quasi
/ˈkwa.zi/
The English phrase 'nearly' can be translated into Italian using quasi, which is the most direct and common translation. Wiktionary also lists praticamente and circa.
Meaning: almost, but not quite (adv)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| quasi | /ˈkwa.zi/ |
| praticamente | /pra.ti.kaˈmen.te/ |
| circa | /ˈt͡ʃir.ka/ |
quasi can be used as an adverb to modify adjectives, verbs or nouns, similar to how 'almost' functions in English. For example, you can use the phrase quasi mai to mean 'almost never' in the context of time. praticamente is often used colloquially to mean 'practically' or 'essentially' to emphasize that a situation is effectively true.
Which one should you use?
While quasi means 'almost' and implies a state of being 'almost' there but not quite, praticamente is often used colloquially to mean 'practically' or 'essentially'.
How do you pronounce it?
quasi is pronounced /ˈkwa.zi/. It has 2 syllables, with the stress on 1 of 2.
Did you know?
- While quasi is the standard for 'nearly', Italians often use the phrase quasi quasi to express a sudden, hesitant impulse to do something, similar to 'I think I might just'.
- Italian speakers often use quasi in a sarcastic way to imply that something is actually far from being finished or correct, depending on the tone of voice.
- The word quasi shares its origin with the English word 'quasi', used as a prefix to mean 'resembling' or 'seemingly'.
Examples in context
- Sono quasi le tre.It's nearly three o'clock.This sentence shows how to use quasi to indicate a nearly completed time.Tatoeba #1251567 by Guybrush88, translation #519323 by CK
- Sono quasi le sei.It's nearly six o'clock.This sentence demonstrates the use of quasi with a specific hour.Tatoeba #2018109 by Guybrush88, translation #519113 by blay_paul
- Tom è quasi cieco.Tom is nearly blind.This sentence shows how quasi modifies an adjective.Tatoeba #7788575 by Guybrush88, translation #5109624 by CK
- Sto quasi finendo la mia tesi.I'm nearly finished with my thesis.
- La temperatura è quasi zero gradi.The temperature is nearly zero degrees.
- Siamo vicino all'obiettivo.We are nearly at the goal.
- Ci sono circa 50 persone nella sala.There are nearly 50 people in the room.
- Ho pressappoco 30 anni.I'm nearly 30 years old.
- Il film dura pressappoco due ore.The movie lasts nearly two hours.
- Esco da solo quasi maiI almost never go out alone.
- 128 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Martina are talking about a project they are working on.
- LorenzoHai finito di scrivere il rapporto, Lorenzo?Have you finished writing the report, Lorenzo?
- MartinaSì, l'ho quasi terminato.Yes, I've nearly finished it.
- LorenzoOttimo, possiamo inviarlo subito.Great, we can send it right away.
- MartinaAspetta un momento, controllo l'ultima pagina.Wait a moment, I'll check the last page.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nearly” translations and entries quasi, praticamente, circa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries circa, praticamente, quasi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
