Significado
Being trustworthy and keeping promises.
Contexto cultural
In Italy, personal relationships (rapporti personali) often matter more than formal contracts. Being an 'uomo di parola' is the key to entering these circles. Historically, the 'parola' was a matter of life and death in rural communities where the law was distant. It remains a deeply respected trait. Many classic Italian novels (like those by Verga) feature characters who struggle to maintain their 'parola' against economic hardship. Italians use this phrase in reviews for Airbnb hosts or eBay sellers to signal that the person is 'serio' (serious/reliable).
Use 'Persona' for Neutrality
If you aren't sure about gender or want to be inclusive, 'persona di parola' is always correct and very natural.
The Plural Trap
Never use 'parole' (plural) unless you want to insult someone for talking too much without acting.
Significado
Being trustworthy and keeping promises.
Use 'Persona' for Neutrality
If you aren't sure about gender or want to be inclusive, 'persona di parola' is always correct and very natural.
The Plural Trap
Never use 'parole' (plural) unless you want to insult someone for talking too much without acting.
The Handshake
In Italy, this phrase is often accompanied by a firm handshake to seal a deal.
Teste-se
Fill in the correct form of 'essere' and the correct noun (uomo/donna).
Maria ha promesso di aiutarmi e l'ha fatto. Lei ___ una ___ di parola.
Maria is feminine (Lei) and the verb 'essere' for the third person singular is 'è'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'He is a man of his word' in Italian?
The idiom uses the singular 'parola' and the preposition 'di'.
Match the situation to the best use of the phrase.
Your boss always pays bonuses exactly when promised.
This is a positive situation where a promise is kept.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Ti fidi di Luigi?' B: 'Sì, perché...'
Trust (fiducia) is the reason why someone is considered an 'uomo di parola'.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Singular vs Plural
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosMaria ha promesso di aiutarmi e l'ha fatto. Lei ___ una ___ di parola.
Maria is feminine (Lei) and the verb 'essere' for the third person singular is 'è'.
How do you say 'He is a man of his word' in Italian?
The idiom uses the singular 'parola' and the preposition 'di'.
Your boss always pays bonuses exactly when promised.
This is a positive situation where a promise is kept.
A: 'Ti fidi di Luigi?' B: 'Sì, perché...'
Trust (fiducia) is the reason why someone is considered an 'uomo di parola'.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes, it's a great way to encourage integrity in children. 'Bravo, sei stato un bambino di parola!'
Not at all. While it has deep roots, it's used daily in modern business and social life.
The opposite is 'un uomo di parole' (plural) or 'uno che non mantiene le promesse'.
In the phrase 'di parola', no article is used. It's a fixed prepositional phrase.
No, that sounds like you are a man belonging to a specific word, which makes no sense in this context.
Yes, it is universally understood and used throughout Italy.
Absolutely. 'Grazie per l'aiuto, sei un uomo di parola!' is a very common thank-you text.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Use 'Sono persone di parola' (They are people of their word).
A common slang way to say someone is reliable is 'uno serio' or 'uno che non pacca'.
Frases relacionadas
mantenere la parola
similarTo keep one's word
parola d'onore
builds onWord of honor
rimangiarsi la parola
contrastTo eat one's words
persona fidata
synonymA trusted person
