a fatica
Lemma: a fatica
Translation: with difficulty; with great effort; barely; hardly; scarcely (adverbial phrase)
Etymology: This adverbial phrase combines the preposition 'a' (to, at) with the noun 'fatica' (effort, labor, toil). 'Fatica' derives from Latin 'fatīga', related to 'fatīgāre' (to tire, exhaust). The English word 'fatigue' shares this Latin root, making it a cognate. The phrase literally means 'with fatigue/effort' and has evolved to describe actions performed with considerable difficulty or strain.
Example Usage
A fatica ha superato l'esame.
He passed the exam with great effort.
Riuscivo a fatica a tenere gli occhi aperti.
I could barely keep my eyes open.
Il vecchio motore si avviò a fatica.
The old engine started with difficulty.
Si muoveva a fatica tra la folla.
He moved with difficulty through the crowd.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'fatigue' in English - 'a fatica' means doing something while feeling fatigued or tired.
- Picture someone climbing stairs 'a fatica' (with difficulty) because they're exhausted.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used in everyday Italian to express struggle or difficulty in accomplishing tasks. It reflects the Italian cultural tendency to acknowledge effort and hard work, even when results are minimal.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'a fatica' means 'with difficulty/barely', 'in fretta' means 'in a hurry/quickly'. They represent opposite approaches to action - struggling versus rushing.
Notes: These phrases often describe opposite situations - one indicating slowness due to difficulty, the other indicating speed due to urgency.
Mnemonic: Remember: 'a fatica' connects to 'fatigue' (struggling), while 'in fretta' sounds like 'frantic' (hurrying).
Explanation: 'A fatica' describes doing something with difficulty, while 'a fondo' means 'thoroughly' or 'deeply' (literally 'to the bottom').
Notes: 'A fondo' suggests completeness or thoroughness, while 'a fatica' suggests struggle or difficulty.
Mnemonic: Think: 'a fatica' = with fatigue (struggling), 'a fondo' = to the bottom (completely).