shady/suspicious).

Si è trattato di un affare gestito con estrema perizia.

It was a matter handled with extreme expertise.

Noun 'perizia' means expertise.

La magistratura sta indagando su quell'affare poco chiaro.

The judiciary is investigating that unclear matter.

Legal context.

È un affare che scotta, meglio starne fuori.

It's a hot potato (matter that burns), better stay out of it.

Metaphorical use of 'scottare'.

L'affare è naufragato a causa della mancanza di fondi.

The deal foundered due to a lack of funds.

Metaphorical verb 'naufragare'.

Hanno un giro d'affari multimilionario.

They have a multi-million dollar turnover.

Expression 'giro d'affari'.

L'intera vicenda si è rivelata un affare di una complessità inaudita.

The entire affair turned out to be a matter of unprecedented complexity.

High-level adjective 'inaudita'.

Egli ha saputo districarsi in quel ginepraio di affari legali.

He was able to untangle himself from that thicket of legal affairs.

Metaphor 'ginepraio' (thicket/mess).

L'affare in questione riveste un'importanza capitale per il futuro del paese.

The matter in question is of capital importance for the country's future.

Formal verb 'rivestire'.

Si è profilato un affare che potrebbe mutare gli equilibri di mercato.

A deal has emerged that could change market balances.

Verb 'profilarsi' (to emerge/take shape).

La risoluzione di tale affare richiede una finezza diplomatica non comune.

The resolution of such a matter requires uncommon diplomatic finesse.

Formal noun 'finezza'.

Siamo di fronte a un affare dai contorni ancora sfumati.

We are facing a matter with still blurred outlines.

Metaphorical 'contorni sfumati'.

L'affare ha suscitato un vespaio di polemiche.

The affair has stirred up a hornets' nest of controversy.

Idiom 'vespaio di polemiche'.

Il suo acume negli affari lo ha reso un punto di riferimento nel settore.

His business acumen has made him a point of reference in the sector.

Formal noun 'acume' (acumen/sharpness).

Common Collocations

buon affare

uomo d'affari

volume d'affari

viaggio d'affari

affari esteri

affare di cuore

affare fatto

concludere un affare

brutto affare

senso degli affari

Common Phrases

Fatti gli affari tuoi

— Mind your own business. Used to tell someone to stop being nosy.

Perché me lo chiedi? Fatti gli affari tuoi!

Affare fatto!

— It's a deal! Used to confirm an agreement.

Cento euro? Affare fatto!

Sono affari miei

— It's my business. Used to defend one's privacy.

Quello che faccio la sera sono affari miei.

Un affare d'oro

— A golden deal. A very profitable or lucky transaction.

Comprare quell'appartamento è stato un affare d'oro.

Mettere il naso negli affari altrui

— To stick one's nose in other people's business.

Smettila di mettere il naso negli affari altrui.

Essere in affari

— To be in business. Usually followed by 'con' (with).

Sono in affari con mio fratello.

Andare a monte un affare

— For a deal to fail or fall through.

Purtroppo l'affare è andato a monte.

Affari di stato

— State affairs. Matters concerning the government.

Non possiamo discutere di affari di stato qui.

Sbrigare un affare

— To handle or settle a matter.

Devo sbrigare un affare in banca.

Un affare losco

— A shady deal. Something suspicious or illegal.

Quell'affare mi sembra un po' losco.

Often Confused With

affare vs Negozio

Negozio is the physical shop; affare is the deal.

affare vs Lavoro

Lavoro is the job/labor; affare is the transaction/matter.

affare vs Faccenda

Faccenda is usually a minor chore; affare is more significant.

Idioms & Expressions

"Farsi gli affari propri"

— To mind one's own business. It is the reflexive form and very common.

Ognuno dovrebbe farsi gli affari propri.

neutral

"Affare di poco conto"

— A matter of little importance or a cheap item.

Non preoccuparti, è un affare di poco conto.

neutral

"Cercare l'affare"

— To look for a bargain or a great opportunity.

Va sempre ai mercatini a cercare l'affare.

informal

"Un affare che scotta"

— A 'hot' matter, often scandalous or dangerous.

Quel processo è un affare che scotta per il governo.

journalistic

"Rimanere fuori dagli affari"

— To stay out of certain matters or business.

È meglio rimanere fuori dai loro affari.

neutral

"Un affare di famiglia"

— A family matter. Something kept within the family.

Questa è un affare di famiglia, non parlarne con nessuno.

neutral

"Fare un affare"

— To get a bargain.

Con quegli sconti ho fatto un vero affare.

neutral

"Fare affari"

— To conduct business transactions.

La nostra ditta fa affari in tutto il mondo.

professional

"Volume d'affari"

— Business turnover.

Hanno un volume d'affari impressionante.

economic

"Uomo d'affari"

— Businessman.

È diventato un uomo d'affari di successo.

neutral

Easily Confused

affare vs Negozio

Both relate to business.

Negozio is where you buy; affare is what you get (the deal).

Vado in negozio per fare un affare.

affare vs Lavoro

Both relate to professional life.

Lavoro is the activity; affare is the specific deal or concern.

Ho molto lavoro, devo concludere questo affare.

affare vs Occasione

Both can mean 'a bargain'.

Occasione is the opportunity; affare is the result or the transaction.

Questa occasione è un ottimo affare.

affare vs Questione

Both can mean 'matter'.

Questione is an issue for debate; affare is a matter of concern or business.

È una questione politica, un affare di stato.

affare vs Coso

Both can refer to an unnamed object.

