Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mai | /ˈma.i/ | |
| giammai | /d͡ʒamˈma.i/ | emphatic, obsolete |
mai is an adverb meaning at no time. For a formal way to say "under no circumstances", you might use In nessun caso. In informal settings, you can use the phrase Neppure per sogno, which translates to "not even in a dream".
Which one should you use?
giammai is a more emphatic and literary version of mai, often found in poetry or highly dramatic speech.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used with a verb, mai typically requires the negative particle non to be placed before the verb, forming the structure non … mai.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈma.i/. It has 2 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often forget to include the non before the verb. Avoid saying Io bevo mai and instead say Io non bevo mai.
Did you know?
- The common word mai actually traces its roots back to the Latin word magis, which means 'more'.
- While mai means 'never' in negative sentences, it can mean 'ever' in positive questions. For example, Sei mai stato a Roma? means 'Have you ever been to Rome?'
- If an Italian says Mai! as a one-word answer to a question, they do not need to use the particle non because there is no verb to negate.
Examples in context
- Non si sa mai.You never know.Tatoeba #1417940 by Guybrush88, translation #1389720 by CM
- Non è mai qui.He's never here.Tatoeba #8485827 by Guybrush88, translation #8480283 by CH
- Io non bevo mai.I never drink.Tatoeba #1355397 by Guybrush88, translation #1355398 by CK
- Non l'ho mai visto.I have never seen him/her.
- Non andrò mai in quella città.I will never go to that city.
- Non uscirò con lui neppure per sogno!I will never go out with him, not even in a dream!
- Non ho mai avuto l'opportunità di incontrare il Presidente.I have never had the opportunity to meet the President.
- Non andrei mai in quel ristorante, non mi piacciono i loro piatti.I would never go to that restaurant, I don't like their dishes.
- Sei il tipo di persona che non dimenticherò mai.You're the kind of person I will never forget.
- 7357 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Sofia are talking about their eating habits at a restaurant.
- LorenzoVuoi provare questo piatto?Do you want to try this dish?
- SofiaNo, non mangio mai pesce.No, I never eat fish.
- LorenzoDavvero? Non l'hai mai provato?Really? You have never tried it?
- SofiaNo, non mi piace affatto.No, I don't like it at all.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “never” translations and entries mai, giammai, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries giammai, mai, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
