non proprio
/non ˈprɔ.prjo/word by word
The English phrase "not quite" is translated into Italian as non proprio.
The phrase non proprio is used to mean "not quite" or "not exactly". It is used to nuance a description or to correct a statement rather than to express a complete negation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the negation non (not) and the adverb proprio (exactly/properly/really).
Did you know?
- While non proprio is a polite way to disagree, using it with a slight shrug or a tilt of the head is a common non-verbal cue in Italy to signal a 'soft no' without being confrontational.
- The word proprio in this phrase shares its Latin roots with the English word 'property', as both relate to something being one's own or specific to a person.
- The term non proprio is often used in Italian diplomatic or formal speech to avoid the bluntness of no, allowing the speaker to maintain 'bella figura' by not disagreeing too sharply.
Examples in context
- La tua risposta non è proprio corretta.Your answer is not quite correct.
- Il progetto non è del tutto concluso.The project is not quite finished.
- Quella non è esattamente la risposta che cercavo.That's not exactly the answer I was looking for.
- Non è proprio il mio tipo di musica.It's not quite my type of music.
- La pasta non è del tutto cotta.The pasta is not quite cooked.
- Non esattamente quello che mi aspettavo.Not exactly what I was expecting.
- Quella maglietta non è proprio di moda.That t-shirt is not quite fashionable.
- Non proprio il miglior modo di affrontare la situazione.Not quite the best way to handle the situation.
- È un po' difficile, non proprio impossibile.It's a bit difficult, not quite impossible.
- È il colore giusto? Non proprio.Is it the right color? Not quite.
- Hai capito tutto? Non proprio.Did you understand everything? Not quite.
- La casa è pronta? Non proprio.Is the house ready? Not quite.
Example conversation
Giulia and Francesco are discussing a finished painting.
- GiuliaFrancesco, hai finito il disegno?Francesco, have you finished the drawing?
- FrancescoNon proprio, devo ancora aggiungere i dettagli.Not quite, I still have to add the details.
- GiuliaTi serve aiuto con i colori?Do you need help with the colors?
- FrancescoNo, grazie, sto quasi finendo.No, thanks, I am almost finished.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (non, proprio) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries non, proprio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
