se
/se/
The Italian word for 'if' is se.
se is a conjunction used to express 'supposing that'. It functions in two ways: to create conditional clauses and to introduce indirect questions, such as 'if' or 'whether'.
Meaning: supposing that (conj)
Which one should you use?
se is a versatile word that works for both conditional statements (supposing that) and indirect questions (whether/if).
How do you pronounce it?
/se/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful not to confuse the conjunction se with the reflexive pronoun si or the accented pronoun sé. Use se specifically when you mean 'if'.
Did you know?
- In some old linguistic theories, the origin of se is linked to the combination of the Latin words for 'if' and 'what', essentially meaning 'if what'.
- Because se is so short, Italian speakers often blend it into the following word in fast speech, creating a sound that can make the word nearly invisible to a listener.
- While se expresses a condition, Italians often use it in the phrase se possibile as a polite way to soften a request, similar to 'if possible'.
Examples in context
- Lo farà se può.She'll do that if she can.This sentence shows how to use se in a conditional statement.Tatoeba #8884768 by Guybrush88, translation #7392202 by CH
- Non so se lo sa.I don't know if he knows it.This sentence demonstrates the use of se to introduce an indirect question.Tatoeba #3508549 by Guybrush88, translation #259977 by CK
- Va bene se vuoi.It's okay if you want to.This sentence shows a conditional usage of se.Tatoeba #4193141 by Guybrush88, translation #4172178 by Hybrid
- Se piove, non uscirò di casa.If it rains, I won't go out.
- Dimmi se hai bisogno di aiuto.Tell me if you need help.
- Nel caso in cui non possiate partecipare all'evento, vi preghiamo di darci notizia al più presto.In the event that you cannot attend the event, please let us know as soon as possible.
- Qualora avessi domande, non esitare a contattarmi.If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me.
- Se mi inviti al tuo compleanno, verrò di sicuro!If you invite me to your birthday party, I'll definitely come!
- Dì a Luca che stasera esco solo se si mette un abito decente.Tell Luca that I'll go out tonight only if he wears a decent outfit.
- Caso mai tu lo veda, digli che mi chiami.If you happen to see him, tell him to call me.
- Se per caso ti servissero soldi, fammi sapere.If you need money, let me know, just in case.
- Mettiamo che venga domani, che dobbiamo fare?If he comes tomorrow, what should we do?
- 5015 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Giulia are planning a walk in the park.
- FrancescoAndiamo al parco se c'è il sole?Shall we go to the park if it is sunny?
- GiuliaSì, andiamo se non fa troppo caldo.Yes, let's go if it is not too hot.
- FrancescoIo prendo l'ombrellone se serve.I will take the umbrella if it is needed.
- GiuliaVa bene, Francesco, porta tutto.Alright, Francesco, bring everything.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “if” translations and entries se, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries se, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
