fuori posto
Lemma: fuori posto
Translation: out of place; inappropriate; misplaced; awkward (adjective phrase)
Etymology: Composed of 'fuori' (out, outside) from Latin 'foris' (outside, outdoors) and 'posto' (place, position) from Latin 'positus' (placed, positioned), past participle of 'ponere' (to put, place). The combination literally means 'out of place' and is used both literally for objects in the wrong location and figuratively for inappropriate behavior or feelings.
Example Usage
Mi sento fuori posto a questa festa elegante.
I feel out of place at this elegant party.
Il suo commento era completamente fuori posto.
His comment was completely inappropriate.
Non riesco a trovare le chiavi, devono essere finite fuori posto.
I can't find the keys, they must have ended up misplaced.
In quella situazione formale, il suo abbigliamento casual sembrava fuori posto.
In that formal situation, his casual clothing seemed out of place.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'fuori' as 'far' and 'posto' as 'position' - something far from its proper position.
- Imagine furniture that's 'fuori posto' (out of place) in a well-designed Italian home - it would stand out immediately.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This expression is commonly used in Italian to describe both physical objects that are not where they should be and social situations where someone's behavior or presence feels inappropriate. Italians place high value on appropriateness in social contexts, so this phrase carries significant social meaning.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'fuori posto' means 'out of place' or 'inappropriate', 'a posto' means the opposite: 'in place', 'in order', or 'fine'.
This word:
Quel quadro sembra fuori posto in questa stanza.
That painting seems out of place in this room.
Confused word:
Tutto è a posto in casa.
Everything is in order at home.
Notes: These phrases are essentially opposites and are commonly used in everyday Italian conversation.
Mnemonic: Remember 'fuori' means 'out' while 'a' means 'at/in' - so 'fuori posto' is 'out of place' while 'a posto' is 'in place'.
Explanation: Both phrases mean 'out of place' or 'inappropriate', but 'fuori luogo' tends to be used more for abstract situations (like comments or behaviors) while 'fuori posto' can be used for both concrete objects and abstract situations.
Confused word:
Il suo commento era fuori luogo in quella discussione.
His comment was out of place in that discussion.
Notes: In many contexts, these phrases can be used interchangeably, but 'fuori posto' is slightly more common for physical objects.
Mnemonic: Think of 'posto' as 'position' (physical) and 'luogo' as 'location' (more general).