mai più
/ˈmaj ˈpju/
The English phrase "nevermore" is translated into Italian as mai più.
mai più is used to indicate that something will not happen again in the future. It is frequently used as a standalone exclamation, such as Mai più!, to express a firm resolution or a vow to avoid a certain situation in the future.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of mai (never) and più (more).
Which one should you use?
While mai più can stand alone as an exclamation, when used within a full sentence to negate a verb, it is often paired with the negative particle non (for example, non … mai più, meaning "not … ever again").
How does it change in a sentence?
In Italian, mai più is typically placed after the verb or at the end of a sentence to indicate that an action will not recur.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmaj ˈpju/
Did you know?
- The word mai actually descends from the Latin 'magis', which is the ancestor of the English word 'more'. This makes the Italian word for 'never' a direct relative of the English word for 'abundance'.
- The word mai is a linguistic chameleon that can mean both 'never' and 'ever'. It is the presence or absence of the word non that tells the listener whether the statement is a negation or an affirmation.
- When an Italian uses mai più as a response, it often signals a dramatic vow. This expression is far more emotionally charged than a standard 'no' and implies a permanent shift in one's life.
Examples in context
- Mai più!Nevermore!This example shows how to use mai più as a standalone exclamation.Tatoeba #4569672 by Guybrush88, translation #5254261 by soweli_Elepanto
- Una notte e forse mai piùOne night and maybe nevermoreThis example shows how mai più can be used to describe a possibility in a sentence.
- Va bene, accetteremo la vostra decisione. Mai più chiederemo una modifica.Alright, we'll accept your decision. We'll never ask for a modification again.
- Non voglio mai più mangiare cibo surgelato.I never want to eat frozen food again.
Example conversation
Matteo and Martina are discussing a bad experience at a restaurant.
- MatteoQuel ristorante era terribile.That restaurant was terrible.
- MartinaSì, non ci andremo mai più.Yes, we will never go there again.
- MatteoHai ragione, Martina.You are right, Martina.
- MartinaCerchiamo un posto migliore la prossima volta.Let's look for a better place next time.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mai più, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mai, mai più, più, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
