Using "infatti" is a great way to sound more natural in Italian. It's often used to confirm or elaborate on something that was just said, or to introduce a consequence or explanation. Think of it like saying "as a matter of fact," "actually," or "indeed" in English.
It's very versatile! You can use it to agree with someone, to provide more details, or even to express a slight correction. For example, if someone says "Fa freddo oggi?" (Is it cold today?), you could reply, "Sì, infatti!" (Yes, indeed!).
You'll also hear it at the beginning of a sentence to give more context or to explain why something is happening. For instance, "Non posso venire, infatti ho molto da fare." (I can't come, in fact I have a lot to do.)
Pay attention to where native speakers place it in a sentence. It usually comes at the beginning of a clause or directly after the verb it's modifying. Mastering "infatti" will definitely boost your conversational Italian!
§ What does it mean and when do people use it?
Let's talk about "infatti." This is a really common Italian word, and you'll hear it a lot in everyday conversations. It's classified as a B1 word, which means it's pretty essential once you're past the beginner stage.
- Definition
- In fact; indeed.
The simplest way to think about "infatti" is like "in fact" or "indeed" in English. It's used to confirm something, to agree with something someone else has said, or to add more information that supports a previous statement. It's a way to say, "Yes, what you said is true, and here's why," or "That's exactly right."
You'll often use "infatti" when:
- **Confirming a statement:** Someone says something, and you want to agree or confirm that it's true.
- **Providing evidence:** You've made a statement, and you want to follow it up with a piece of information that proves or supports it.
- **Expressing agreement:** You completely agree with what someone else has said, often adding a reason or further detail.
- **Correcting a misunderstanding (gently):** Sometimes it's used to gently correct or clarify a misunderstanding by presenting the actual facts.
Let's look at some examples to see how it works in real sentences.
È tardi, dobbiamo andare. Infatti, il negozio sta per chiudere. (It's late, we need to go. Indeed, the store is about to close.)
In this example, "infatti" confirms the first statement ("It's late, we need to go") by adding a supporting reason ("the store is about to close"). It links the two ideas logically.
Credo che pioverà. Infatti, guarda quelle nuvole scure! (I think it will rain. In fact, look at those dark clouds!)
Here, "infatti" is used to provide evidence for the speaker's belief that it will rain. The dark clouds are the proof.
Non mi sento molto bene oggi. Infatti ho mal di testa. (I don't feel very well today. Indeed, I have a headache.)
Again, "infatti" introduces a specific symptom that confirms the general statement about not feeling well. It's a natural way to expand on what you just said.
Penso che avesse ragione. Infatti, i risultati lo confermano. (I think he was right. In fact, the results confirm it.)
In this case, "infatti" adds weight to the opinion that "he was right" by referencing concrete evidence (the results). It's a strong way to support a claim.
Remember, it's not just about direct translation. It's about understanding the function of the word in a sentence. "Infatti" is a powerful tool for making your Italian sound more natural and cohesive. It helps you express confirmation, agreement, and logical consequence clearly. Pay attention to how native speakers use it, and try to incorporate it into your own conversations.
Dato curioso
The word 'infatti' literally means 'in facts' or 'in deeds', highlighting its role in confirming or referring to factual information.
Gramática que debes saber
Use 'infatti' to confirm or emphasize a previous statement. It often implies 'that's right' or 'as a matter of fact'.
Ho fame. Infatti, non ho mangiato nulla oggi. (I'm hungry. Indeed, I haven't eaten anything today.)
It can be used to introduce a reason or an explanation that supports a previous statement.
Non è venuto alla festa. Infatti, era malato. (He didn't come to the party. In fact, he was sick.)
'Infatti' can appear at the beginning of a sentence, after a pause, or in the middle of a sentence to add emphasis.
È un buon libro. Infatti, lo consiglio a tutti. (It's a good book. Indeed, I recommend it to everyone.)
When 'infatti' is used to contradict an assumption or to correct a misunderstanding, it often carries a stronger 'actually' meaning.
Pensavi che fossi arrabbiato? Infatti, sono solo stanco. (You thought I was angry? Actually, I'm just tired.)
Do not confuse 'infatti' with 'di fatto'. While both relate to facts, 'infatti' confirms or explains, whereas 'di fatto' (literally 'of fact') describes something as being true in reality, even if not officially recognized.
È il capo. Infatti, prende tutte le decisioni. (He's the boss. Indeed, he makes all the decisions.) versus Di fatto, è lui che comanda, anche se non ha il titolo. (In fact, he's the one in charge, even if he doesn't have the title.)
