Meaning
Excluding something.
Cultural Background
In Italy, asking for things 'a parte' (like sauce or dressing) is common but should be done politely. It shows you are 'esigente' (demanding/particular) about your food, which is often respected if done with a smile. The 'a parte' is a classic device in Goldoni's plays. It allows characters to reveal their true intentions to the audience, highlighting the difference between social mask and private truth. Italians are historically great savers. The phrase 'mettere a parte' or 'mettere da parte' reflects the cultural value of 'risparmio' (saving) for the future of the family. Using 'A parte gli scherzi' is a vital social lubricant in Italy. It allows for intense joking (scherzare) while ensuring that important business or personal matters are still addressed seriously.
The 'Aside' Trick
Whenever you want to say 'Aside from...', just use 'A parte...'. It works 99% of the time.
Avoid 'A parte di'
In English we say 'Aside FROM', but in Italian, we usually don't need 'di' unless followed by a pronoun like 'me' or 'te'.
Meaning
Excluding something.
The 'Aside' Trick
Whenever you want to say 'Aside from...', just use 'A parte...'. It works 99% of the time.
Avoid 'A parte di'
In English we say 'Aside FROM', but in Italian, we usually don't need 'di' unless followed by a pronoun like 'me' or 'te'.
The Conversational Reset
Use 'A parte tutto' to end a long complaint and get back to the main point. It makes you sound very native.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with 'a parte' or 'da parte'.
Ho ricevuto un messaggio ______ di mio fratello.
'Da parte di' is used for 'from someone'.
Which sentence means 'Aside from the rain, it's a nice day'?
Scegli la frase corretta:
'A parte' is the correct phrase for 'aside from'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ti piace la pasta? B: Sì, ______ l'aglio che non sopporto.
The speaker is excluding garlic from the things they like.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You want your salad dressing in a separate small bowl.
'A parte' means 'separately' or 'on the side'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Common 'A Parte' Uses
Food
- • Salsa a parte
- • Condimento a parte
- • Formaggio a parte
People
- • A parte lui
- • A parte noi
- • A parte tutti
Situations
- • A parte il meteo
- • A parte il prezzo
- • A parte gli scherzi
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHo ricevuto un messaggio ______ di mio fratello.
'Da parte di' is used for 'from someone'.
Scegli la frase corretta:
'A parte' is the correct phrase for 'aside from'.
A: Ti piace la pasta? B: Sì, ______ l'aglio che non sopporto.
The speaker is excluding garlic from the things they like.
You want your salad dressing in a separate small bowl.
'A parte' means 'separately' or 'on the side'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Usually no. Say 'a parte il cibo', not 'a parte del cibo'.
'Tranne' is strictly 'except'. 'A parte' is more like 'aside from' and can also mean 'separately'.
Use 'a parte'. For example: 'Insalata con salsa a parte'.
No, it is an invariable phrase. It always stays 'a parte'.
Yes, it is very common to start sentences with it to set the context.
It means 'Joking aside' or 'Seriously now'.
In Italian, it is always two words: 'a parte'. In Spanish, it is often one: 'aparte'.
No, that is 'in parte'.
Yes, very often to exclude certain costs or items from a list.
Related Phrases
da parte di
similaron behalf of / from
in parte
similarpartially
d'altra parte
contraston the other hand
mettere da parte
builds onto save / to set aside
tranne
synonymexcept
