A2 verb Neutral 3 min de lectura

bastare

baˈstare
Practícalo Notas y consejos

Overview

The Italian verb 'bastare' is a versatile and commonly used verb that translates to 'to be enough,' 'to suffice,' or 'to be sufficient.' It is an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct object. Instead, it often uses an indirect object pronoun or is used impersonally.

Conjugation:

'Bastare' is a regular verb in its conjugations, following the pattern of verbs ending in '-are'. Here are some common conjugations:

  • Present Indicative:
  • (io) basto - I am enough
  • (tu) basti - you are enough
  • (lui/lei) basta - he/she/it is enough
  • (noi) bastiamo - we are enough
  • (voi) bastate - you (plural) are enough
  • (loro) bastano - they are enough
  • Past Participle: bastato/a/i/e (used with 'essere' for compound tenses)
  • Common Compound Tenses (using 'essere'):
  • Passato Prossimo (Present Perfect): è bastato/a, sono bastati/e (it was enough, they were enough)
  • Trapassato Prossimo (Past Perfect): era bastato/a, erano bastati/e (it had been enough, they had been enough)

Usage and Nuances:

  1. 1Impersonal Usage (most common): 'Bastare' is very frequently used impersonally with the third person singular, 'basta,' or third person plural, 'bastano,' to indicate that something is enough or not enough.
  • 'Basta!': This is a very common exclamation meaning 'Enough!' or 'That's enough!' It can be used to stop an action, a conversation, or indicate that a quantity is sufficient.
  • Example: “Basta parlare!” (Stop talking! / Enough talking!)
  • Example: “Basta zucchero nel caffè.” (Enough sugar in the coffee.)
  • With 'ci' (there is/are enough): When used impersonally with the particle 'ci,' it means 'there is/are enough.'
  • Example: "Ci basta un'ora." (An hour is enough for us. / We only need an hour.)
  • Example: “Non ci bastano i soldi.” (We don't have enough money. / The money is not enough for us.)
  1. 1With Indirect Object Pronouns: 'Bastare' often takes an indirect object pronoun (mi, ti, gli, le, ci, vi, gli/loro) to indicate for whom something is enough.
  • Example: “Mi basta un panino per pranzo.” (A sandwich is enough for me for lunch.)
  • Example: “Ti basta questo?” (Is this enough for you?)
  • Example: “Non le bastano mai le vacanze.” (Vacations are never enough for her.)

**Meaning 'To be sufficient' or 'To be enough for something':**

  • Example: “Due ore bastano per finire il lavoro.” (Two hours are enough to finish the work.)
  • Example: "Il mio stipendio non basta per pagare l'affitto." (My salary is not enough to pay the rent.)

**In Negative Sentences:**

  • Example: “Non basta dire 'mi dispiace'.” (It's not enough to say 'I'm sorry.')
  • Example: “Non mi basta un regalo, voglio il tuo tempo.” (A gift is not enough for me, I want your time.)

Common Phrases:

  • 'Basta così': That's enough (of that), that will do.
  • 'Basta che...': Provided that..., as long as...
  • Example: “Basta che tu mi ascolti.” (As long as you listen to me.)
  • 'Non bastare a se stesso/a': Not to be self-sufficient.

Understanding 'bastare' is key to speaking natural and fluid Italian, especially in everyday conversations about quantities, needs, and sufficiency.

Ejemplos

1

Mi basta un caffè per colazione.

When a small quantity is sufficient.

One coffee is enough for my breakfast.

2

Spero che questi soldi bastino.

Expressing hope about sufficiency.

I hope this money is enough.

3

Basta così, grazie.

To stop something or refuse more.

That's enough, thank you.

4

Non mi basta mai il tempo.

When time is insufficient.

Time is never enough for me.

5

Basta leggere il manuale per capire.

Indicating a minimum requirement.

It's enough to read the manual to understand.

Colocaciones comunes

bastare a malapena
bastare e avanzare
bastare il giusto
che ti basti

Se confunde a menudo con

bastare vs avanzare

to be left over, to remain

bastare vs essere sufficiente

to be sufficient

bastare vs essere abbastanza

to be enough

Patrones gramaticales

bastare a qualcuno bastare per qualcosa bastare che + subjunctive

Cómo usarlo

'Bastare' is a highly versatile and frequently used verb in Italian. It is typically used with an indirect object pronoun (mi, ti, gli/le, ci, vi, gli/loro) to indicate for whom something is enough. For example, 'Mi basta' means 'It is enough for me.' It can be followed by a noun, an infinitive verb, or a che-clause. When followed by a noun, the verb agrees with the noun: 'Mi bastano due giorni' (Two days are enough for me). When followed by an infinitive, it often implies sufficiency for an action: 'Mi basta dormire otto ore' (Sleeping eight hours is enough for me). With a 'che' clause, it expresses that a certain condition is sufficient: 'Basta che tu mi ascolti' (It's enough that you listen to me). The imperative form 'Basta!' is very common to demand an end to something, e.g., 'Basta parlare!' (Stop talking!). It can also be used impersonally with 'ci vuole/ci vogliono' (it takes) to express necessity, such as 'Ci bastano pochi soldi' (A little money is enough for us). Its usage often implies a judgment of adequacy or sufficiency, whether positive or negative, making it a key verb for expressing contentment, limits, or needs.

