Idioms · Emphasis

Addirittura: The Italian Word for 'Even' and 'Really?!'

Q: Can I use 'addirittura' at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, absolutely! Placing addirittura at the beginning of a sentence can heighten the sense of surprise or emphasis right from the start. For example, "Addirittura, il capo ha approvato la nostra idea!" (Even the boss approved our idea!). It sets the stage for something unexpected.

Q: How is 'addirittura' different from 'perfino'?

While both addirittura and perfino can translate to 'even,' addirittura generally carries a stronger sense of surprise, disbelief, or an unexpected extreme. Perfino is a bit milder, simply indicating that something applies to an unexpected or extreme case without necessarily implying disbelief. Addirittura has more emotional punch.

Imagine a word that can add a punch of 'even,' a jolt of 'actually,' or a gasp of 'really?!' to your Italian — that's addirittura.

Addirittura is a powerful Italian adverb that expresses surprise, emphasis, or an unexpected degree. It can mean 'even,' 'actually,' 'all the way,' or, when used as an exclamation, 'Really?!' or 'No way!'

The short version

AddiritturaEven, actually, all the way
Addirittura?!Really?!, No way!, You don't say!
Used forSurprise, emphasis, exaggeration, unexpected extremes

What does 'addirittura' mean?

It adds a layer of unexpectedness or intensity.

Think of addirittura as a way to say, "And get this..." or "Can you believe it?" It highlights something that goes beyond what's expected. It's often used when an action, quantity, or quality is surprisingly high or extreme.

Ha letto *addirittura* tre libri in un giorno.

/a ˈlɛtto addiritˈtura tre ˈliːbri in un ˈʤorno/

He read even three books in one day. (That's a lot!)

Il ristorante era pieno, *addirittura* alle cinque del pomeriggio.

/il ristoˈrante ˈɛra ˈpjɛno, addiritˈtura ˈalle ˈʧiŋkwe del pomeridˈʤo/

The restaurant was full, even at five in the afternoon. (That's early!)

Non solo è arrivato in ritardo, *addirittura* non si è presentato!

/non ˈsolo ɛ arriˈvato in riˈtardo, addiritˈtura non si ɛ prezenˈtato/

Not only was he late, he actually didn't show up! (An extreme outcome.)

How do Italians use it for surprise?

A quick, emphatic 'Really?!'

One of the most common and delightful uses of addirittura is as a standalone exclamation. When someone tells you something surprising or unbelievable, a simple "Addirittura?!" is the perfect response. It's like saying, "No way!" or "You're kidding me!" but with a touch more dramatic flair.

AmicaHo corso la maratona ieri!I ran the marathon yesterday!
Tu*Addirittura*?! Non lo sapevo!Really?! I didn't know that!
AmicoIl mio gatto ha imparato ad aprire la porta.My cat learned to open the door.
Tu*Addirittura*! Che intelligente!No way! How smart!

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The power of exaggeration

Italians often use language to add color and drama to everyday conversations. Addirittura fits right into this cultural tendency, allowing for expressive reactions that go beyond simple statements of fact, making conversations more engaging and lively.

Addirittura adds a delightful spark to any Italian conversation, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Is 'addirittura' formal or informal?

It's quite versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its primary function is to add emphasis or surprise, so it's more about the tone and context of the conversation than the formality level. You'll hear it among friends and in more polished speech.

Can I use 'addirittura' at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, absolutely! Placing addirittura at the beginning of a sentence can heighten the sense of surprise or emphasis right from the start. For example, "Addirittura, il capo ha approvato la nostra idea!" (Even the boss approved our idea!). It sets the stage for something unexpected.

How is 'addirittura' different from 'perfino'?

While both addirittura and perfino can translate to 'even,' addirittura generally carries a stronger sense of surprise, disbelief, or an unexpected extreme. Perfino is a bit milder, simply indicating that something applies to an unexpected or extreme case without necessarily implying disbelief. Addirittura has more emotional punch.

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