When you're trying to emphasize a negative statement in Italian, nemmeno is your go-to adverb. It's similar to saying 'not even' or 'not at all' in English, adding a layer of emphasis to the negation. Think of it as strengthening the 'no' or 'non'.
You can use nemmeno with verbs, nouns, or adjectives to really drive home the point that something isn't happening or isn't true. It's a versatile word that helps make your negative expressions more impactful and natural-sounding in Italian.
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Il direttore, notoriamente inflessibile, nemmeno in quest'occasione si è discostato dai suoi principi, mantenendo una posizione ferma e irremovibile.
The director, notoriously inflexible, not even on this occasion deviated from his principles, maintaining a firm and unyielding stance.
Here 'nemmeno' emphasizes the director's consistent inflexibility, even in a specific situation where one might expect some deviation.
Dopo anni di intensi studi e sacrifici, l'archeologo riuscì a decifrare l'antica iscrizione, un enigma che nemmeno i più eminenti studiosi prima di lui erano riusciti a risolvere.
After years of intense studies and sacrifices, the archaeologist managed to decipher the ancient inscription, a puzzle that not even the most eminent scholars before him had managed to solve.
'Nemmeno' highlights the extreme difficulty of the task, implying that if even the most skilled couldn't do it, it was truly challenging.
La complessità del progetto era tale che nemmeno l'ingegnere capo, con la sua vasta esperienza decennale nel settore, riusciva a prevedere tutte le potenziali criticità.
The complexity of the project was such that not even the chief engineer, with his vast decade-long experience in the sector, managed to foresee all the potential criticalities.
This sentence uses 'nemmeno' to underscore the exceptional difficulty of the project, even for a highly experienced professional.
Il concerto fu così straordinario che nemmeno i critici musicali più esigenti e severi, noti per la loro pignoleria, poterono fare a meno di elogiarlo calorosamente.
The concert was so extraordinary that not even the most demanding and severe music critics, known for their meticulousness, could help but praise it warmly.
'Nemmeno' emphasizes the overwhelmingly positive impact of the concert, overcoming even the harshest critics.
Nonostante la sua abituale risolutezza, il diplomatico si trovò in una situazione così intricata che nemmeno lui, con tutte le sue doti negoziali, riusciva a trovare una soluzione diplomatica soddisfacente.
Despite his usual resoluteness, the diplomat found himself in such an intricate situation that not even he, with all his negotiating skills, managed to find a satisfactory diplomatic solution.
Here, 'nemmeno' stresses the extreme difficulty of the situation, challenging even a highly skilled individual.
La bellezza mozzafiato del paesaggio era tale che nemmeno le fotografie, per quanto professionali e ben scattate, potevano renderle piena giustizia.
The breathtaking beauty of the landscape was such that not even photographs, however professional and well-taken, could do it full justice.
'Nemmeno' highlights the transcendent quality of the landscape, suggesting it's beyond replication.
L'epidemia si diffuse con una tale virulenza che nemmeno le misure sanitarie più rigorose e all'avanguardia, implementate con prontezza, furono in grado di contenerla efficacemente sin dall'inizio.
The epidemic spread with such virulence that not even the most rigorous and cutting-edge sanitary measures, implemented promptly, were able to contain it effectively from the start.
This usage of 'nemmeno' emphasizes the severity of the epidemic, overcoming even strong countermeasures.
Il filosofo, con la sua ineguagliabile capacità di astrazione, sosteneva che alcune verità fondamentali erano così intrinseche all'essere umano che nemmeno la più sofisticata logica dialettica riusciva a penetrarle pienamente senza un'intuizione profonda.
The philosopher, with his unparalleled capacity for abstraction, maintained that some fundamental truths were so intrinsic to human beings that not even the most sophisticated dialectical logic managed to fully penetrate them without a deep intuition.
'Nemmeno' here underscores the profound and elusive nature of these truths, beyond even advanced logical analysis.
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Basic use of nemmeno
Nemmeno means 'not even'. It's used to emphasize that something isn't true or doesn't happen in a particular case. For example, Non ho nemmeno un euro. (I don't even have one euro.)
