The Italian Verb “Fare”
The Italian verb fare is very versatile, and has different translation in English. It is typically translated as “to do” or “to make”, but it is very commonly used in fixed expressions which must be learned by heart.
Fare is an irregular verb, which means it does not follow the typical conjugation pattern. Therefore, it requires specific attention.
“Fare”: Conjugation
Presente
The presente (present tense) is used to describe ongoing actions in the present and to inquire about someone’s activities or jobs.
| Presente | Present tense |
| io faccio | I do |
| tu fai | you do |
| lui/lei fa | he/she does |
| noi facciamo | we do |
| voi fate | you do |
| loro fanno | they do |
Io faccio la spesa al supermercato.
I do the grocery shopping at the supermarket.
Passato Prossimo
The passato prossimo (present perfect) is used to discuss completed actions in the past.
| Passato prossimo | Present perfect tense |
| io ho fatto | I did/I have done |
| tu hai fatto | you did/have done |
| egli ha fatto | he/she did/have done |
| noi abbiamo fatto | we did/have done |
| voi avete fatto | you did/have done |
| essi hanno fatto | they did/have done |
Ho fatto una torta ieri.
I made the cake yesterday.
Imperfetto
The imperfetto (imperfect) is used to describe habitual actions or ongoing actions in the past.
| Imperfetto | Imperfect |
| io facevo | I did/used to do |
| tu facevi | you did/used to do |
| egli faceva | he/she did/used to do |
| noi facevamo | we did/used to do |
| voi facevate | you did/used to do |
| essi facevano | they did/used to do |
Quando era giovane, Luca faceva lunghe passeggiate ogni giorno.
When he was young, Luca used to take long walks every day.
Futuro Semplice
The futuro (future) is used to express actions or events that will occur in the future and are yet to happen.
| Futuro semplice | Future Simple |
| io farò | I will do |
| tu farai | you will do |
| egli farà | he/she will do |
| noi faremo | we will do |
| voi farete | you will do |
| essi faranno | they will do |
Farò una passeggiata domani
I will take a walk tomorrow.
When to use “Fare”
To do/to Make
When used with its most common translations, this verb is used to talk about actions that are performed or things that are created.
For example:
- Fare colazione (To have breakfast)
- Fare una torta (To make a cake)
- Fare sport (To do sports)
- Fare la doccia (To take a shower)
- Fare la spesa (To do the grocery)
As you can see, not all these expressions are translated in English with “to do” or ” to make”.
Profession and Leisure Time
Fare is commonly employed to discuss one’s profession, leisure activities, and interests.
Faccio l’avvocato.
I am a lawyer.
Durante il mio tempo libero, faccio yoga per rilassarmi.
During my leisure time, I do yoga to relax.
Idiomatic Expressions
Fare is extensively used in Italian idiomatic expressions, which do not translate directly to English.
Fare il biglietto
To purchase a ticket.
Fare una domanda.
To ask a question.
Fare amicizia.
To make friends.
Fare una foto.
To take a picture.
Fare un brindisi.
To make a toast.
Check all the other meanings of fare in this post.
Fare Bene/Male
In Italian, the expressions fare bene and fare male are commonly used and means “to do something good” or “bad”.
The expression fare bene conveys the idea of doing something that is beneficial, positive, or advantageous. It can refer to actions that promote well-being, health, personal growth, or positive outcomes in general.
Lo sport fa bene al cuore e alle articolazioni.
Sport is good for the heart and joints.
Dormire a sufficienza fa bene al corpo e alla mente.
Getting enough sleep is good for the body and mind.
Opposingly, the expression fare male has different meanings depending on the context. It is typically used to convey the idea of causing harm, pain, or negative effects.
Mi fa male la testa.
I have a headache.
Fumare fa male alla salute.
Smoking is bad for your health.
Le sue parole mi hanno fatto molto male.
His/her words have deeply hurt me.
Remember that fare bene and fare male are idiomatic expressions, and their usage extends beyond the literal translation of ” to do good”, “to harm” or “to cause pain”.
Mastering the Italian Verb Fare
The Italian verb fare plays a vital role in expressing actions, creating idiomatic expressions, and describing past events.
By understanding its conjugation in the present, simple past, and future tenses, as well as its multiple meanings, learners can effectively communicate and comprehend Italian.
Embrace the versatility offare and enhance your linguistic skills in Italian.
