appena
/apˈpe.na/
The Italian phrase for "just" is appena.
appena is used to indicate a recent occurrence, meaning "just" or "as soon as". It can also be used to mean "barely" or "scarcely" when describing the degree or sufficiency of something rather than a point in time.
Which one should you use?
While appena refers to time or degree, the word solo is used to express "just" or "only" in the sense of quantity or exclusivity.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that an action has just occurred, appena is typically used with the passato prossimo.
How do you pronounce it?
/apˈpe.na/. The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not confuse appena with solo. Use appena for time or degree, but use solo when you mean "just" in the sense of "only" or to indicate quantity.
Did you know?
- The word appena originates from the Vulgar Latin phrase ad poenam, which literally means 'to the point of punishment'.
- When used as 'as soon as', appena can trigger a change in verb tense to the future or the subjunctive, depending on the region and formality.
- While appena means 'just', adding the word solo to the same sentence creates a strong emphasis that the action happened and absolutely nothing else occurred.
Examples in context
- Si è appena rotto.It just broke.This sentence is useful for describing an object that has just broken.Tatoeba #4629718 by Guybrush88, translation #2248754 by CK
- Tom è appena morto.Tom just died.This sentence is useful for describing someone who has just died.Tatoeba #3412794 by Guybrush88, translation #2237063 by CK
- Li ho appena visti.I've just seen them.This sentence is useful for describing the recent sighting of people.Tatoeba #5723045 by Guybrush88, translation #3909834 by CH
- Ho soltanto cinque minuti per parlare con te.I only have five minutes to talk to you.
- 1516 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Alessandro are in the kitchen.
- MartinaHai visto il mio libro?Have you seen my book?
- AlessandroSì, l'ho appena messo sul tavolo.Yes, I just put it on the table.
- MartinaGrazie, non lo trovavo.Thanks, I couldn't find it.
- AlessandroDi nulla, Martina.You're welcome, Martina.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry appena, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries appena, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