Nemmeno and negative sentences
You'll often see 'nemmeno' in sentences that are already negative. The 'non' comes before the verb, and 'nemmeno' often comes after the verb or before the thing being negated. For instance, Non mi ha nemmeno salutato. (He didn't even greet me.)
Nemmeno at the beginning of a sentence
If 'nemmeno' starts a sentence, you don't need 'non' before the verb. It already carries the negative meaning. For example, Nemmeno io lo so. (Not even I know it.)
Nemmeno vs. neanche and neppure
Nemmeno, neanche, and neppure are largely interchangeable. They all mean 'not even'. Pick the one you like best, or vary them to sound more natural. Non ho nemmeno/neanche/neppure fame. (I'm not even hungry.)
Nemmeno per sogno!
This is a common idiomatic expression: Nemmeno per sogno! It means 'not even in your dreams!' or 'no way!'. Use it when you want to strongly refuse something. Vuoi venire? Nemmeno per sogno! (Do you want to come? No way!)
Nemmeno in questions
You can use 'nemmeno' in questions to express surprise or disbelief. Nemmeno tu ci credi? (Don't even you believe it? / You don't even believe it?)
Emphasizing a small quantity or zero
'Nemmeno' is great for emphasizing that there is zero or a very small amount of something. Non c'è nemmeno un po' di zucchero. (There isn't even a little bit of sugar.)
Nemmeno + another negative word
Be careful with double negatives in English. In Italian, it's common and correct to have 'non' and 'nemmeno' in the same sentence. Non capisco nemmeno una parola. (I don't even understand one word.)
Practice with examples
The best way to get comfortable with 'nemmeno' is to practice with examples. Try creating your own sentences where you need to emphasize 'not even'. Non ho nemmeno visto il film. (I haven't even seen the movie.)
Listen to native speakers
Pay attention to how native Italian speakers use 'nemmeno' in everyday conversations, movies, or songs. This will help you understand its natural flow and common contexts.
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I don't even have a euro.
Neither do I want to go.
She doesn't even eat bread.
Read this aloud:
Non ho nemmeno il tempo.
Focus: nemmeno
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Read this aloud:
Nemmeno lui è qui.
Focus: nemmeno
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Read this aloud:
Non capisco nemmeno una parola.
Focus: nemmeno
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Choose the correct translation for 'not even' in this sentence: 'I don't have a pen, not even a pencil.'
'Nemmeno' is the direct translation for 'not even'.
Which sentence correctly uses 'nemmeno'?
'Nemmeno' usually follows the verb or the noun it negates, often after 'non'.
Complete the sentence: 'Lui non ha visto il film, ___ letto il libro.' (He didn't see the movie, not even read the book.)
'Nemmeno' fits here to express 'not even' in the context of additional negation.
The sentence 'Non è nemmeno difficile.' means 'It's not even difficult.'
Yes, 'nemmeno' is correctly used to convey 'not even' in this negative context.
'Nemmeno' can be used interchangeably with 'anche' (also).
'Nemmeno' means 'not even' and is used in negative contexts, while 'anche' means 'also' or 'even' in positive contexts.
In Italian, 'nemmeno' often comes after the negative particle 'non'.
It's very common to see 'non...nemmeno' to reinforce the negation.
This phrase means 'Not even I know it.' 'Nemmeno' introduces the idea of 'not even' or 'neither.'
This translates to 'She didn't even call.' 'Nemmeno' emphasizes the lack of action.
This means 'I don't even have a penny.' 'Nemmeno' reinforces the complete lack of something.
Non ho ___ un minuto libero oggi. (I don't have ___ a free minute today.)
'Nemmeno' is used here to emphasize 'not even a single minute'.
Ha provato a chiamarmi, ma non ho risposto ___ una volta. (He tried to call me, but I didn't answer ___ once.)
'Nemmeno' emphasizes the lack of a single instance of answering the phone.
Dopo tutto il suo lavoro, non ha ricevuto ___ un grazie. (After all his work, he didn't receive ___ a thank you.)
'Nemmeno' is used to stress the absence of even a small gesture of gratitude.
