mi manchi tantissimo
The English phrase "I miss you so much" is translated into Italian as mi manchi tantissimo.
This phrase is used to tell someone that you feel a strong sadness because they are not with you. You can intensify the expression of missing someone by using the word tantissimo (so much) or the word davvero (truly).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is literally structured as "you are missing to me very much" because the verb mancare functions with the person being missed as the subject. In the phrase mi manchi tantissimo, mi is the indirect object (to me) and manchi is the second-person singular conjugation of the verb mancare (you are missing). Finally, tantissimo is the absolute superlative form of tanto (much/so much), used here to intensify the feeling.
Which one should you use?
While English uses "I" as the subject of "miss", Italian uses "you" (the person being missed) as the subject of the verb mancare.
Did you know?
- In a romantic context, Italians might pair mi manchi with non vedo l'ora di rivederti, which literally means 'I don't see the hour of seeing you again'.
- While mi manchi is the standard expression, Italians may use mi manchi da morire to say they miss someone 'to death' for extra emphasis.
- The verb mancare can also mean 'to be missing' in a physical sense, such as when a piece of a puzzle is gone or a player is absent from a team.
Examples in context
- Mi manchi tantissimo, amore mio.I miss you so much, my love.
- Vieni presto, mi manchi tantissimo.Come back soon, I miss you so much.
Example conversation
Francesco and Giulia are talking on the phone after a long trip.
- FrancescoCiao Giulia, come stai?Hello Giulia, how are you?
- GiuliaSto bene, ma mi manchi tantissimo.I'm fine, but I miss you so much.
- FrancescoAnche tu mi manchi molto.I miss you a lot too.
- GiuliaNon vedo l'ora di vederti.I can't wait to see you.
