Significado
Patience and steady work lead to success.
Contexto cultural
This proverb is the unofficial anthem of the 'Slow Food' movement founded by Carlo Petrini. It represents a resistance to the 'fast life' and an appreciation for traditional methods. In the South, this proverb often relates to the concept of 'pazienza' (patience), which is seen as a necessary survival skill for navigating bureaucracy and life's challenges. Italian craftsmen (tailors, cobblers, luthiers) use this phrase to justify the months it takes to create a single high-quality item. Italian schools emphasize 'metodo' (method). Teachers use this proverb to discourage 'cramming' for exams, favoring consistent daily study.
Use it for encouragement
It's the best thing to say to a fellow language learner who feels they aren't progressing.
Don't use it for laziness
It implies movement (va), not standing still. Don't use it to excuse not doing anything!
Significado
Patience and steady work lead to success.
Use it for encouragement
It's the best thing to say to a fellow language learner who feels they aren't progressing.
Don't use it for laziness
It implies movement (va), not standing still. Don't use it to excuse not doing anything!
The 'Sano' connection
Mentioning the 'va sano' part makes you sound much more like a native speaker who knows the full tradition.
Teste-se
Complete the proverb with the missing word.
Chi va piano va _______.
'Lontano' (far) is the correct rhyming word that completes the proverb's meaning.
In which situation would you say 'Chi va piano va lontano'?
Your friend is trying to learn 100 new words in one hour and is crying.
The proverb is used to advise patience and steady work.
Which of these is the full, traditional version of the proverb?
Select the correct full form:
The full version includes 'va sano' (goes healthily) in the middle.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Non riesco a finire questo progetto!' B: 'Calma, un passo alla volta. ________.'
This is the most appropriate proverb for encouraging steady progress on a project.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosChi va piano va _______.
'Lontano' (far) is the correct rhyming word that completes the proverb's meaning.
Your friend is trying to learn 100 new words in one hour and is crying.
The proverb is used to advise patience and steady work.
Select the correct full form:
The full version includes 'va sano' (goes healthily) in the middle.
A: 'Non riesco a finire questo progetto!' B: 'Calma, un passo alla volta. ________.'
This is the most appropriate proverb for encouraging steady progress on a project.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasIt is always 'va piano' first. The logic is: Slow -> Healthy -> Far.
Yes, it's appropriate for a consultative or encouraging tone, especially when discussing long-term goals.
Extremely. It is one of the top 5 most recognized proverbs in Italy.
The instrument is called a 'pianoforte' (soft-loud). 'Piano' in the proverb means 'slowly/softly'.
'Slow and steady wins the race' is the closest equivalent.
Yes, it's often used to tell someone to drive safely.
Always 'chi va' (singular) because 'chi' acts as a singular subject in proverbs.
You can, but it's not the standard proverb. 'Piano' is the traditional choice.
Sometimes people joke: 'Chi va piano... viene stirato' (He who goes slowly... gets run over), but it's very cynical!
Because rushing causes stress and accidents. Going slowly preserves your health.
Frases relacionadas
A passi di piombo
similarTo move with leaden steps (very cautiously).
La gatta frettolosa ha fatto i gattini ciechi
similarThe hurried cat made blind kittens.
Chi dorme non piglia pesci
contrastHe who sleeps catches no fish.
Poco a poco
builds onLittle by little.
