Italian · Body & Health
"Face" in Italian: faccia
la faccia
Note: also: il viso
Face in Italian is la faccia (fah-CHAH), feminine. Il viso is a softer synonym for the face itself; faccia also shows up in expressions like fare una faccia (to make a face).
Checking a photo
Nella foto la mia faccia è tutta al sole.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce faccia
Say it
fah-CHAH
/ˈfattʃa/
Faccia stresses CHAH: fah-CHAH. Double c before i is a soft ch. Keep both syllables clear.
"Face" in Italian: quick reference
| Italian | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| la faccia | the face Default noun for face and facial expression. | Default noun for face and facial expression. |
| il viso | the face (softer) Often about appearance or a gentle look. | Often about appearance or a gentle look. |
| fare una faccia | to make a face Reaction of disgust, surprise, or teasing. | Reaction of disgust, surprise, or teasing. |
| in faccia | in someone's face; to their face Dire qualcosa in faccia = say it directly. | Dire qualcosa in faccia = say it directly. |
How to use faccia in real life
- 1Checking a photo
Nella foto la mia faccia è tutta al sole.
In the photo my face is all in the sun.
La faccia as the body part.
- 2After a bad joke
Ha fatto una faccia incredibile.
He made an incredible face.
Fare una faccia for a reaction.
- 3Honest feedback
Diglielo in faccia, non dietro.
Tell him to his face, not behind his back.
In faccia means directly.
Mistakes English speakers make with faccia
Incorrect: Il faccia è stanca.
Correct: La faccia è stanca.
Faccia is feminine: la faccia.
Incorrect: Ho lavato il faccia.
Correct: Ho lavato la faccia.
Keep the feminine article with faccia.
Good to know
Italians read faces closely in conversation. A raised eyebrow or a quick faccia can carry as much meaning as the words, and phrases like faccia tosta (cheeky) show how central the word is beyond anatomy.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Choosing a passport photo together
ChatPal
In questa foto la faccia è troppo seria.
In this photo the face is too serious.
You
Preferisco una faccia più naturale, senza sorriso forzato.
I prefer a more natural face, without a forced smile.
ChatPal
Ok. Prova a guardare dritto, faccia rilassata.
Ok. Try looking straight ahead, face relaxed.
You
Va bene. Se esce bene, uso questa faccia sul documento.
Alright. If it turns out well, I'll use this face on the document.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Face" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Face" in Italian
Is faccia masculine or feminine?
Feminine: la faccia, una faccia. Adjectives agree: una faccia stanca.
When do Italians say viso instead?
Viso often sounds softer or more about appearance. Faccia is the everyday default and fits expressions better.
What does fare una faccia mean?
To pull a face—show dislike, shock, or teasing without saying much.
Does in faccia sound rude?
It can be blunt: saying something in faccia means saying it directly, not gossiping behind someone's back.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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