fare fatica
Lemma: fare fatica
Translation: to struggle; to have difficulty; to find it hard; to make an effort (phrase)
Etymology: This Italian phrase combines 'fare' (to do, to make) and 'fatica' (effort, fatigue, labor). 'Fatica' derives from Latin 'fatīga' (weariness, exhaustion), which is related to the English word 'fatigue'. The construction literally means 'to make effort' but is used idiomatically to express struggling or having difficulty with something.
Example Usage
Faccio fatica a capire questa lezione.
I'm struggling to understand this lesson.
Mia nonna fa fatica a salire le scale.
My grandmother has difficulty climbing the stairs.
Facciamo fatica a trovare un parcheggio in centro.
We find it hard to find parking downtown.
Ho fatto fatica ad alzarmi questa mattina.
I struggled to get up this morning.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'fatigue' in English - 'fare fatica' means you're getting fatigued from the effort.
- Imagine saying 'I'm facing fatigue' to remember 'fare fatica'.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is very common in everyday Italian conversation. Italians often use it to express difficulties in various contexts, from learning a language to completing a physical task. It's less dramatic than saying something is impossible, instead conveying that something requires significant effort.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'fare fatica' means 'to struggle' or 'to have difficulty', 'fare la fatica' with the definite article specifically refers to doing a particular laborious task or chore.
Confused word:
Ho fatto la fatica di pulire tutta la casa.
I did the hard work of cleaning the whole house.
Notes: The difference is subtle but important for natural-sounding Italian.
Mnemonic: No article = general struggle; with article = specific labor
Explanation: Sounds similar but means 'to slice' or 'to cut into pieces', completely different from 'fare fatica' (to struggle).
Notes: The pronunciation is similar but the meanings are completely unrelated.
Mnemonic: Fatica = fatigue/effort; fette = slices