finché
/finˈke/
The Italian phrase for 'as long as' is finché.
Depending on the context, it can mean 'as long as' or 'until'.
Meaning: while (conj)
Which one should you use?
While finché can mean 'as long as' (expressing duration), it can also mean 'until' (expressing a limit in time). For more formal ways to express the sense of 'as long as' in a conditional context, you may use purché (provided that / so long as) or a condizione che (on the condition that).
How does it change in a sentence?
In many subordinate clauses that express a condition or a temporal limit, finché is followed by the subjunctive mood, although the indicative is frequently used in colloquial speech. When using 'as long as' to mean that a certain negative event does not occur (provided that a negative does not happen), it is often paired with non to form finché non.
How do you pronounce it?
/finˈke/
Did you know?
- The phrase finché non is often used in Italian to mean 'until', even though non is a negative word, creating a double negative effect that is grammatically required.
- The word finché is a linguistic contraction of the word fino, meaning 'until' or 'to the end', and the relative pronoun che, meaning 'that'.
- When finché expresses a condition, it can often be replaced by the phrase a patto che, which literally translates to 'on the condition that'.
Examples in context
- Finché non rovina il weekend!As long as it doesn't spoil the weekend!This sentence is useful for showing how to use finché with a negative clause.Tatoeba #2449924 by Guybrush88, translation #266421 by Dejo
- Finché c'è vita, c'è speranza.As long as there is life, there is hope.This sentence shows a common proverb using finché.Tatoeba #4572 by Pharamp, translation #579197 by FeuDRenais2
- Non mi importa finché è felice.I don't care as long as you are happy.This sentence demonstrates the use of finché to express a condition.Tatoeba #3588666 by Guybrush88, translation #17867 by CK
- A condizione che tu studi, potrai superare facilmente l'esame di matematica.As long as you study, you'll be able to easily pass the math exam.
- 29 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Martina are discussing a project deadline.
- AlessandroPossiamo lavorare qui finché resta aperto l'ufficio.We can work here as long as the office stays open.
- MartinaSì, ma dobbiamo finire tutto oggi.Yes, but we have to finish everything today.
- AlessandroVa bene, io resto finché non finisci tu.Alright, I'll stay as long as you aren't finished.
- MartinaGrazie, Alessandro, sei molto gentile.Thanks, Alessandro, you are very kind.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry finché, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries finché, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
