eh
The Italian word eh is used to request repetition or clarification.
In casual conversations among friends or family, eh can be used to express surprise, skepticism or as a filler word.
Meaning: request for repetition or clarification (intj)
Which one should you use?
While the source pack notes a request for clarification, using eh alone to mean 'what?' can sound blunt or even rude compared to more polite forms like Come? or Prego?
When do people say it?
Ma dai? is an informal way to react with disbelief or astonishment, meaning 'Come on!'
Did you know?
- The sound eh is used in the common expression eh volevi!, which is a sarcastic way to tell someone they are wishing for something that will never happen.
- In some contexts, a quick, sharp Eh! can be used to express sudden realization or to capture someone's attention, functioning almost like an exclamation of 'Aha!' or 'Hey!'
- The pitch of eh completely changes its emotional weight. A rising pitch functions as a question, whereas a falling, drawn-out pitch can signal resignation or a heavy sigh of disbelief.
Examples in context
- Sembra che stia nevicando, eh?Looks like it's snowing, eh?Tatoeba #708280 by Guybrush88, translation #708206 by papabear
- Capitalista, eh? Elenca tutte le capitali.Capitalist, eh? Name every capital.Tatoeba #11730316 by WM3DAS, translation #9963626 by shekitten
- Eh, cosa ne pensi del nuovo ristorante?Hey, what do you think about the new restaurant?
- Eh, secondo me è fantastico!Well, in my opinion, it's fantastic!
- Andiamo in vacanza domani, eh?We're going on vacation tomorrow, right?
- Eh sì, non vedo l'ora!Yes, I can't wait!
Example conversation
Sofia and Francesco are talking in a noisy cafe.
- FrancescoDobbiamo partire entro mezzogiorno.We have to leave by noon.
- SofiaEh? Puoi ripetere?Eh? Can you repeat that?
- FrancescoHo detto che dobbiamo partire presto.I said we have to leave early.
- SofiaAh, ora ho capito.Ah, now I understand.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
