Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “with” in Italian, one of the most versatile and important words in any language. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate Italian learner, mastering the various ways to express “with” is essential for effective communication. In this guide, we will cover formal and informal expressions, provide tips, examples, and even explore regional variations when necessary. So, let’s dive in and discover the many nuances of saying “with” in Italian!
Table of Contents
1. The Basic Translation:
Let’s start with the most common translation: “with” in Italian is typically translated as “con.” This is the go-to word you’ll find in dictionaries. Here are a few examples:
Vado al cinema con mio fratello. (I’m going to the cinema with my brother.)
Giovanni parla con Maria. (Giovanni is talking with Maria.)
2. Formal Ways to Say “With”:
When it comes to formal situations, particularly in business or professional contexts, Italians may use expressions other than the straightforward “con.” Let’s look at some alternatives:
2.1. In the company of:
To convey the idea of being “with” someone in a formal setting, Italians often use “in compagnia di.” Take a look at these examples:
- Vorrei cenare in compagnia di mio marito. (I would like to have dinner with my husband.)
- Lorenzo era in compagnia di alcuni colleghi. (Lorenzo was with some colleagues.)
2.2. By means of:
In formal contexts where “with” implies using something or someone as a means or instrument, Italians may employ “mediante.” Here are a couple of examples:
- Ho risolto il problema mediante l’uso di un software. (I solved the problem with the use of software.)
- Risponderemo mediante una lettera ufficiale. (We will respond with an official letter.)
3. Informal Ways to Say “With”:
In casual conversations or informal situations, Italians may rely on different expressions to convey the sense of “with.” Let’s explore some of these informal alternatives:
3.1. Hanging out with:
To express the idea of “hanging out” or spending time together, Italians often use “insieme a.” Consider the following examples:
- Oggi andrò al parco insieme a Marco. (Today, I will go to the park with Marco.)
- Vado al concerto insieme ai miei amici. (I’m going to the concert with my friends.)
3.2. Accompanied by:
When wanting to express being “accompanied by” someone, Italians often use “accompagnato/a da.” Here are a couple of examples:
- Sono andata al museo accompagnata dalla mia sorella. (I went to the museum with my sister.)
- Mi piace viaggiare accompagnato dagli amici. (I enjoy traveling with friends.)
4. Regional Variations:
Italian, much like any language, has some regional variations. Although the usage of “con” as the translation for “with” is uniform across Italy, you may encounter some regional differences in expressions or local slang. Here’s an example from Southern Italy:
4.1. In the company of (Southern Italy):
In Southern Italy, particularly in the Naples region, it’s common to use “‘a ssuonno” to mean “in the company of.” Let’s take a look:
- Stasera usciremo ‘a ssuonno tutta la banda. (Tonight we will go out with the whole gang.)
- Sembra divertirsi ‘a ssuonno dei soliti amici. (He seems to have fun with the same old friends.)
… (continue with more examples, tips, and regional variations)
