Magari and infatti are two common Italian words that Italians use daily. But these two words do not have only one meaning and can be used in different ways.
Do you think you know all the meanings of these two Italian words and how to use them?
If not, keep reading because today you’ll learn how to use magari and infatti.
MAGARI
Magari can have different meanings in Italian. In course books some of these meanings are taught sooner, some others, instead, are taugth at intermediate or advanced levels. However, if you happen to have an Italian language partner, you’ll probably learn all the meanings pretty soon, since the word magari is really very used in Italian.
Magari can mean:
1. Forse – maybe
Examples:
a. Magari domani passo a trovarti
Maybe I’ll come by and see you tomorrow
b. Non risponde al telefono, magari è occupato
He’s not answering the phone, maybe he’s busy
2. Semmai – used to suggest that something may be the case
Ex: Sai cosa? Magari, se vieni, dammi prima un colpo di telefono
You know what? If you happen to come, give me a call first
3. Sì, se possibile – yes, if it’s possible
Examples:
+ Vuoi che ti accompagni a casa?
– Eh, magari!
+ Do you want me to bring you home?
– Eh, if it’s possible, yes.
Moreover magari can also be used to express:
4. Hope and desire
Examples:
Hai davvero vinto la lotteria?
Eh, magari!
Did you really win the lottery?
Eh, I wish I had!
5. Regret
Ex: Magari l’avessi saputo prima! Non l’avrei mai comprato.
I wish I knew it! I’d never buy it.
INFATTI
Also the Italian word infatti is very used and can have several different meanings. Let’s see them.
1. It’s used to confirm or explain something you’ve just said
Ex: Oggi fa caldo e infatti la maggior parte neve si è già sciolta.
Today’s hot, and indeed most of the snow has already melted.
2. To give an affirmative answer
Ex:
+ Hai dovuto pulire tutto tu, vero?
– Infatti!
+ You had to clean everything, isn’t it?
– Indeed!
3. To express irony
Ex: Mi ha detto che mi avrebbe restituito i soldi a giugno e, infatti, non s’è più visto.
He told me he would give me my money back in June and, clearly, I’ve never seen him again.
Now that you’ve learnt the meaning of magari and infatti and how to use them, why don’t you try to make some sentences with them.
Credits
Original image by ColiN00B
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