Overview
The Italian word 'neanche' is an adverb that translates primarily to 'not even' in English. It is a very common and versatile word used to emphasize negation, express surprise, or indicate that something is also not true or not present. It is formed by combining 'né' (neither/nor) and 'anche' (also/even). This combination inherently carries a sense of 'not also' or 'not even including'.
'Neanche' is often used in sentences where a negative statement is being made, and it reinforces that negation, extending it to an additional element. For example, if you say 'Non ho soldi' (I don't have money), adding 'neanche un euro' (not even one euro) further emphasizes the complete lack of money. It can be placed before the verb or after, depending on the desired emphasis and sentence structure, but it generally precedes the element it modifies.
It can also be used in conjunction with 'non' (not) before the verb for a double negation effect that strengthens the overall negative meaning, as is common in Italian. For instance, 'Non lo so neanche io' means 'I don't even know it either' or 'Neither do I know it'. However, if 'neanche' comes before the verb, 'non' is often omitted, as 'neanche' itself carries the negative force (e.g., 'Neanche lui è venuto' - 'Not even he came').
Furthermore, 'neanche' can be used to link two negative clauses, similar to 'neither...nor' in English. For example, 'Non parlo inglese e neanche francese' (I don't speak English and neither do I speak French).
Other closely related adverbs that share similar meanings and usage patterns include 'nemmeno' and 'neppure'. While often interchangeable, 'nemmeno' is generally considered a slightly more emphatic version of 'neanche', and 'neppure' is often seen as the most emphatic. However, in everyday conversation, the choice between them often comes down to personal preference or regional variations. All three convey the idea of 'not even' or 'not either'.
Exemples
Collocations courantes
Souvent confondu avec
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Modèles grammaticaux
Comment l'utiliser
Notes d'usage
'Neanche' is an adverb meaning 'not even,' 'neither,' or 'nor.' It is often interchangeable with 'nemmeno' and 'neppure,' with 'neanche' being the most common in everyday speech. It typically precedes the word or phrase it negates or emphasizes. When used with a verb, it often requires the presence of another negative word like 'non' before the verb, creating a double negative structure that is grammatically correct and common in Italian (e.g., 'Non lo so neanche io' - Not even I know it). If 'neanche' introduces a sentence or clause, the 'non' is usually omitted (e.g., 'Neanche lui è venuto' - Not even he came). It can also be used to connect negative ideas, similar to 'nor' in English, as in 'Non ha mangiato neanche dormito' (He neither ate nor slept). The choice between 'neanche,' 'nemmeno,' and 'neppure' often comes down to regional preference or stylistic variation, with no significant difference in meaning.
Erreurs courantes
A common mistake is confusing 'neanche' with 'neppure' or 'nemmeno'. While they are often interchangeable, 'neanche' can sometimes carry a slightly stronger emphasis on the 'even not' aspect. Another mistake is using it incorrectly with other negative particles; generally, if 'non' is already present, 'neanche' isn't needed unless you want to add extra emphasis (e.g., 'Non ho neanche un euro' - I don't even have one euro).
Origine du mot
From Old Italian 'neente' (nothing), from Latin 'ne gentem' (not a person/thing). The 'che' was added later, possibly by analogy with 'neppure' or 'nemmeno'.
Contexte culturel
In Italian culture, 'neanche' (or 'nemmeno'/'neppure') is a common and versatile adverb used to emphasize negation. It reflects a tendency in the language to reinforce negative statements, which can be seen as a form of expressiveness. Unlike English, where 'not even' can sometimes sound overly dramatic, 'neanche' is a very natural part of everyday Italian conversation. It's often used to express surprise, disappointment, or to underscore the thoroughness of a negative action or state. For instance, 'Non ho neanche un euro' (I don't even have one euro) highlights a complete lack of money. This emphasis on negation is a stylistic feature that permeates various levels of Italian communication, from casual chats to more formal writing, contributing to the language's rich tapestry of expression.
Astuce mémo
Think of 'neanche' as 'not even a chance' or 'not even one'. It combines 'né' (nor/not) with 'anche' (also/even).
Questions fréquentes
4 questions'Neanche' is an Italian adverb that translates to 'not even', 'neither', or 'nor'. It's used to emphasize the negation of something, indicating that something is not true or not happening, even in a situation where one might expect it to be. For example, 'Non ho neanche un euro' means 'I don't even have one euro.' It adds a stronger sense of exclusion or absence.
'Neanche' typically precedes the word or phrase it's negating. It can be used with or without a preceding 'non' (not). When used alone, it already implies a negation. For instance, 'Neanche lui lo sapeva' means 'Not even he knew it.' If used with 'non', it reinforces the negation, like 'Non voglio neanche pensarci' (I don't even want to think about it). It's a versatile word for emphasizing negation.
While 'neanche' is quite specific, some similar words or phrases that convey a comparable meaning include 'nemmeno' and 'neppure'. These are largely interchangeable with 'neanche' and are often used based on regional preference or phonetic flow within a sentence. They all serve to emphasize a negation. Other phrases like 'non... nemmeno un po'' (not even a little bit) can also be used for similar emphasis.
Yes, 'neanche' can be used in questions to express surprise or to seek confirmation of a negative statement. For example, 'Non sei venuto neanche tu?' translates to 'You didn't come either?' or 'You didn't even come?' It implies an expectation that the person might have come. It adds a nuanced layer to questions, often conveying a sense of disbelief or a desire to confirm a lack of participation or presence.
Teste-toi
Non ho ____ un euro in tasca.
Oggi fa così freddo che ____ il sole si vede.
Non mi ha chiamato ____ per il mio compleanno.
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Exemples
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Plus de mots sur 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.
