Italian Phrase
Forse ci serve un tuttofare.
Meaning
This phrase expresses a suggestion that a versatile worker is required to handle various small tasks or repairs. The word 'tuttofare' is a compound noun combining 'tutto' (everything) and 'fare' (to do), perfectly describing a jack-of-all-trades. It uses the verb 'servire' in a construction similar to 'piacere', where the item needed is the subject.
When to use
Use this phrase when discussing home maintenance, office repairs, or any situation where multiple minor problems require a single person with diverse skills. It is common in casual domestic conversations.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Forseciserveuntuttofare
Forse
An adverb of doubt used to soften a statement or make a suggestion less direct.
Ci serve
The indirect object pronoun 'ci' (us) plus the third-person singular of 'servire'. The thing needed (tuttofare) is the grammatical subject.
🗨In Conversation
La sedia è rotta e la luce non funziona.
The chair is broken and the light doesn't work.
Forse ci serve un tuttofare.
Maybe we need a handyman.
✕Common Mistakes
Forse noi serviamo un tuttofare.
In Italian, 'servire' means 'to be needed by'. You must use the indirect object 'ci' (to us) rather than the subject pronoun 'noi'.
Forse ci serve un uomo di mani.
This is an incorrect literal translation of 'handyman'. The correct Italian term is 'tuttofare'.
↔Alternatives
Magari ci serve un tuttofare.
Maybe/Perhaps we need a handyman.
Ci vorrebbe un tuttofare.
A handyman would be needed.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, the 'tuttofare' is a staple of local life, often found through 'passaparola' (word of mouth). While specialized trades like 'idraulico' (plumber) or 'elettricista' (electrician) are used for big jobs, the 'tuttofare' is the person you call for the small, everyday fixes that keep a home running.