The many uses of the verb "Fare"
  • Max2013 April 2012
    Fare (to do; to make) is for Italian language what pasta is for Italian food -- there are hundreds of idiomatic expressions that use fare. So, you better learn a few, because they are very very used. These are just a few of the most popular ones.

    fare una passeggiata -- to take a walk

    fare i compiti -- to do one's homework

    fare il biglietto -- to purchase a ticket

    fare vedere -- to show someone something

    fare la fila / la coda -- stand on line / wait on line  (this is VERY used)

    fare la spesa -- to go grocery shopping

    fare le spese -- to go shopping

    fare una domanda -- to ask a question

    fare una fotografia --to take a picture

    fare colazione -- to have breakfast

    fare un viaggio -- to take a trip

    farsi coraggio -- to take heart

    fare male -- to be painful, to ache

  • Max2013 June 2012
    Fare tardi = to be out until late, very common in Italy, so learn it!
  • Harry June 2012
    So, is it correct to say, "Stasera faccio tardi," to mean "Tonight I will be out late?"
    And, are these expressions correct?
    "Ieri, hanno fatto tardi a ballare."
    "Da giovane, io facevo sempre tardi con i miei amici."

  • Max2013 June 2012
    Harry, thanks. My late reply is an example of my own post: ho fatto tardi. 

    Yes, what you say in your post is absolutely correct. 
  • Max2013 January 28
    A student asked me to provide some more informal and "street-wise" idiomatic expressions with fare, so here are a few. 

    Fare il finto tonto     = play dumb. Non fare il finto tonto! Do not play dumb! 

    Fare il verso = to imitate. Luca fa il verso al suo superiore = Luca imitates (in order to ingratiate someone) his boss

    Fare le corna = to cheat on a partner. Il Signor B. ha fatto le corna a sua moglie. Mr. B cheated on his wife

    Fare focaccia = to skip school. Riccardo ha fatto sei giorni di focaccia. Riccardo skipped six days of school

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