cose basilari
The English phrase "basic things" is translated into Italian as cose basilari.
cose basilari is used to refer to basic things. You can also use the phrase elementi di base to express the concept of "basic things" or "fundamentals".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun cose (things) and the adjective basilari (basic).
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the phrase is cosa basilare.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the word cosa comes from the Latin 'causa', meaning 'cause' or 'lawsuit'. Over centuries, it shifted from meaning a legal case to any general 'thing'.
- Unlike the English 'basic' which can sometimes be an insult meaning 'uninspired', the Italian basilare is almost strictly used in a technical or structural sense.
- In an Italian classroom, if a teacher says you must master le basi, they are using a much more common and colloquial way to say 'the basic things' than using cose basilari.
Examples in context
- Dobbiamo concentrarci sulle cose basilari.We need to focus on the basic things.
Example conversation
Giulia and Lorenzo are starting a new cooking class.
- GiuliaLorenzo, conosci già le cose basilari?Lorenzo, do you already know the basic things?
- LorenzoNo, non so quasi nulla.No, I barely know anything.
- GiuliaAllora iniziamo dalle cose basilari oggi.Then let's start with the basic things today.
- LorenzoVa bene, Giulia, sono pronto.Alright, Giulia, I'm ready.
