Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| a proposito | /a‿p.proˈpɔ.si.to/ |
| incidentalmente | |
| per caso | /per ˈka.zo/ |
The most common way to express "by the way" is to use a proposito when you want to transition to a new topic that is related to what was just mentioned, similar to saying "speaking of which". If you want to say "speaking of [topic]" or "regarding [topic]", you must add the preposition di to create the phrase a proposito di.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase a proposito literally translates to "to the purpose" or "concerning the matter".
Which one should you use?
While a proposito is used to transition between related topics, per caso is used for "by chance". incidentalmente is a more formal, technical way to say "incidentally".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more formal, technical tone, you can use incidentalmente. In formal settings such as presentations or speeches, you can also use Tra parentesi to introduce a related side note.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of a proposito is /a‿p.proˈpɔ.si.to/. It has 5 syllables, and the stress is on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- The Italian a proposito is a direct relative of the French phrase à propos, which was adopted into English as a loanword meaning 'relevant'.
- In formal Italian oratory, such as a speech or lecture, one might use Tra parentesi to introduce a side note, which literally means 'between parentheses'.
- While per caso means 'by chance', it is often used in questions to politely soften a request, similar to how English speakers use 'by any chance'.
Examples in context
- A proposito, di dov'è?By the way, where are you from?This sentence shows how to use a proposito to introduce a question about someone's origin.Tatoeba #2691399 by Guybrush88, translation #38050 by Zifre
- A proposito, dov'è Tom?By the way, where's Tom?This sentence demonstrates using a proposito to ask about a person's location.Tatoeba #13383928 by Guybrush88, translation #10867281 by sundown
- A proposito, tu dove vivi?By the way, where do you live?This sentence shows how to use a proposito to ask where someone lives.Tatoeba #3607633 by Guybrush88, translation #38058 by CK
- A proposito, è necessario parlarti di un'altra questione importante.By the way, it is necessary to talk to you about another important matter.
- Questo è il risultato della nostra analisi. Tra parentesi, vorrei sottolineare un dato interessante.This is the result of our analysis. By the way, I would like to highlight an interesting fact.
- 55 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Sofia are walking in the park.
- AlessandroÈ una bellissima giornata, non trovi?It is a beautiful day, don't you think?
- SofiaSì, è fantastica! A proposito, hai fame?Yes, it is fantastic! By the way, are you hungry?
- AlessandroSì, molto. Conosci un buon ristorante qui vicino?Yes, very. Do you know a good restaurant near here?
- SofiaConosco un posto delizioso proprio dietro l'angolo.I know a delicious place right around the corner.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “by the way” translations and entries a proposito, incidentalmente, per caso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, a proposito, incidentalmente, per, per caso, proposito, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
