la maggior parte
In Italian, the phrase for 'most' is la maggior parte.
Alternatively, you can express 'most' by using superlatives such as il più.
Meaning: forming the superlative (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase la maggior parte literally translates to 'the greater part'.
Which one should you use?
While la maggior parte is the standard way to say 'most' in everyday speech, la maggioranza di is typically used in more formal, statistical or political contexts, such as referring to a 'majority of voters'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the phrase to mean 'most of [something]', you must include the preposition di after it, forming la maggior parte di. Although la maggior parte is a feminine singular noun phrase, the verb that follows it can be either singular or plural. This depends on whether the speaker is focusing on the 'part' itself or the specific people or things being described.
Did you know?
- In political contexts, using la maggior parte instead of la maggioranza can sound strangely casual. The former describes a quantity, while the latter denotes a legal or democratic power.
- The word la comes from the Latin illa, which was originally a demonstrative pronoun meaning 'that one' before it became a simple article.
- If you use la maggior parte to describe a group of women, the internal logic of the phrase remains feminine regardless of the gender of the people mentioned.
Examples in context
- La maggior parte di noi lo sa.Most of us know that.This sentence shows how to use la maggior parte to mean 'most of us'.Tatoeba #13013037 by Guybrush88, translation #5008847 by CK
- La maggior parte di noi lo farà.Most of us will do that.Tatoeba #7746384 by Guybrush88, translation #7737804 by CK
- Odio la maggior parte della gente.I hate most people.This sentence shows how to use la maggior parte to mean 'most people'.Tatoeba #8377572 by Guybrush88, translation #5757588 by CM
- La maggior parte degli studenti preferisce studiare all'aperto.Most students prefer to study outdoors.
- Sono convinto che la maggior parte delle persone rispetti le regole di base.I am convinced that most people respect basic rules.
- La maggior parte degli italiani ama la pizza.Most Italians love pizza.
- La maggioranza dei ragazzi preferisce andare al mare d'estate.Most boys prefer to go to the beach in summer.
- In Italia, la maggioranza delle persone ama il caffè espresso.In Italy, most people love espresso coffee.
- La maggioranza delle donne indossa la gonna.Most women wear skirts.
- Questa è la pizza più buona che abbia mai mangiato.This is the most delicious pizza I have ever eaten.
- 241 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara and Alessandro are discussing their colleagues at work.
- ChiaraLa maggior parte dei colleghi è in pausa.Most of the colleagues are on break.
- AlessandroDavvero? Alessandro è ancora alla scrivania.Really? Alessandro is still at his desk.
- ChiaraSì, ma la maggior parte deve tornare presto.Yes, but most must return soon.
- AlessandroHai ragione, Chiara.You are right, Chiara.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries la, parte, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
