Signification
Something distinct from another thing.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is central to the 'Made in Italy' pride. It's used to distinguish artisanal products from mass-market ones. In Naples, this phrase is almost mandatory when discussing pizza or coffee compared to the rest of the world. Used by managers to praise a significant improvement in a team's performance or a project's quality. Often used in scripts to show a character's realization of a better life or a deeper truth.
Add 'Tutta'
To sound like a native, always say 'È tutta un'altra cosa'. It adds that extra Italian flair and emphasis.
Check the Apostrophe
Never write 'un altra'. Because 'altra' is feminine and starts with a vowel, the apostrophe is mandatory.
Signification
Something distinct from another thing.
Add 'Tutta'
To sound like a native, always say 'È tutta un'altra cosa'. It adds that extra Italian flair and emphasis.
Check the Apostrophe
Never write 'un altra'. Because 'altra' is feminine and starts with a vowel, the apostrophe is mandatory.
The Hand Gesture
When saying this, Italians often do the 'pinched fingers' gesture (the 'hand purse') and shake it slightly to emphasize the quality.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the comparison.
La pizza surgelata è ok, ma quella della pizzeria ___ ___ ___.
We use 'essere' for quality and 'un'altra' because 'cosa' is feminine.
Which sentence correctly uses the 'Un conto è...' structure?
Choose the correct comparison:
The standard pairing is 'Un conto è... un'altra cosa è...'
Match the situation to the best use of the phrase.
You just upgraded from a small old car to a brand new luxury car. What do you say?
You are praising the superior quality and experience of the new car.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: Ti piace il nuovo ufficio? B: Sì, rispetto a quello vecchio ___.
'Tutta' adds natural emphasis to the comparison.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Standard vs. Un'altra cosa
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesLa pizza surgelata è ok, ma quella della pizzeria ___ ___ ___.
We use 'essere' for quality and 'un'altra' because 'cosa' is feminine.
Choose the correct comparison:
The standard pairing is 'Un conto è... un'altra cosa è...'
You just upgraded from a small old car to a brand new luxury car. What do you say?
You are praising the superior quality and experience of the new car.
A: Ti piace il nuovo ufficio? B: Sì, rispetto a quello vecchio ___.
'Tutta' adds natural emphasis to the comparison.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but it's less common. You could say 'Questo nuovo problema è un'altra cosa' (This new problem is a different/worse story), but usually, it implies a step up in quality.
Yes, it's neutral. You can say 'Lavorare in questo team è un'altra cosa' to show you value the environment.
'Un altro mondo' is more extreme. Use it for things that are incredibly superior. 'Un'altra cosa' is more common for everyday comparisons.
Because 'cosa' is a feminine noun. Feminine singular nouns starting with a vowel take 'un'altra'.
Yes, if you are plural. 'Queste scarpe sono un'altra cosa.'
90% of the time, yes. In the 'Un conto è...' structure, it just means 'different'.
Yes, 'essere un altro livello' or 'essere un altro pianeta'.
Only if you are comparing the *experience* of them. 'Uscire con lui è un'altra cosa.' Otherwise, use 'persona'.
You can use 'è un'altra cosa' or 'è un altro paio di maniche'.
Yes, it is a standard Italian expression used from Milan to Sicily.
Expressions liées
essere un altro pianeta
similarTo be on another level/planet
essere un altro paio di maniche
similarTo be a different pair of sleeves
non c'entrare nulla
contrastTo have nothing to do with
essere la stessa cosa
contrastTo be the same thing
cambiare marcia
builds onTo change gears
