An important false friend to know: fare impressione

By Sigrid Lee

Although the noun impressione can be equivalent to the English noun "impression," it can also mean something else entirely, especially when coupled with the verb fare (to make, to do), as in fare impressione. It doesn't usually mean "to make an impression." Or rather, something does make an impression on you, but it generally has a negative connotation and can range from "to be "disconcerting," "disgusting," to "giving you the creeps," "to shock," and more. We can also use "to affect" or "to have an effect." Note that in this context, there's no article before impressione.

No, è che i topi, con rispetto parlando, mi fanno impressione.

No, it's that mice, respectfully speaking, frighten me.

No, it's that mice, respectfully speaking, give me the creeps.

Caption 56, PsicoVip Il topo - Ep 22

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Certo, fa impressione la nostra stanza così, no?

Of course, our room this way is disconcerting, right?

Of course, our room this way has quite an effect on us, right?

Caption 1, Fino a qui tutto bene Film - Part 20
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Fa impressione una ragazza così giovane che si toglie la vita.

It shocks you, a girl so young who takes her own life.

Caption 20, Imma Tataranni Sostituto procuratore S1 EP 4 Maltempo - Part 3
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Questa cosa mi ha fatto piuttosto impressione.

This thing rather shocked me.

Caption 50, Imma Tataranni Sostituto procuratore S1 EP 4 Maltempo - Part 23
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We can also use the verb dare (to give) with impressione. Here, in meaning, it is more similar to English. And in this context, we do use an article before impressione. In this case, it is neutral, neither positive nor negative.

La falcata decisa per uscire dalla stanza in meno di due secondi, senza dare l'impressione di scappare.

The determined stride to exit the room in less than two seconds, without giving the impression of running away.

Captions 49-51, La linea verticale EP4 - Part 2
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If you ask someone what impression they have or had about something, we are back to a true cognate, even if we use the verb fare. But we could also use the verb dare.

Che impressione t'ha fatto?

What impression did he make on you? [what did you think of him?]

Caption 38, Liberi tutti EP3 Quanto è libero un fringuello? - Part 4
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Collega, ho l'impressione che ti stai affezionando un po' troppo a Michele Venturi.

Colleague, I have the impression that you are becoming a little too fond of Michele Venturi.

Caption 28, Liberi tutti EP4 Ma la giacca la vuole tutta? - Part 6
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Let's go a step further and talk about the English verb "to impress." Although impressionare is a verb in Italian, it's rarely the first choice when talking about being impressed by or impressing someone. A more common way to express this in Italian is with the verb colpire (to strike). Rimanere colpito (to be struck, to be impressed). We can also use the expression fare colpo (to impress).

Quando l'ho letto, però, sono rimasto colpito, la storia era interessante.

When I read it, though, I was impressed. The story was interesting.

Captions 32-33, Fumettology Diabolik - Part 4
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Sai, io ho l'impressione che lui abbia anche fatto colpo sulla sua titolare,

You know, I have the impression that he also impressed his boss,

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And here is where the expression fare figura can come in, as well. For more on figura, see this lesson.

Ma la verità è che tu ti impegni perché vuoi fare bella figura con tua moglie.

But the truth is that you make an effort because you want to impress your wife.

Captions 22-23, Sposami EP 2 - Part 19
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In both English and Italian, there is an adjective form, too: "impressive" and impressionante. Although they can be equivalent, impressionante is more akin to "amazing," "shocking," or "remarkable." Most of the time it is stronger than "impressive." In thinking of a facial expression corresponding to "impressive," we could imagine raised eyebrows. If we think of impressionante, there are raised eyebrows, but also eyes wide open in shock or surprise.

E a proposito di peso, eh, bisogna dire che arrivati al terzo anello, tutta la struttura ha cominciato a inclinarsi in modo impressionante.

And speaking of weight, uh, it must be said that starting at the third ring, the whole structure began to tilt in a remarkable way.

Captions 3-4, Meraviglie EP. 4 - Part 8
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Thanks for reading. We hope to have helped untangle the web of words that start with "impress-." Let us know if you have further questions!