fa' strada
/ˈfa ˈstra.da/word by word
The Italian phrase fa' strada is used to mean 'to lead on'.
Meaning: to encourage with the illusion of a romantic relationship (verb)
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈfa ˈstra.da/. The stress is on the first of the three syllables.
Did you know?
- While fa' strada describes the act of guiding someone, Italians often use the phrase prendere per naso to describe the more deceptive side of leading someone on, which literally means 'to take by the nose'.
- Depending on the context, fa' strada can be a literal command to 'clear the way' or 'make a path' in a crowded area, completely unrelated to romance.
- The word strada is related to the English word 'strew', as both stem from the Latin 'sternere', which means 'to spread out' or 'to pave'.
Examples in context
- Ehi, guidami alla fontana di Trevi! Voglio fare un desiderio!Hey, lead me to the Trevi Fountain! I want to make a wish!
Example conversation
Francesco and Martina are discussing a mutual friend's behavior.
- FrancescoSecondo te, lui mi fa' strada?Do you think he is leading me on?
- MartinaSì, Martina, credo che stia giocando.Yes, Martina, I think he is playing games.
- FrancescoMa mi manda messaggi ogni giorno!But he sends me messages every day!
- MartinaÈ proprio il modo in cui fa' strada.That is exactly how he leads people on.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (fa, strada) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries strada, CC BY-SA 4.0.
