non molto
/non ˈmol.to/word by word
The English phrase "not much" is translated into Italian as non molto.
non molto is used to indicate that the quantity or degree of something is small.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the negation non (not) and the adverb molto (much/a lot).
Which one should you use?
While non molto is used for degree or quantity, the word poco can be used as a direct synonym to express a small amount.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adverb to modify an adjective, non molto remains invariable regardless of the gender or number of the subject.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /non ˈmol.to/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word molto descends from a root meaning 'crumbled' or 'crumpled'. This suggests that in ancient times, a 'large amount' was envisioned as a pile of broken fragments.
- While non molto expresses a small degree, Italians often prefer using poco to emphasize the scarcity of something. Using non molto can sometimes sound like a polite understatement or a 'soft' denial.
- In certain regional dialects, particularly in the South, the word molto is replaced by assai. While non molto is standard, you might hear non assai in specific local contexts.
Examples in context
- Tom ha un figlio non molto più grande di Mary.Tom has a son not much older than Mary.This sentence is useful for seeing how non molto is used to modify an adjective in a comparison.Tatoeba #4937003 by Guybrush88, translation #2712721 by CK
- Non ho molto tempo oggi.I don't have much time today.
- Abbiamo discusso poco del progetto.We discussed the project briefly.
- Non mi piace molto quel ristorante.I don't really like that restaurant.
- Ho visto pochissimi film quest'anno.I've seen very few movies this year.
- Non mi interessa tanto la televisione.I'm not really interested in television.
- Ho trovato un libro interessante, ma niente di che.I found an interesting book, but nothing special.
- La festa era mica tanto divertente.The party wasn't all that fun.
- Non so molto sull'argomento.I don't know much about the topic.
- Mi piace il caffè, ma non molto.I like coffee, but not much.
Example conversation
Sofia and Matteo are discussing a movie they just watched.
- SofiaTi è piaciuto il film, Sofia?Did you like the movie, Sofia?
- MatteoSì, ma non molto.Yes, but not much.
- SofiaPerché non ti è piaciuto?Why didn't you like it?
- MatteoEra un po' troppo lungo, Matteo.It was a bit too long, Matteo.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (non, molto) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries molto, non, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
