Difference between fare and rendere

Exploring the Italian Verbs "Rendere" and "Fare": Their Meanings and Uses

Learning about languages can be like uncovering hidden treasures. In Italian, two important gems are the verbs "rendere" and "fare." These words may seem similar, but they each have their own unique powers and purposes.

"Fare": The Action Maker

Imagine "fare" as your trusty tool for getting things done. It's a versatile verb that's used a lot in Italian. You can think of it as meaning "to make" or "to do." But here's where it gets interesting: "fare" can also create emotions and reactions! For instance:

- far(e) arrabbiare (to make someone angry)

- far(e) rallegrare (to make someone happy)

- far(e) imbestialire (to make someone really mad)

- far(e) infuriare (to make someone very furious)

- far(e) apprezzare (to make someone appreciate)

- far(e) incavolare (to make someone annoyed)

- far(e) innervosire (to make someone nervous)

See how "fare" can stir up feelings and actions in others? You can say things like:

"Questo film mi fa piangere" (This movie makes me cry) or

"Mio fratello mi fa sempre innervosire" (My brother always makes me nervous).

And guess what? "Rendere" can't do that!

"Rendere": The Transformer

Now, let's meet "rendere." This verb is like a magic wand that changes things, especially when paired with describing words. It's your go-to tool when you want to talk about making someone happy, strong, or proud. Check these out:

- Rendere felice/infelice: "Vederti sorridere mi ha reso felice" (Seeing you smile made me happy)

- Rendere debole/forte: "L'allenamento mi ha reso più forte" (The training made me stronger)

- Rendere possibile/impossibile: "La dedizione ha reso possibile questo successo" (Dedication made this success possible)

- Rendere facile/difficile: "Il problema rende il processo difficile" (The problem makes the process hard)

- Rendere famoso/popolare: "Un singolo brano lo ha reso famoso" (One song made him famous)

- Rendere fiero/orgoglioso: "Il suo successo ha reso suo padre orgoglioso" (His success made his father proud)

"Rendere" can also mean giving back or doing justice, like

"Ho reso l'asciugacapelli perché era difettoso" (I returned the hairdryer because it was faulty).

And sometimes, "rendere" takes the role of "dare," like

"Questa foto non gli rende giustizia" (This photo doesn't do him justice).

Extra Fun: "Rendere" and "Fare" Talking About You

Wait, there's more! These words can also talk about you doing things for yourself. When they're "reflexive," they're about your own actions:

- Rendersi utile: "Mi sono reso utile durante l'evento" (I made myself useful at the event)

- Rendersi conto: "Mi sono reso conto dell'errore" (I realized the mistake)

- Rendersi ridicoli: "Ci siamo resi ridicoli con quella performance" (We made fools of ourselves with that performance)

- Farsi forza: "Mi sto dando forza per superare la situazione" (I'm giving myself strength to overcome the situation)

- Farsi strada: "Devo farmi strada nella competizione" (I need to make my way in the competition)

- Farsi carico: "Mi sono fatto carico dell'organizzazione" (I took responsibility for the organization)

- Farsi un'idea: "Sto cercando di capire la situazione" (I'm trying to get an idea of the situation)

So there you have it, the powers of "rendere" and "fare." "Fare" starts things and stirs emotions, while "rendere" transforms and changes. They're like tools in your language toolbox, ready to make your Italian conversations more colorful and interesting!

Click here to Practise!