Italian with Cher
30 Minute Italian
[Italian Lesson] Don't mention it.
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[Italian Lesson] Don't mention it.

Understanding figurati and figuriamoci

Quick update: I’ll be out of the office all throughout August! I’m a team of 1, so if you leave a comment or send me an email, I’ll get back to you in early September.

Come potreste rispondere alla frase sotto?

Grazie mille!!

Si può dire:

  • Prego. - You’re welcome.

  • Niente. - It’s nothing.

  • Non c’è di che. - You’re welcome/It’s nothing.

  • Di nulla. - It’s nothing.

Ma la mia frase preferita?

  • Figurati. - Don’t mention it. 

Another use of “figurati” is to mean “yeah, right.”

Tipo, “Luca viene stasera?” >> “Figurati, lui non viene mai alle feste.”

Is Luca coming tonight? >> Yeah right, he never comes to parties. 

Sometimes you’ll hear “figuriamoci” too, but it means “no way.”

  • Penso che pioverà domani. >> Figuriamoci! Le previsioni del tempo dicono che ci sarà il sole! – I think it's going to rain tomorrow. – No way! The forecast says that it’s going to be sunny!

During the editing process, Irene also pointed out "figuriamoci" can be used to mean "let alone". 

  • E se è estremamente difficile raggiungere l'unanimità con 15 paesi, figuriamoci con 25. - It's really hard to reach consensus among 15 countries, let alone 25.

Buono studio!

Un caro saluto,

Cher


Note of language love: All of our articles, lessons, and podcast episodes have been edited by Irene Malentacchi, the founder of Italian in Love. However, if you find a mistake, let us know! We want these articles to be accurate, accessible, and easy to understand. Reach out directly at italianwithcher@gmail.com or leave a comment. Grazie in anticipo!

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Italian with Cher
30 Minute Italian
Boost your confidence in speaking Italian in 30 minutes or less with the 30 Minute Italian Podcast. We cover expressions, sometimes sexy grammar, and culture through personal travel stories and detailed examples.