purtroppo
/ˌpurˈtrɔp.po/
The English phrase 'unfortunately' can be translated into Italian using purtroppo. Wiktionary also lists sfortunatamente and malauguratamente.
Meaning: happening through bad luck (adv)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| sfortunatamente | |
| purtroppo | /ˌpurˈtrɔp.po/ |
| malauguratamente |
All these terms are adverbs used to describe something happening through bad luck.
What does it mean word for word?
The word sfortunatamente is built from the adjective sfortunato (unlucky) and the adverbial suffix -mente (equivalent to the English '-ly').
Which one should you use?
Purtroppo is the most common and frequently used way to say 'unfortunately' in everyday Italian. Sfortunatamente and malauguratamente are more formal than purtroppo. Malauguratamente is considered a more formal and literary term than purtroppo.
How do you pronounce it?
The word purtroppo has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /ˌpurˈtrɔp.po/.
Did you know?
- The word malauguratamente contains the root augurio, which refers to the ancient Roman practice of reading the flight of birds to predict the future.
- The word purtroppo is actually a contraction of the words pure (also) and troppo (too much).
- In Italian, purtroppo is often used as a standalone exclamation to express disappointment, similar to how an English speaker might sigh and say 'Alas'.
Examples in context
- Purtroppo è così dappertutto.Unfortunately, it's the same everywhere.This example is useful for using purtroppo to describe a widespread situation.Tatoeba #6917351 by dnnywld, translation #5137559 by CK
- Sfortunatamente, Tom lo fece.Unfortunately, Tom did that.This example is useful for using sfortunatamente to describe a specific action.Tatoeba #7533086 by Guybrush88, translation #6349034 by CK
- Sfortunatamente, non è il caso.Unfortunately, that isn't the case.This example is useful for using sfortunatamente to negate a case or situation.Tatoeba #5137629 by Guybrush88, translation #5137606 by CK
- Purtroppo, il volo è stato cancellato.Unfortunately, the flight has been canceled.
- Il tuo suggerimento è valido, sfortunatamente non possiamo implementarlo al momento.Your suggestion is valid. Unfortunately, we cannot implement it at this time.
- Volevo andare al concerto, ma peccato, i biglietti sono esauriti.I wanted to go to the concert, but unfortunately, the tickets are sold out.
- 121 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a cancelled outing.
- AlessandroVuoi andare al cinema stasera?Do you want to go to the cinema tonight?
- GiuliaPurtroppo non posso perché devo lavorare.Unfortunately I cannot because I have to work.
- AlessandroChe peccato, Giulia!What a pity, Giulia!
- GiuliaSì, mi dispiace molto.Yes, I am very sorry.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “unfortunately” translations and entries sfortunatamente, purtroppo, malauguratamente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries malauguratamente, purtroppo, sfortunatamente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
