What does it mean word for word?
The phrase fatti gli affari tuoi is composed of the imperative fatti (make or do for yourself), gli affari (the affairs or business) and tuoi (your).
Which one should you use?
While fatti gli affari tuoi is a common way to tell someone to take care of their own affairs, you can also use Pensa ai fatti tuoi to say "mind your own business" or Non intrometterti to say "don't meddle."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form fatti gli affari tuoi is informal and can be perceived as rude or aggressive depending on the tone. For a formal setting or when speaking to a stranger, use si faccia gli affari suoi.
How does it change in a sentence?
To adjust the phrase for different subjects, use si faccia gli affari suoi when addressing a single person formally using the "Lei" form. When addressing a group of people, use the plural form fatevi gli affari vostri. You may also use the formal command Badate ai fatti vostri to mean "Pay attention to your own business."
Did you know?
- In some Italian dialects, the word tuoi can be used as a shorthand for 'your parents'. Depending on the context and region, telling someone to mind their tuoi could be interpreted as a reference to their family.
- The word affari is the same word Italians use for 'bargains' or 'deals' when shopping. This creates a linguistic link between managing one's private life and managing one's financial transactions.
- The word affari comes from the verb fare, meaning 'to do' or 'to make'. Literally, the phrase asks the listener to 'make' their own affairs rather than observing those of others.
Examples in context
- Buongiorno. Mi scuso per l'inconveniente, ma potrebbe badare ai fatti suoi? Ho bisogno di privacy per il momento.Good morning. I apologize for the inconvenience, but could you mind your own business? I need some privacy at the moment.
- Senti, fatti gli affari tuoi e non intrometterti nella mia vita sentimentale, per favore.Listen, mind your own business and don't meddle in my love life, please.
- Smettila di fare domande, fatti gli affari tuoi!Stop asking questions, mind your own business!
- Fatti gli affari tuoi, non è affar tuo.Mind your business, it is none of your concern.
- Ma fatti gli affari tuoi!Just mind your own business!
- Se non ti ho chiesto nulla, fatti gli affari tuoi.If I didn't ask you anything, mind your business.
Example conversation
Francesco is asking too many personal questions about Martina's life.
- MartinaFrancesco, ma perché vuoi sapere tutto di me?Francesco, why do you want to know everything about me?
- FrancescoSolo per curiosità, come va con il tuo nuovo lavoro?Just out of curiosity, how is your new job going?
- MartinaFatti gli affari tuoi, non ti riguarda.Mind your business, it's none of your concern.
- FrancescoVa bene, non arrabbiarti così.Alright, don't get so angry.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fatti, gli, tuoi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