Sono così stanco che non riesco a pensare ___ a cosa mangiare. (I'm so tired that I can't ___ think about what to eat.)
'Nemmeno' highlights the extreme exhaustion preventing even simple thoughts.
Non mi ha guardato ___ in faccia quando le ho parlato. (She didn't ___ look me in the face when I spoke to her.)
'Nemmeno' emphasizes the complete lack of eye contact.
Non c'era ___ un'anima in giro. (There wasn't ___ a soul around.)
'Nemmeno' is used to emphasize the complete absence of people.
Listen for 'nemmeno' in the context of not having money for coffee.
Listen for 'nemmeno' in the context of someone not even trying to call.
Listen for 'nemmeno' in the context of there not being even one free spot.
Read this aloud:
Non capisco nemmeno una parola di quello che dici.
Focus: nemmeno
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Read this aloud:
Lui non è nemmeno arrivato in tempo per la riunione.
Focus: nemmeno
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Read this aloud:
Non ho nemmeno voglia di uscire stasera.
Focus: nemmeno
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Write two sentences describing something you don't even have, using 'nemmeno'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Non ho nemmeno una macchina. Non ho nemmeno il tempo di riposare.
Write a short paragraph about a time you were very busy and didn't even have a moment for something. Use 'nemmeno' at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ieri ero così impegnato con il lavoro che non ho nemmeno avuto il tempo di pranzare. Ho dovuto finire un progetto importante e non ho nemmeno potuto fare una pausa.
Imagine you are trying to convince someone to come to a party, but they keep making excuses. Write a sentence where you use 'nemmeno' to express disbelief at one of their excuses.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Non hai nemmeno un'ora libera? Andiamo, sarà divertente!
What was the main problem with the food at the party?
Read this passage:
La festa di ieri sera è stata un disastro. Non c'era molta gente e la musica era terribile. Non c'era nemmeno abbastanza cibo per tutti gli invitati, e il vino era di pessima qualità. Non so chi l'abbia organizzata, ma spero non lo faccia più.
What was the main problem with the food at the party?
The passage states 'Non c'era nemmeno abbastanza cibo per tutti gli invitati', meaning 'There wasn't even enough food for all the guests.'
The passage states 'Non c'era nemmeno abbastanza cibo per tutti gli invitati', meaning 'There wasn't even enough food for all the guests.'
What was one of the reasons the concert was disappointing?
Read this passage:
Sono andato al concerto della mia band preferita, ma è stato deludente. Il suono era brutto e la band non ha suonato le mie canzoni preferite. Non c'era nemmeno la mia canzone preferita in scaletta. Non so se andrò ai loro prossimi concerti.
What was one of the reasons the concert was disappointing?
The passage says 'Non c'era nemmeno la mia canzone preferita in scaletta', which means 'My favorite song wasn't even on the setlist.'
The passage says 'Non c'era nemmeno la mia canzone preferita in scaletta', which means 'My favorite song wasn't even on the setlist.'
What is unusual about Marco's behavior?
Read this passage:
Ho provato a chiamare il mio amico Marco tutto il giorno, ma non risponde mai. Ho provato sul suo cellulare, sul telefono fisso e persino al lavoro. Non mi ha nemmeno richiamato, il che è strano per lui. Spero che stia bene.
What is unusual about Marco's behavior?
The passage states 'Non mi ha nemmeno richiamato, il che è strano per lui', meaning 'He didn't even call me back, which is strange for him.'
The passage states 'Non mi ha nemmeno richiamato, il che è strano per lui', meaning 'He didn't even call me back, which is strange for him.'
Choose the best option to complete the sentence: Non gli ho dato ___ un centesimo.
'Nemmeno' is the most natural fit here, meaning 'not even'. While 'neanche' and 'neppure' are synonyms, 'nemmeno' often sounds slightly more emphatic in this specific construction. 'Nessuno' means 'no one' or 'any' and doesn't fit grammatically or semantically.
Qual è la frase corretta? (Which sentence is correct?)
In negative sentences, 'nemmeno' usually follows the auxiliary verb and precedes the past participle or the main verb. Options B, C, and D are grammatically incorrect in Italian.
