Fingere vs. far finta
The Italian language offers two common expressions for 'to pretend': 'fingere' and 'far finta'. While both convey the act of pretending, they have subtle differences in usage and connotation.
Fingere
'Fingere' is a verb that means to pretend, feign, or simulate. It often implies a more deliberate or calculated act of deception.
Ha finto di essere malato per non andare a lavoro.
(He pretended to be sick to avoid going to work.)
L'attore fingeva di piangere durante la scena.
(The actor pretended to cry during the scene.)
Non fingere di non capire!
(Don't pretend not to understand!)
Far finta
'Far finta' is a phrasal expression meaning to pretend or to make believe. It often suggests a more playful or innocent form of pretending, especially in everyday situations.
I bambini facevano finta di essere supereroi.
(The children were pretending to be superheroes.)
Facciamo finta che non sia successo nulla.
(Let's pretend nothing happened.)
Ho fatto finta di non vederlo per evitare una conversazione imbarazzante.
(I pretended not to see him to avoid an awkward conversation.)
Summary
While 'fingere' and 'far finta' both mean 'to pretend' in Italian, 'fingere' is often used for more serious or deliberate acts of pretending, while 'far finta' is commonly used in more casual or playful contexts. 'Fingere' is a single verb, whereas 'far finta' is a phrasal expression. The choice between them often depends on the context and the speaker's intention.