The different meanings of the Italian verb figurarsi (Part 1)

Figurarsi is one of those Italian words that is widely used in Italian and that can have different meanings.

Let’s see all of them.

1. You’re welcome; don’t mention it

One of the different meanings of the verb figurarsi is you’re welcome. So, it’s used to reply to someone that says grazie – thank you – to you.

Examples

a. + Grazie del consiglio.
– Figurati!
+ Thank you for the advice.
– You’re welcome/don’t mention it!

b. + Grazie del passaggio.
– Figurati
+ Thank you for the lift.
– You’re welcome/don’t mention it!

2. Emphasis

Another use of the Italian verb figurarsi is to give emphasis. Its meaning is similar to the English expression just think.

Ex: Mia figlia si è sposata e non me l’ha detto. Figurati come mi sono sentita quando ho saputo la notizia!
My daughter got married and she didn’t tell me. Just think how I felt when I heard the news.

3. That’s not true; I don’t believe it!

Another use of the the Italian word figurarsi is to show incredulity. In this case, its meaning is usually similar to that’s not true; I don’t believe it, or to the more sarcastic oh yes, of course; yeah, sure!

Examples

a. Hai vinto alla lotteria? Ma figurati!
Did you win the lottery? That’s not true/I don’t believe it/ oh yes, of course!

b. + Sai, ho appena incontrato Brad Pitt al bar.
– Sì, figurati!
+ You know, I’ve just met Brad Pitt at the bar.
– Yeah, sure!

4. No

One of the different meanings of the verb figurarsi is no.

Example

+ Disturbo? – Si figuri!
+ Do I bother you? – No

 

I’ll cover all the other different meanings of the word figurarsi in another article, that will be published in two weeks.

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Credits

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