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Italian Articles

What does ‘magari’ mean and how to use it in Italian?

By: Silvia Giorgini Althoen Fri Aug 30 2024
Italian
Adverbs, Interjections

Magari is one of the most commonly used expressions in everyday Italian! It is a very versatile word that can mean everything from “maybe” to “gladly.” It is most often used as an interjection or an adverb, but it can express enthusiastic participation, regret, or desire depending on the intonation you give it.

Make way for magari, a “do it all” expression that Italians use profusely, as in:

  • Vuoi andare in Italia? Magari!

    Do you want to go to Italy? I wish!

  • Magari potessi andare in Italia!

    How I wish I could go to Italy!

  • Magari ci sentiamo dopo!

    Eventually we will talk later!

So if you have wondered what it means, well, magari adesso lo scopriamo insieme(maybe we can now discover it together).

Table of Contents

    How to use ‘magari’ in Italian?

    Magari can be used on its own, as an interjection, before the subjunctive to mean “if only,” or as an adverb. First, we’ll go over how to use it by itself, then, we’ll see how to use it in a sentence as an adverb or together with the subjunctive. Are you ready?

    How to use the interjection ‘magari’?

    Magari is often used as an interjection to answer questions, expressing an emotional reaction. Let’s look at the following examples that you can answer by just saying "Magari!" and where your intonation can convey different nuances of meaning to your answer:

    • Be enthusiastic while answering magari to convey that you gladly accept an invite.

      Magari = Volentieri!(Gladly!)

      For example:

      • Mamma vuoi venire con me in Italia?

        Mom, do you want to go to Italy with me?

      • Magari!

        Gladly! / I wish (if only I could)

      Two minions screaming with excitement
    • If your tone is doubtful or sad as you say magari, then you are conveying that you wished you did something differently.

      Magari = sarebbe stato bello (se)…(it would have been nice (if)...)

      For example:

      • Mara, hai superato l’esame di chimica?

        Mara, have you passed the chemistry exam?

      • Magari!

        I wish (I had!)

      Pikachu looking down, depressed, and sad
    • If your tone is hopeful, wishful, and grateful as you say magari, then you are conveying that you would like the help offered, or you wish something would happen.

      Magari = sarebbe bello (se)…(I wish; It would be nice (if)...)

      For example:

      • Prenotiamo anche per voi?

        Shall we also make a reservation for you?

      • (Ohhh!) Magari!

        Ohhh, thanks! That would be great!

      A gif of a cartoon cat (Dorami) bowing in thanks
    Important

    In these examples, magari is used as an exclamation, by itself, without a verb.

    How to use ‘magari’ to express a wish with the subjunctive?

    A very common use of magari is with the subjunctive (imperfect or past perfect) to express a wish which, in English, means “if only…” Here are the two patterns you can follow:

    • To state a wish or desire about the present:

      magari

      if only

      imperfect subjunctive

      Magari piovesse!

      If only it would rain!

      Magari Alfredo arrivasse presto!

      If only Alfredo would arrive soon.

    • To state a wish or desire about the past:

      magari

      if only

      past perfect subjunctive

      Magari avesse piovuto!

      If only it would have rained!

      Magari foste arrivati prima!

      If only you had arrived sooner!

    Tip

    Remember that the imperfect subjunctive conveys a sense of uncertainty, but the past perfect subjunctive implies that a wish did not come true.

    Have a look at our article on the imperfect or past perfect subjunctive in Italian to learn more about these two verb forms.

    What are the other meanings of ‘magari’?

    The final use of magari in Italian:

    • Magari = possibility

      As an equivalent of forse(maybe, possibly) or eventualmente((maybe) eventually)

      • Chiamo i miei genitori, magari li trovo in casa.

        I am calling my parents, maybe I will find them at home.

      • Magari mi chiami appena arrivi in ufficio.

        Eventually, you could call me as you arrive in the office.

    Important

    In these cases, magari is 'linked" to another sentence that gives the context.

    To sum up

    Magari is an extremely versatile and useful word for everyday conversation. A magic word that can be used on its own (as an interjection) or in a sentence with many English meanings: “maybe,” “yeah, right!,” “I wish,” “if only,” “gladly,” “I’d rather.”

    Let’s go and practice the uses of magari now!

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