Coso is much more informal and vague than affare.

Passami quel coso... quell'affare per aprire le bottiglie.

Sentence Patterns

È un [adjective] affare.

È un buon affare.

Sono in viaggio per [noun].

Sono in viaggio per affari.

Fatti gli affari [possessive].

Fatti gli affari tuoi.

Si tratta di un affare di [noun].

Si tratta di un affare di cuore.

[Verb] l'affare.

Dobbiamo concludere l'affare.

L'affare è andato a [noun].

L'affare è andato a monte.

Un affare dai contorni [adjective].

Un affare dai contorni sfumati.

Un [noun] di affari.

Un ginepraio di affari.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written Italian.

Common Mistakes

Il mio affare è in centro. → Il mio negozio è in centro.
You cannot use 'affare' to mean a physical shop.
È un buono affare. → È un buon affare.
'Buono' truncates before masculine nouns starting with a vowel or most consonants.
Viaggio di affare. → Viaggio d'affari.
Business trips are always plural in Italian.
Le affari sono difficili. → Gli affari sono difficili.
'Affare' is masculine, so it takes 'gli' in the plural.
Fare affari propri. → Farsi gli affari propri.
The idiom for minding one's business must be reflexive.

Tips

Check the Article

Always use 'l'affare' in the singular because it starts with a vowel. In plural, use 'gli affari'.

Truncate Buono

Remember to say 'un buon affare'. Using 'buono' here is a common learner mistake.

Privacy Matters

Use 'affari miei' to set boundaries, but be aware it is a strong statement.

Professionalism

Use 'volume d'affari' when discussing company finances to sound more professional.

Market Talk

When you see a discount, whisper 'che affare!' to show you recognize the value.

Closing Deals

Say 'Affare fatto!' to seal a verbal agreement with an Italian friend or vendor.

Plural Usage

When referring to general business, always use the plural 'affari'.

Double Consonants

Pay attention to the double 'f'; it's the key to the correct Italian accent.

Use Occasione

If you want to say 'opportunity', 'occasione' is often a better synonym.

Object Reference

If you forget the name of a tool, you can point and say 'quell'affare'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of an 'affair.' In English, an affair can be a matter or a situation. In Italian, 'affare' is just the more common version of that word for any 'matter' or 'deal.'

Visual Association

Imagine a handshake over a briefcase full of money. That is the 'affare.' Now imagine a person closing a curtain to hide their private life—those are their 'affari.'

Word Web

Business Deal Bargain Matter Concern Transaction Case Privacy

Challenge

Try to use 'buon affare' and 'fatti gli affari tuoi' in two different sentences today to master the positive and defensive uses of the word.

Word Origin

Derived from the Italian phrase 'a fare,' which comes from the Latin 'ad facere.'

Original meaning: Things 'to do' or 'to be done.'

Romance (Latin root)

Cultural Context

Be careful with 'Fatti gli affari tuoi'; it can be quite rude depending on the tone. Use 'Sono questioni personali' to be more polite.

English speakers often use 'business' as a catch-all, whereas Italians distinguish between the shop (negozio), the work (lavoro), and the deal (affare).

The phrase 'Affari di famiglia' (Family Business) is a common title in Italian cinema. The TV show 'Affari Tuoi' is the Italian version of 'Deal or No Deal.' Machiavelli's writings often discuss 'affari di stato'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Market

Quanto costa?
È un affare!
Sconto?
Prezzo fisso?

In the Office

Concludere l'affare
Volume d'affari
Riunione
Contratto

Personal Privacy

Fatti gli affari tuoi
Sono affari miei
Non sono affari tuoi
Privacy

Legal/Political

Affari esteri
Affari interni
Affare di stato
Inchiesta

Romance

Affare di cuore
Sentimenti
Relazione
Amore

Conversation Starters

"Hai mai fatto un vero affare a un mercatino dell'usato?"

"Pensi che sia importante farsi gli affari propri in ufficio?"

"Qual è l'uomo d'affari più famoso del tuo paese?"

"Ti piacerebbe lavorare al Ministero degli Affari Esteri?"

"Hai mai concluso un affare importante per il tuo lavoro?"

Journal Prompts

Descrivi l'ultimo affare che hai fatto facendo shopping. Cosa hai comprato?

Cosa significa per te l'espressione 'fatti gli affari tuoi'?

Scrivi di un 'affare di cuore' che ha cambiato la tua vita.

Immagina di essere un uomo o una donna d'affari. Com'è la tua giornata tipo?

Qual è un affare di stato che ti ha colpito recentemente?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'affare' is a masculine noun. In the singular it is 'un affare' or 'l'affare', and in the plural it is 'gli affari'.

'Fare un affare' means to get a bargain or a single good deal. 'Fare affari' means to conduct business in general.

Yes, colloquially it can refer to an object whose name you don't know, similar to 'thingamajig' or 'gadget'.

You say 'uomo d'affari'. For a businesswoman, you say 'donna d'affari'.

It can be. It depends on your tone. It is roughly equivalent to 'mind your own business' in English.

It means 'Deal done!' or 'It's a deal!' It is used to agree on a price or a plan.

You can use it in terms like 'volume d'affari' (turnover) or 'viaggio d'affari' (business trip).

Usually 'faccende' is better for chores (faccende domestiche), but 'affare' can be used for a more serious household matter.

It is an idiom for an exceptionally good or profitable deal.

It comes from the Italian phrase 'a fare', meaning 'to do', derived from Latin.