Here comes another post about a tricky little Italian word.
Even though Italian grammar is full of big, scary topics, like the congiuntivo or the periodo ipotetico, the questions I get the most are related to tiny words frequently used in conversation. The use of these words, like mica, pure, cioè, for example, seems to be harder to grasp than that of other grammar elements.
As a matter of fact, today’s post comes from a question I got from a student. She asked me how to use anzi in Italian, and after addressing that topic in my latest YouTube livestream, I thought it could be useful to write a post about it too. As much as I love video content, I still think that having some written notes could be good, especially if you want to use this material later and keep it for future reference.
This is why I create a downloadable PDF file for each grammar and vocabulary post I write. You can find the file in Your Italian Toolbox, where I upload all language-learning materials (you can access the page by subscribing to my newsletter), under the section Grammar. Speaking of tricky Italian words, there you will also find PDF files for my other posts about the use of pure and that of mica, which I posted a few weeks ago.
But let’s now focus on how to use anzi in Italian!
Basically, anzi is used to modify what you have just said. You can use it to reinforce, correct, or contradict a previous statement.
1. Anzi can be used to reinforce what you said previously.
Mi è piaciuto molto quel libro, anzi l’ho adorato!
Stai bene con quel vestito, anzi stai benissimo!
Questo gelato è buono, anzi è proprio delizioso!
2. Anzi can be used to modify or correct what you said previously.
Prendo una pizza, anzi una focaccia.
Arriviamo alle nove, anzi, no, alle dieci.
“Vieni al mare?” “Sto a casa, grazie. Anzi, vengo dai!”.
3. Anzi can be used to contradict what you said previously. In this case, it always follows a negative sentence.
Quel vestito non è brutto, anzi mi piace moltissimo!
Maria non è antipatica, anzi per me è simpaticissima!
“Ti disturbo?” “Assolutamente no, anzi mi fa molto piacere parlare con te!”
In this third use, anzi can even stand alone while the rest of the sentence is implied.
Oggi non fa freddo, anzi! (The meaning of this sentence is that the weather is warm or hot today)
Paolo non canta male, anzi! (The meaning of this sentence is that Paolo is singing very well)
Questo pesce è per niente cattivo, anzi! (The meaning of this sentence is that the fish is good)
If you want to reinforce the use of anzi, here is an IG reel about the same topic.
Don’t forget the downloadable PDF file I have created for you to keep for future reference. You can find the file in Your Italian Toolbox, where I upload all language-learning materials (you can access the page by subscribing to my newsletter), under the section Grammar.
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