There are some words that Italians use very often, sometimes, without even realizing it. These words are extremely useful if you wish to sound like a real Italian. So, today, we’re going to see some of these Italian words.
Ready? Let’s start!
1. Allora
– The first of today’s Italian words is allora. In spoken Italian, allora is widely used to start or pick up a conversation.
Ex: Allora, oggi parliamo della politica italiana.
So, today we talk about Italian politics.
Ex: Allora, di cosa stavamo parlando?
So, what were we talking about?
– Allora is used to express curiosity, impatience, or irritation.
Ex: Allora? Ti sbrighi? (irritation)
Will you hurry up or what?
Ex: Allora? Hai passato l’esame? (curiosity)
Well, did you pass the exam?
More on allora at What does allora mean in Italian?
2. Insomma
– Insomma can be used to express your impatience or irritation.
Ex: Insomma! Ti sbrighi?
Will you hurry up or what?
– You can use insomma when answering questions if you want to say that you think that something is so so.
Ex: + Ti è piaciuta la pasta?
+Did you like the pasta?
– Insomma…
– So so
More on how to use insomma at Insomma, how to use it in Italian.
3. Magari
– In spoken Italian, magari can mean forse, maybe.
Ex: Se fa bello, magari domani andiamo al mare.
If the weather is nice, maybe we’ll go to the beach tomorrow
– Also, in spoken Italian magari is used to express desire.
Ex: + Cosa ne dici se andiamo a mangiarci un gelato?
+ How about we go out and have an ice cream?
– Magari!
– I’d love that!
More on how to use magari at The meanings of the Italian words magari and infatti.
4. Dai!
– In informal Italian, dai can be used to express encouragement.
Ex: Dai, ci sei quasi, continua così!
Come on, you’re almost there, keep it up!
– Also, in informal Italian dai can be used to show incredulity.
Ex: + Ieri sono stata derubata alla stazione.
+ Yesterday I was robbed at the station.
– No, dai!
– No way!
More on how to use dai at How to sound like a native using allora and dai.
5. Boh!
– In informal Italian, boh is used instead of the sentence “non lo so” to say “I don’t know”.
Ex: + Ma chi è quello?
+ Who’s that?
– Boh!
– I don’t know!
6. Sei fuori
– This informal Italian expression means crazy, you’re out of your mind.
Ex: Stai rompendo gli spaghetti a metà?! Ma sei fuori?
Are you breaking spaghetti in half?! Are you crazy?
7. Cavolo/caspita!
– Cavolo and caspita are two Italian informal expressions that can both be used to express surprise:
Ex: + Ieri sono stata derubata alla stazione.
+ Yesterday I was robbed at the station.
– Cavolo/Caspita!
– No way!
– Cavolo and caspita can also be used to show your rage or impatience. I would say that cavolo is more common than caspita.
Ex: Ma che cavolo/caspita fai?!
What the heck are you doing?!
More on how to use cavolo at Uffa, immagino, cavolo. Three Italian words to speak like a native.
8. Ecco
– The last of today’s Italian expressions is ecco. Ecco can be used to show your irritation, especially when you want to underline that something you said turned out to be true, as you expected.
Ex: Ecco, è adesso tutto esaurito! Ti avevo detto di prenotare prima!
There, now it’s sold out! I told you to make a reservation earlier!
But, of course, ecco can be used in many other ways. Have a look at How to use the Italian word ecco.
Do you use these Italian words when speaking Italian?
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Credits
Original image by VinzentWeinbeer
Tipo, an Italian word with many uses
