non ci piove
/non ˈt͡ʃi ˈpjɔ.ve/word by word
In Italian, 'definitely' can be translated in several ways depending on the context, with the default form being non ci piove. Wiktionary also lists certamente.
Meaning: An emphatic affirmative answer, of course (adv)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| non ci piove | /non ˈt͡ʃi ˈpjɔ.ve/ (word by word) |
| certamente | /t͡ʃer.taˈmen.te/ |
The phrases are used to express certainty or an emphatic affirmative. Non ci piove is often used as a standalone response to confirm that a fact is indisputable, acting as a way to say 'no doubt about it' or 'it's a settled matter'. Certamente is a standard adverb used to express certainty in both formal and informal contexts.
What does it mean word for word?
The idiom non ci piove literally means 'it does not rain on it', implying that the matter is so certain that even rain wouldn't change it.
Which one should you use?
Certamente is a standard adverb for 'certainly' or 'definitely'. In contrast, non ci piove is a more idiomatic and emphatic way to say 'definitely' or 'no doubt about it'.
How do you pronounce it?
/non ˈtʃi ˈpjɔ.ve/
Did you know?
- Italian speakers may use certamente with a specific rising intonation to turn a 'definite' yes into a polite but questioning 'Are you sure?', depending on the context.
- The pronoun ci in the phrase non ci piove has a debated history. Some linguists believe it may have originated from the Latin word for 'here', suggesting the phrase could be understood as 'it does not rain here on it'.
- In Italian, using certamente can sometimes sound overly formal or stiff in very casual settings, where a simple sì or certo is more natural.
Examples in context
- Tom ci aiuterà certamente.Tom is definitely going to help us.This sentence shows how to use certamente to express a certain future action.Tatoeba #7094835 by Guybrush88, translation #6436660 by CK
- Penso certamente che sia fattibile.I definitely think it's doable.This sentence demonstrates using certamente to express a certain thought.Tatoeba #7032214 by Guybrush88, translation #4999771 by CK
- Il Natale è certamente la mia festività preferita.Christmas is definitely my favorite holiday.This sentence illustrates how certamente can be used to state a certain preference.Tatoeba #6569408 by Guybrush88, translation #5705318 by CK
- Sicuramente, verrò alla riunione domani.Definitely, I will come to the meeting tomorrow.
- Sicuramente, avrò il rapporto pronto entro domani.Definitely, I will have the report ready by tomorrow.
- Hai sicuramente ragione.You're definitely right.
- Certamente, sarò presente alla conferenza.Certainly, I will be present at the conference.
- Certamente, provvederemo a risolvere il problema.Certainly, we will take care of solving the problem.
- La tua idea è certamente valida.Your idea is definitely valid.
- Certo, ci vediamo domani al parco.Definitely, see you tomorrow at the park.
- Certo, ti aiuterò con il trasloco.Definitely, I will help you with the move.
- Di sicuro, mi unirò alla tua festa.Definitely, I will join your party.
- Verrò, di sicuro!I will come, definitely!
- Di sicuro abbiamo scelto la destinazione migliore per la vacanza.We definitely chose the best destination for the vacation.
- Domani andiamo al cinema, sicurissimo!Tomorrow we're going to the movies, definitely!
- Ha fatto davvero molto caldo oggi!It was definitely very hot today!
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Martina are discussing whether a project will be finished on time.
- LorenzoFiniremo tutto entro domani, vero?We will finish everything by tomorrow, right?
- MartinaSì, non ci piove.Yes, there is no doubt about it.
- LorenzoSei sicura che non ci saranno ritardi?Are you sure there won't be any delays?
- MartinaAssolutamente, non ci piove.Absolutely, there is no doubt.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “definitely” translations and entries non ci piove, certamente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (non, ci, piove) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries certamente, ci, non, piove, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