Ejemplos por nivel
È una bella giornata, infatti andiamo al mare.
It's a beautiful day, [in fact] we are going to the sea.
Ho fame, infatti non ho mangiato nulla oggi.
I'm hungry, [indeed] I haven't eaten anything today.
Pensavo fosse difficile, e infatti lo era.
I thought it was difficult, and [in fact] it was.
Dicono che pioverà, e infatti sta piovendo.
They say it will rain, and [indeed] it is raining.
Non mi sento bene, infatti vado a casa.
I don't feel well, [in fact] I'm going home.
Ha studiato molto, e infatti ha preso un buon voto.
He studied a lot, and [indeed] he got a good grade.
È tardi, infatti dobbiamo sbrigarci.
It's late, [in fact] we need to hurry.
Avevo ragione, infatti lei è arrivata in ritardo.
I was right, [indeed] she arrived late.
Cómo usarlo
Infatti is a very common and useful adverb in Italian. It's often used to confirm something that has just been said, or to add more information that supports a previous statement. Think of it as meaning 'in fact,' 'indeed,' or 'as a matter of fact.' - It can introduce a statement that explains or confirms a previous one. For example: 'Sono stanco, infatti ho lavorato tutto il giorno.' (I'm tired; in fact, I've worked all day.) - It can be used to emphasize agreement with something someone else has said. 'Quel ristorante è ottimo!' 'Sì, infatti!' (That restaurant is great! 'Yes, indeed!') - You can also use it to introduce a detail that further elaborates on a point. 'Non abbiamo molto tempo. Infatti, il treno parte tra dieci minuti.' (We don't have much time. As a matter of fact, the train leaves in ten minutes.)
A common mistake for English speakers is to confuse 'infatti' with 'in fact' when 'in fact' is used to contradict something. 'Infatti' almost always confirms or elaborates, it rarely contradicts. If you want to say 'in fact' in a contradictory sense, you might use phrases like 'anzi' or 'al contrario'. For example: - Incorrect use: 'Pensavo che fosse facile, infatti era difficilissimo.' (I thought it was easy, in fact it was very difficult.) - Correct way to express contradiction: 'Pensavo che fosse facile, anzi era difficilissimo.' (I thought it was easy, on the contrary, it was very difficult.) Also, remember that 'infatti' is an adverb and doesn't need to agree in gender or number with anything.
Origen de la palabra
From Latin 'in factum'
Significado original: into a deed, into an act
Indo-European, Italic, RomanceContexto cultural
Understanding 'infatti' is key to sounding more natural in Italian. It's often used as a conversational filler or to add emphasis, similar to how English speakers might use 'actually' or 'you know'. Italians use it frequently to show agreement or to elaborate on a previous statement, making conversations flow more smoothly.
Ponte a prueba 42 preguntas
Choose the best English translation for 'infatti'.
The word 'infatti' directly translates to 'in fact' or 'indeed' in English.
Which Italian word means 'in fact'?
'Infatti' is the Italian word for 'in fact'.
How would you complete this sentence: 'È vero, ___ piove.' (It's true, ___ it's raining.)
'Infatti' fits here to confirm that it is indeed raining.
The word 'infatti' means 'perhaps' in English.
No, 'infatti' means 'in fact' or 'indeed', not 'perhaps'.
You can use 'infatti' to confirm something that has just been said.
'Infatti' is often used to agree with or confirm a previous statement.
The word 'infatti' is an adjective.
'Infatti' is an adverb, not an adjective. It modifies verbs or entire sentences.
The speaker is hungry because they haven't eaten.
They are going to the park because it's a nice day.
The person speaks Italian well because they lived in Rome.
Read this aloud:
La pizza è deliziosa, infatti è la mia preferita.
Focus: infatti
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Sono stanco, infatti vado a dormire presto.
Focus: infatti
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Fa molto freddo, infatti ho messo il cappotto.
Focus: infatti
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Write a short sentence using 'infatti' to confirm something that was just said. For example: 'Hai fame?' (Are you hungry?) -> 'Sì, infatti!' (Yes, indeed!)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Fa bel tempo oggi. Infatti, andiamo al parco. (The weather is nice today. Indeed, we are going to the park.)
Complete the sentence with 'infatti' and your own idea: 'Non posso uscire stasera. _______'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Non posso uscire stasera. Infatti, devo studiare. (I can't go out tonight. In fact, I have to study.)