Sei stanco? (Are you tired?) — No, ___ un po'.
Here, 'nemmeno' means 'not even a little bit', indicating a strong negation. 'Anche' means 'also', 'solo' means 'only', and 'mai' means 'never', none of which fit the context of responding to 'Are you tired?' with a strong negative.
La frase 'Non ho visto nemmeno la macchina' significa 'I didn't even see the car'.
Yes, 'nemmeno' is used correctly here to emphasize that the speaker didn't see the car, implying a complete lack of observation.
È corretto dire 'Nemmeno è venuto' per 'He didn't even come'.
While 'Non è nemmeno venuto' is more common, 'Nemmeno è venuto' is also grammatically correct and emphasizes 'not even' at the beginning of the sentence.
Si può usare 'nemmeno' come risposta autonoma a una domanda, per esempio: 'Sei andato?' 'Nemmeno!' (Did you go? Not even!).
Yes, 'nemmeno' can be used as a standalone answer to express a strong negative, meaning 'not even' or 'absolutely not'.
After weeks of negotiations, they couldn't agree on a single point, ___ on the most basic terms of the contract.
'Neanche' (or 'nemmeno') is used here to emphasize the complete lack of agreement, meaning 'not even'. The other options don't fit the context.
Despite all the warnings, he didn't pay attention, ___ to the critical advice given by his superiors.
'Nemmeno' (or 'neanche') fits perfectly to convey 'not even' or 'not even to' in this context, emphasizing his disregard. The other adverbs have different meanings.
The experimental drug showed no positive effects; ___, it caused severe side effects in some patients.
Here, 'anzi' is the best fit, meaning 'on the contrary' or 'in fact, even', which emphasizes the negative outcome being worse than just 'no positive effects'. While 'nemmeno' could be used in a different sentence structure, 'anzi' provides a stronger contrast here.
After such a public scandal, she couldn't show her face in public, ___ attend the gala she had organized herself.
'Tantomeno' means 'much less' or 'let alone', which is stronger than 'not even' and fits the escalating negative situation. It implies that if she couldn't show her face, she certainly couldn't attend the gala.
I waited for hours, but he didn't call, ___ send a text message to explain his absence.
In this context, 'né' is used to connect two negative actions, meaning 'nor'. It works similarly to 'not even' when connecting two things that didn't happen. The sentence implies 'he didn't call, nor did he send a text'.
He claimed to be an expert, but he couldn't answer the simplest questions, ___ comprehend the complex theories.
'Figurarsi' is an idiomatic expression that means 'let alone' or 'much less', similar to 'tantomeno'. It emphasizes the impossibility of the more difficult task if the simpler one couldn't be achieved.
The speaker is explaining their lack of free time.
The sentence describes someone's extreme fatigue.
The sentence expresses a very strong refusal to admit a mistake.
Read this aloud:
Non ho nemmeno provato a parlargli dopo quello che è successo.
Focus: nemmeno
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Read this aloud:
Era un compito così difficile che nemmeno gli esperti sono riusciti a risolverlo.
Focus: nemmeno gli esperti
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Read this aloud:
Nemmeno per sogno, non verrò a quella festa!
Focus: nemmeno per sogno
당신의 답변:
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The word 'nemmeno' often follows 'non' and comes before the verb or noun it modifies.
Here, 'nemmeno' emphasizes the lack of an action, placed before the conjugated verb.
'Nemmeno' is used here to stress the complete lack of knowledge, modifying 'le basi'.
You're writing a complaint about a very bad experience at a restaurant. Use 'nemmeno' to emphasize several negative aspects, such as the food quality, service, and atmosphere. Write at least three sentences.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Il cibo non era nemmeno commestibile, il servizio non era nemmeno presente e l'atmosfera non era nemmeno accogliente. Non tornerò mai più in questo posto.
Describe a challenging situation where you or someone you know had to overcome significant obstacles. Use 'nemmeno' to highlight things that were lacking or difficult to obtain. Write at least three sentences.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Quando ho iniziato la mia attività, non avevo nemmeno i fondi necessari. Non avevo nemmeno un ufficio e non avevo nemmeno l'esperienza. Ma ho lavorato sodo e ho superato ogni ostacolo.
