fare
/ˈfa.re/
The Italian verb for 'do' is fare.
fare is used to express the performance of tasks. In many instances where English uses the verb 'to have' to describe an activity, such as having breakfast or having a shower, Italian uses fare instead. For example, fare colazione means 'to have breakfast'.
Meaning: perform tasks (verb)
Which one should you use?
While English distinguishes between the verbs 'do' and 'make', the Italian verb fare covers both concepts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The first-person singular present indicative form is faccio (I do / I am doing), the second-person singular is fai (you do / you are doing) and the third-person plural is fanno (they do / they are doing). The past participle is fatto (done / made).
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable. The IPA is /ˈfa.re/.
Did you know?
- You can use fare to talk about the weather, such as in the phrase fa caldo to say 'it is hot'.
- While fare means 'to do' today, it is a cognate of the English word 'fare' in the sense of 'travelling' or 'journeying', as both stem from roots meaning to go or move.
- The phrase fare i capricci is used to describe a child throwing a tantrum or being 'fussy'.
Examples in context
- Non sa che fare.He doesn't know what to do.This sentence shows how to express not knowing what to do using fare.Tatoeba #717766 by Guybrush88, translation #717764 by CM
- Ce la puoi fare!You can do it.This sentence uses fare to express the ability to succeed at something.Tatoeba #737515 by Guybrush88, translation #1391 by brauliobezerra
- Io so cosa fare.I know what to do.This sentence demonstrates knowing what to do with fare.Tatoeba #1514831 by Guybrush88, translation #256407 by CK
- Fare i compitiTo do homework
- Fare una telefonataTo make a phone call
- Fare una domandaTo ask a question
- Fare la spesaTo do the grocery shopping
- Fare colazioneTo have breakfast
- Fare una passeggiataTo take a walk
- 3344 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Martina are discussing their chores at home.
- FrancescoDevi fare i compiti adesso.You have to do your homework now.
- MartinaSì, ma posso fare una pausa?Yes, but can I take a break?
- FrancescoNo, devi prima fare questo lavoro.No, you must do this work first.
- MartinaVa bene, inizio a fare tutto.Alright, I'll start doing everything.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry fare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fare, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
