31 phrases · Levels: A2B1B2
Hai fatto un ottimo lavoro su questo progetto.
You have done an excellent job on this project.
Use this to deliver genuine positive feedback at the conclusion of a project or task. In Italian workplace culture, specific praise is more meaningful than generic compliments — try to name the project.
Apprezzo molto il tuo impegno e la tua dedizione.
I greatly appreciate your commitment and dedication.
Use this when you want to acknowledge effort rather than result — particularly when someone has worked hard on a difficult task, even if the outcome was not perfect. Recognising effort separately from results is important in Italian management culture.
C'è qualcosa che potremmo migliorare insieme?
Is there something we could improve together?
Use this to introduce constructive feedback collaboratively. The 'together' element ('insieme') reduces defensiveness and signals that you are a partner in the improvement, not just a critic.
Nel complesso, il lavoro è stato molto positivo.
Overall, the work has been very positive.
Use this as an opening in a feedback session to set a positive tone before discussing areas for improvement. In Italian management culture, starting with overall positive framing is expected and important.
Penso che tu possa lavorare su questo aspetto.
I think you can work on this aspect.
Use this when identifying a specific area for improvement. The subjunctive 'possa' makes it a suggestion rather than a command. 'Aspetto' (aspect) is specific without being accusatory.
Vorrei darti un riscontro sul tuo lavoro di questa settimana.
I would like to give you some feedback on your work this week.
Use this to open a feedback conversation. 'Riscontro' is the more formal, Italian-rooted alternative to the English loanword 'feedback', which is more casual. Choosing 'riscontro' signals formality and seriousness.
Cosa ne pensi tu di come è andato?
What do you think about how it went?
Use this at the beginning of a feedback session to invite self-assessment before giving your own evaluation. Self-reflection is a key component of Italian professional development culture.
Ti faccio un esempio concreto di quello che intendo.
Let me give you a concrete example of what I mean.
Use this before illustrating a feedback point with a specific example. Concrete examples make feedback actionable and prevent the common Italian misunderstanding that general feedback is personal criticism.
Il tuo punto di forza è... ma potrebbe aiutarti lavorare su...
Your strength is... but it could help you to work on...
Use this balanced feedback structure ('strength... but...') to deliver a fair assessment. Always name the specific strength before the area to develop — this is the Italian expected order for feedback.
Non ho dubbi sulle tue capacità. Ho fiducia in te.
I have no doubts about your abilities. I have confidence in you.
Use this after developmental feedback to reassure the employee that the criticism reflects high expectations, not a lack of confidence in them. In Italian management, 'fiducia' (trust/confidence) is a deeply relational word.
La prossima volta, potresti provare un approccio diverso?
Next time, could you try a different approach?
Use this when something did not go well and you want to suggest a behavioural change without making the person feel judged for the past mistake. The future-focused framing is more constructive.
Sei sulla buona strada. Continua così.
You are on the right track. Keep it up.
Use this to reinforce improving behaviour or to acknowledge progress during a development period. It is encouraging without being over-effusive, which is the right calibration for Italian professional feedback.
Capisco che la situazione fosse complicata. Proviamo a capire cosa è successo.
I understand the situation was complicated. Let us try to understand what happened.
Use this when delivering feedback after something went wrong in difficult circumstances. Acknowledging context before feedback prevents the employee from feeling judged unfairly and creates the psychological safety needed for honest dialogue.
Hai dimostrato grande maturità professionale in questa situazione.
You have demonstrated great professional maturity in this situation.
Use this when an employee has handled a difficult situation with grace, self-control or wisdom beyond what was expected. 'Maturità' is one of the highest professional compliments in Italian culture.
Volevo dirti che apprezzo come ci supportate a vicenda.
I wanted to tell you that I appreciate how we support each other.
Use this for peer-to-peer positive feedback — commenting on teamwork and mutual support. In Italian teams, acknowledging collective dynamics strengthens the relational bonds that Italian culture values highly.
Devo dirti qualcosa in modo diretto, ma con rispetto.