Errores comunes

A common mistake is using 'essere abbastanza' (to be enough) as a direct translation where 'bastare' would be more natural. 'Bastare' often implies sufficiency without needing to explicitly state 'enough.' For example, instead of 'Cinque euro sono abbastanza' (Five euros are enough), a more idiomatic expression would be 'Cinque euro bastano' (Five euros suffice/are enough). Another error is conjugating it like a regular -are verb when it's often used impersonally or with an indirect object. For instance, 'Mi basta' (It's enough for me) rather than 'Io basto' (I suffice). Be mindful of the preposition 'a' when indicating for whom something is enough: 'Basta a me' (It's enough for me), though 'Mi basta' is more common. Finally, beginners sometimes struggle with its usage in negative constructions, e.g., 'Non basta' (It's not enough).

Consejos

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Usage Tip

'Bastare' is commonly used to express sufficiency or enoughness. For instance, 'Mi basta un caffè' means 'A coffee is enough for me.'

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Common Error

A common mistake is using 'essere' instead of 'bastare' when trying to say something is enough. Remember, 'bastare' already implies 'to be enough.'

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Contextual Use

It can also be used to indicate that a certain amount or action will suffice for a particular purpose. E.g., 'Due ore bastano per finire il lavoro' translates to 'Two hours are enough to finish the work.'

Origen de la palabra

The Italian verb 'bastare' meaning 'to be enough' or 'to suffice' has a rich linguistic history, tracing its roots back to Vulgar Latin and ultimately to a Germanic origin. Its journey begins with the Proto-Germanic word '*habjōną*', which meant 'to have' or 'to hold'. This word evolved into various forms in early Germanic languages, such as Old High German 'haben' and Old English 'habban'. Through contact and influence, this Germanic root entered Vulgar Latin, likely through the Gothic language, which had a significant presence in Italy during the early Middle Ages. In Vulgar Latin, '*habjōną*' transformed into '*bastāre*', taking on the meaning of 'to be sufficient' or 'to be enough'. This shift in meaning is thought to have occurred due to the idea of 'having enough' or 'holding enough'. From Vulgar Latin '*bastāre*', the word then passed into Old Italian as 'bastare', retaining its core meaning. Over centuries, the word has remained remarkably consistent in its form and meaning within the Italian language, a testament to its fundamental utility. It's interesting to note that while 'bastare' is prevalent in Italian, cognates with the same root and meaning are not as widespread in other Romance languages. For instance, Spanish uses 'bastar', which is directly related, but French typically uses 'suffire' (from Latin 'sufficere'), and Portuguese uses 'bastar' as well. This highlights a fascinating divergence and convergence in the evolution of these languages. Furthermore, the concept of 'enough' or 'sufficiency' is a fundamental human notion, and the way different languages express it often reveals deeper cultural and historical connections. The journey of 'bastare' from a Germanic root to its current form in Italian is a compelling example of linguistic evolution and the intricate interplay of languages over time.

Contexto cultural

The verb 'bastare' in Italian, meaning 'to be enough' or 'to suffice,' carries significant cultural nuances beyond its literal translation. It often reflects a pragmatic and sometimes stoic approach to life, where contentment is found in what is available rather than constantly striving for more. In a culture that values resourcefulness and appreciating simple pleasures, 'bastare' can imply a sense of satisfaction with adequacy. For example, 'Mi basta un caffè' (A coffee is enough for me) suggests a small but fulfilling moment. It also subtly touches upon themes of moderation and avoiding excess, which are historically rooted in Italian traditions of cucina povera (peasant cooking) where ingredients were used efficiently and nothing was wasted. The expression 'Quando ce n'è troppo, non basta mai' (When there is too much, it's never enough) highlights a cultural wariness of greed and an endorsement of sufficiency as a virtue. Furthermore, 'Basta!' can be a strong interjection meaning 'Enough!' or 'Stop!', used to express exasperation or to demand an end to a situation, showcasing its versatility in conveying emotional states related to boundaries and limits.

Truco para recordar

Think of 'bastare' as 'to be a *basket* full enough.'

Preguntas frecuentes

4 preguntas

'Bastare' is an Italian verb that primarily means 'to be enough' or 'to be sufficient.' It indicates that a certain quantity, amount, or condition meets the required or desired level, and nothing more is needed. It can also imply adequacy or the satisfaction of a need.

'Bastare' is often used impersonally with the auxiliary verb 'essere' (to be). For example, 'Basta!' means 'Enough!' or 'That's enough!' You might also hear 'Mi basta' (It's enough for me) or 'Ti basta?' (Is it enough for you?). It can be followed by a noun, pronoun, or an infinitive verb.

Certainly! Here are a few examples: 'Due mele mi bastano per la merenda' (Two apples are enough for my snack). 'Basta poco per essere felici' (It takes little to be happy). 'Non basta parlare, bisogna agire' (It's not enough to talk, one must act). 'Ti basta un'ora per finire il lavoro?' (Is an hour enough for you to finish the work?).

Yes, there are! 'Tanto basta' means 'That's all it takes' or 'That's enough.' 'Se tanto mi dà tanto, basta e avanza' is a more idiomatic phrase meaning 'If that's the case, it's more than enough.' 'Basta che...' means 'As long as...' or 'Provided that...' For instance, 'Basta che tu sia felice' (As long as you are happy).

Ponte a prueba

fill blank

Non ____ soldi per comprare quella macchina.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
fill blank

Mi ____ un caffè per iniziare la giornata.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
fill blank

Due ore di sonno non mi ____ mai.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Puntuación: /3

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