Imagine someone says 'Parli italiano bene!' (You speak Italian well!). How would you respond using 'infatti' to agree and add a little more information?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Grazie! Infatti, studio tutti i giorni. (Thanks! Indeed, I study every day.)
What does Luca mean when he says 'Sì, infatti'?
Read this passage:
Maria e Luca parlano del film. Maria dice: 'Questo film è molto interessante.' Luca risponde: 'Sì, infatti, mi piace molto la storia.'
What does Luca mean when he says 'Sì, infatti'?
'Infatti' is used to confirm or agree with what was previously stated.
'Infatti' is used to confirm or agree with what was previously stated.
Why is the person going to sleep early?
Read this passage:
Sono stanco. Ho lavorato tutto il giorno. Infatti, vado a dormire presto stasera.
Why is the person going to sleep early?
'Infatti' introduces a confirmation or consequence related to the previous statement. The person is tired, so 'in fact' they are going to sleep early.
'Infatti' introduces a confirmation or consequence related to the previous statement. The person is tired, so 'in fact' they are going to sleep early.
What is the consequence of the restaurant always being full?
Read this passage:
Il ristorante è sempre pieno. Infatti, è difficile trovare un tavolo senza prenotazione.
What is the consequence of the restaurant always being full?
'Infatti' highlights the logical consequence: because the restaurant is always full, 'indeed' it's difficult to get a table.
'Infatti' highlights the logical consequence: because the restaurant is always full, 'indeed' it's difficult to get a table.
Listen to the speaker confirm they finished their work.
Listen to the speaker confirm their favorite food.
Listen to the speaker describe the weather.
Read this aloud:
Infatti, sono d'accordo con te.
Focus: Infatti
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Era difficile, infatti ho avuto bisogno di aiuto.
Focus: infatti
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Hai ragione, infatti non ci avevo pensato.
Focus: infatti
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Giovanni ha detto di essere in ritardo, e ___ è arrivato solo un'ora dopo.
The sentence confirms Giovanni's lateness, so 'infatti' (indeed/in fact) is the correct choice to reinforce the previous statement.
Il professore ha spiegato bene il concetto, e ___ ora capisco tutto.
'Infatti' (in fact/indeed) is used here to confirm that the professor's explanation led to understanding.
Credevo che il film fosse noioso, ma ___ mi è piaciuto molto.
This sentence expresses a contrast (I thought it was boring, but I liked it), so 'eppure' (yet/however) is more appropriate than 'infatti'. However, if the intent was to confirm a previous (wrong) belief, 'infatti' might fit a different context. Here, 'eppure' highlights the unexpected positive outcome.
Ha promesso di aiutarmi, e ___ ha mantenuto la sua parola.
'Infatti' (indeed/in fact) confirms that the promise was kept.
Sapevo che sarebbe stato difficile, e ___ ho avuto ragione.
'Infatti' (in fact/indeed) is used to confirm the speaker's prior knowledge or prediction.
Nonostante la pioggia, siamo usciti. ___ non era così freddo come sembrava.
'Infatti' (in fact/indeed) confirms that the perceived coldness was not accurate, supporting the decision to go out despite the rain.
Listen for 'infatti' used to confirm information.
Listen for 'infatti' confirming a previous thought.
Listen for 'infatti' explaining a reason.
Read this aloud:
Dì: 'Non ho fame. Infatti, ho appena mangiato.'
Focus: infatti
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Dì: 'Credevo che fosse tardi. Infatti, sono quasi le dieci.'
Focus: infatti
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Dì: 'Il tempo è brutto oggi. Infatti, non possiamo andare in spiaggia.'
Focus: infatti
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
The adverb 'infatti' confirms the complexity of the story, placed after the verb 'è'.
The adverb 'infatti' confirms the speaker's fatigue, placed at the beginning of the clause confirming the reason.
The adverb 'infatti' introduces a confirmation of what was predicted, connecting the two clauses.
/ 42 correct
Perfect score!
Contenido relacionado
Más palabras de general
abbagliare
C1To dazzle or blind with light or beauty
abbaglio
C1A serious mistake or misconception.
abbreviare
B1To make something shorter.
abnegazione
C1Self-sacrifice or renunciation of one's own interests
accadere
B1To happen or occur.
accadimento
B2An event, occurrence, or happening.
accaduto
B1What happened or the event that occurred.
accanito
C1Fierce, persistent, or relentless in pursuit
accantonare
C1To put aside for future use or discard.
accattivante
C1witty, charming, or attractive.