I need to tell you something directly, but with respect.
Use this to preface difficult or critical feedback. The announcement that what follows will be direct but respectful prepares the receiver and signals that criticism comes from a place of care, not hostility.
Il progresso che hai fatto è evidente. Sono orgoglioso/a di te.
The progress you have made is evident. I am proud of you.
Use this when someone has grown significantly over time. In Italian culture, expressing pride ('orgoglio') is an extremely warm and personal thing to say — reserve it for genuinely notable development.
Questo lavoro non è all'altezza di quello che mi aspettavo.
This work is not up to the standard I expected.
Use this when work has fallen significantly below the expected standard and the situation requires clear, honest feedback. Avoid this phrase for minor issues — reserve it for genuinely substandard work.
Come posso supportarti per aiutarti a raggiungere i tuoi obiettivi?
How can I support you to help you achieve your objectives?
Use this in any feedback conversation to shift from evaluation to action. Asking how you as a manager can help is one of the most powerful things you can say — it rebalances the power dynamic and creates genuine dialogue.
Le invio la valutazione formale via email come da procedura.
I am sending you the formal evaluation by email as per procedure.
Use this after completing a verbal feedback session to announce the formal written version. In Italian HR culture, written evaluations are essential documents — they must follow the verbal discussion.
Come ti sei sentito/a durante questa conversazione?
How did you feel during this conversation?
Use this at the end of a feedback session to check in emotionally. In Italian culture, acknowledging feelings in professional settings is increasingly valued and signals empathetic leadership.
Mi piace che ci confrontiamo apertamente.
I appreciate that we discuss things openly.
Use this to acknowledge and reinforce an open, honest dialogue culture. In Italian workplaces where hierarchy can silence feedback, actively valuing openness signals psychological safety.
Definiamo insieme gli obiettivi per il prossimo trimestre.
Let us define together the objectives for the next quarter.
Use this at the end of a feedback session to transition from assessment to planning. In Italian management, feedback should always lead to concrete next steps — otherwise it risks feeling hollow.
Stai diventando un punto di riferimento per il team.
You are becoming a reference point for the team.
Use this with an employee who has grown into an informal leadership role or who colleagues regularly turn to for guidance. It acknowledges a natural leadership that has emerged organically.
Ti ringrazio per la tua disponibilità in questa conversazione.
I thank you for your openness in this conversation.
Use this to close any feedback conversation — positive or critical. Thanking the employee for their openness is a gracious closing that leaves the relationship in a good state regardless of the content.
I tuoi risultati parlano da soli.
Your results speak for themselves.
Use this when an employee's achievements are so clear that they need no further explanation. It is one of the most powerful compliments because it says 'the evidence is beyond dispute'.
Ho grandi aspettative per il tuo futuro in azienda.
I have great expectations for your future in the company.
Use this as a closing statement in a feedback session with a high-potential employee. Communicating confidence in someone's future motivates them and creates a vision for their career development in your company.
Voglio ringraziarti davanti a tutti per il lavoro eccezionale.
I want to thank you in front of everyone for the exceptional work.
Use this carefully — public recognition in Italian culture must match the severity of the achievement. For genuinely exceptional work, public acknowledgment is powerful and motivating. For routine good work, private praise is more appropriate.
Questa è l'area prioritaria su cui concentrarsi nei prossimi mesi.
This is the priority area to focus on in the coming months.
Use this when you want to direct an employee's development focus to a specific area. Naming it as 'prioritaria' signals that this is the most important area, not just one of many things to improve.
La mia porta è sempre aperta se hai bisogno di parlare.
My door is always open if you need to talk.
Use this to close any feedback session as a standing offer of support and approachability. In Italian management culture, making yourself accessible is a fundamental mark of respect for employees.
Il miglioramento continuo è nel DNA di questo team.
Continuous improvement is in the DNA of this team.
Use this in team feedback sessions or all-hands meetings to establish a collective culture of continuous improvement. It frames improvement as a shared team value, not an individual weakness.