In this guide, we will explore different ways to say “what” in Italy, both formally and informally. Understanding how to ask someone to repeat, clarify or explain something is essential when communicating in any language. We will also touch upon regional variations, although it’s important to note that the Italian language is relatively uniform throughout the country. Let’s dive in and discover the various ways to express “what” in Italy!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “What”
When speaking formally or in more official settings, Italians use slightly different phrases to express the word “what.” Here are a few formal options you can use:
- “Scusi?” (Excuse me?) – This is a polite and widely understood way to ask for repetition or clarification. It is appropriate for use in formal situations, such as when addressing someone of authority or unfamiliar individuals.
- “Mi scusi, potrebbe ripetere?” (Excuse me, could you repeat?) – This is another expression to politely ask someone to repeat what they said.
- “Può spiegarsi meglio?” (Could you explain it better?) – When you need someone to explain or clarify further, this phrase can be helpful in formal settings.
Informal Ways to Say “What”
Informal situations merit a more relaxed approach. Italians have their own set of expressions to convey “what” in a casual manner. Here are some examples:
- “Cosa?” (What?) – This is the most common way to say “what” in Italian and is used informally across the country.
- “Come?” (What?) – Another common expression, often used to seek clarification in informal conversations.
- “Scusa?” (Excuse me?) – This is often used among friends or in informal settings while seeking clarification or asking someone to repeat themselves.
Regional Variations
Italian, as a language, does not differ significantly across regions. However, there are a few variations in how “what” is expressed in certain areas of Italy. Let’s take a look:
Northern Italy
In Northern Italy, people might use the expression “Cosa dici?” (What are you saying?), “Cosa vuoi dire?” (What do you mean?), or “Come sarebbe a dire?” (What do you mean?) to ask “what.” These variations are a little less common when compared to the more generic Italian expressions discussed earlier.
Southern Italy
In Southern Italy, you may come across phrases like “Che dici?” (What are you saying?), “Che vuoi di'” (What do you want?), or “Che vuoi dire?” (What do you mean?). While these phrases have a similar meaning, they showcase the vibrant and expressive nature of the Southern Italian dialects.
TIP: While it is interesting to understand regional variations, it is important to note that standard Italian expressions are widely understood across the country. Learning the commonly used forms will serve you well during most interactions.
Examples
To help you grasp the various ways “what” is expressed in Italian, here are some situational examples:
- Formal:
- “Scusi, potrebbe ripetere lentamente?” (Excuse me, could you repeat slowly?)
- “Mi scuso, non ho capito bene. Può spiegarsi meglio?” (I’m sorry, I didn’t understand well. Could you explain it better?)
- Informal:
- “Cosa hai detto?” (What did you say?)
- “Come?” (What?)
Remember, it’s not just about the words you use, but also the context and tone. Always pay attention to non-verbal cues and adjust your expressions accordingly. Enjoy practicing these variations of “what” and have fun exploring the Italian language!