Imagine you are giving advice to a friend who is starting a new venture. Use 'nemmeno' to warn them about potential difficulties or things they might overlook. Write at least three sentences.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Quando inizi una nuova attività, non aspettarti che tutto sia facile. Non avrai nemmeno tutto il supporto che ti aspetti e non avrai nemmeno tutte le risposte subito. Sii paziente e preparati alle sfide.
According to the passage, what is a consequence of increased connectivity?
Read this passage:
In un mondo sempre più connesso, a volte ci sentiamo paradossalmente più isolati. Le persone passano ore sui social media, ma non si parlano nemmeno dal vivo. Le amicizie online sostituiscono spesso quelle reali, ma non offrono nemmeno lo stesso calore umano. È una realtà complessa che richiede una riflessione profonda.
According to the passage, what is a consequence of increased connectivity?
The passage states: 'a volte ci sentiamo paradossalmente più isolati' (sometimes we paradoxically feel more isolated).
The passage states: 'a volte ci sentiamo paradossalmente più isolati' (sometimes we paradoxically feel more isolated).
What is the main message of the passage regarding climate change?
Read this passage:
La crisi climatica è una minaccia esistenziale per l'umanità. Non abbiamo nemmeno il tempo di discutere sulla sua esistenza. Dobbiamo agire ora, con decisione e con urgenza, per ridurre le emissioni e proteggere il nostro pianeta per le generazioni future. Ogni giorno che passa senza azione è un giorno perso.
What is the main message of the passage regarding climate change?
The passage emphasizes: 'Dobbiamo agire ora, con decisione e con urgenza' (We must act now, decisively and urgently).
The passage emphasizes: 'Dobbiamo agire ora, con decisione e con urgenza' (We must act now, decisively and urgently).
What is one of the challenges mentioned regarding artificial intelligence?
Read this passage:
L'intelligenza artificiale sta trasformando rapidamente molti settori. Tuttavia, ci sono ancora molte sfide da affrontare. Non abbiamo nemmeno una comprensione completa di come funzionano alcuni dei suoi algoritmi più complessi. La regolamentazione e l'etica sono questioni cruciali che non possono essere ignorate mentre questa tecnologia continua a evolversi.
What is one of the challenges mentioned regarding artificial intelligence?
The passage states: 'Non abbiamo nemmeno una comprensione completa di come funzionano alcuni dei suoi algoritmi più complessi' (We don't even have a complete understanding of how some of its most complex algorithms work).
The passage states: 'Non abbiamo nemmeno una comprensione completa di come funzionano alcuni dei suoi algoritmi più complessi' (We don't even have a complete understanding of how some of its most complex algorithms work).
The correct order forms a coherent sentence: 'He didn't even grasp the slightest nuance of the truth.'
The correct order constructs the sentence: 'They didn't even imagine that their actions would cause irreparable damage.'
The correct order creates the phrase: 'There isn't even a glimmer of a solution to such a complex problem.'
/ 72 correct
Perfect score!
Basic use of nemmeno
Nemmeno means 'not even'. It's used to emphasize that something isn't true or doesn't happen in a particular case. For example, Non ho nemmeno un euro. (I don't even have one euro.)
Nemmeno and negative sentences
You'll often see 'nemmeno' in sentences that are already negative. The 'non' comes before the verb, and 'nemmeno' often comes after the verb or before the thing being negated. For instance, Non mi ha nemmeno salutato. (He didn't even greet me.)
Nemmeno at the beginning of a sentence
If 'nemmeno' starts a sentence, you don't need 'non' before the verb. It already carries the negative meaning. For example, Nemmeno io lo so. (Not even I know it.)
Nemmeno vs. neanche and neppure
Nemmeno, neanche, and neppure are largely interchangeable. They all mean 'not even'. Pick the one you like best, or vary them to sound more natural. Non ho nemmeno/neanche/neppure fame. (I'm not even hungry.)
관련 콘텐츠
general 관련 단어
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.
