Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| completamente | /kom.ple.taˈmen.te/ |
| interamente | /in.te.raˈmen.te/ |
| del tutto | |
| totalmente | /to.talˈmen.te/ |
| pienamente | /pje.naˈmen.te/ |
All these forms are used to express something to the fullest extent or degree. While they share a core meaning, they are used in different contexts. For example, completamente is a general-purpose term, while interamente is often preferred when discussing the whole of a physical object or a complete sum of parts.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase del tutto functions as a single adverbial unit meaning 'completely' or 'entirely', though it can also be used as a noun phrase meaning 'the whole'.
Which one should you use?
Completamente is the most general term. Use interamente when referring to the entirety of a physical object or a collection of parts. Use pienamente for more formal or emotional contexts, such as saying one is 'fully' aware. The phrase del tutto is a fixed unit often used to intensify adjectives or verbs.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Italian, adverbs like completamente typically follow the verb they modify, such as in the sentence 'Ho finito completamente il lavoro' (I have completely finished the work). The phrase del tutto often appears before the adjective it is modifying.
How do you pronounce it?
{'ipa': '/kom.ple.taˈmen.te/', 'syllables': 5, 'stressed_syllable': '4 of 5'}
Did you know?
- The phrase del tutto is actually a miniature sentence, composed of a preposition, a definite article, and a noun. It literally translates to 'of the all' rather than a single adverb.
- While pienamente means 'fully' or 'completely', its root is the word pieno, which means 'full' as in a glass of water.
- While English speakers often use 'totally' as a casual filler word, using totalmente in Italian tends to feel more formal and deliberate in its weight.
Examples in context
- Ha del tutto torto.He is completely wrong.This sentence shows how to use del tutto to intensify the verb 'torto'.Tatoeba #8356111 by Guybrush88, translation #8073485 by CH
- Lo ignori del tutto.Ignore him completely.This sentence demonstrates using del tutto to modify the verb 'ignori'.Tatoeba #11436278 by Guybrush88, translation #9422032 by Nuel
- È del tutto ridicolo.That's completely ridiculous.This sentence illustrates using del tutto to intensify the adjective 'ridicolo'.Tatoeba #12288235 by Guybrush88, translation #2439844 by Hybrid
- Ho letto completamente il rapporto.I have completely read the report.
- Abbiamo analizzato completamente il problema.We have fully analyzed the problem.
- Ho dimenticato totalmente il nostro appuntamento.I completely forgot about our appointment.
- Il nuovo software è completamente compatibile con il nostro sistema.The new software is fully compatible with our system.
- Ho capito del tutto il tuo punto di vista.I completely understand your point of view.
- Ho risolto il problema al 100%.I have completely solved the problem.
- Quella notizia mi ha sorpreso al 100%.That news completely surprised me.
- Sono sicuro al 100% che arriverà presto.I am 100% sure he will arrive soon.
- 389 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Giulia are cleaning the living room.
- MatteoHai pulito completamente il tavolo?Did you completely clean the table?
- GiuliaSì, l'ho pulito bene.Yes, I cleaned it well.
- MatteoOttimo, ora siamo pronti.Great, now we are ready.
- GiuliaSì, è tutto in ordine.Yes, everything is in order.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “completely” translations and entries completamente, interamente, del tutto, totalmente, pienamente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
