as is one of the most versatile words in Italian, having different meanings depending on the context in which it is used. It can be used not only as an adverb but also as a conjunction and adjective, making it difficult to summarize in one article. Nonetheless, let’s give it a try!
Before we begin, it is important to note like this It is written with accent I, which means the emphasis is on the last syllable rather than the first. You can listen to the correct pronunciation below.
like this
therefore: adverb
as Often used as an adverb, covering the following meanings.Whichever translation you choose, this version like this Always means a way of doing something.
- like this/that
- This is/is what it is
- as follows
- That
- this way/that way
- in this way/that way
- This is/what is that
Let's look at a few example sentences to see how it is used in context.
The drawer opens like this.
The drawer opens like this/this.
To cook pasta, you have to do this.
You cook pasta as follows. / This is how to cook pasta.
This concludes the book.
This/this is the end of the book.
No, I didn't say that.
No, that's not what I said.
as It can also be placed after an adjective or adverb to refer to the size or dimensions of something.
The puddle is so big!
The puddle is so big!
Likewise, it can add emphasis, like in words like extremely or Very.In this case, the best translation is usually so or Very.
He loves you very much. Lucky you.
He loves you very much. You are lucky.
He seemed so nice and polite. How could I have been so wrong?
He seemed so nice and polite. How could I have been so wrong?
at last like thisas an adverb, can mean so like same thing or Similarly.
Monica said hello to him and I said hello to him.
Monica said hello to him and I said hello to him.
Così: conjunction
You are bound to encounter several patterns, among which like this Used as a conjunction:
- so that = so that
- So…from = so / enough
He was so tall that his head almost touched the ceiling.
He was so tall that his head almost touched the ceiling.
Why be stupid enough to risk your life?
Why be stupid enough to risk your life?
You can also expect to hear conjunctions like this past meaning soIts meaning is soor All right when placed at the beginning of a sentence e (and).
He had a cough, so he didn't go to school.
He had a cough, so he didn't go to school.
so? Have you decided if you want to join us?
All right? Have you decided if you want to join us?
more importantly, like this is a conjunction, indicating that way or so that.This is easily one of the most common uses like this In everyday spoken Italian.
Put on a coat to avoid catching a cold.
Put on your jacket that/so you won't get cold.
Before we move on to adjectives, let’s take a moment to look at alsoin most cases equal to also or (just) like/as in English.
Maria was just like I imagined she would be.
Maria was just as I imagined she would be.
These tents can be used for concerts and festivals.
These tents can be used for concerts and festivals.
Così: adjective
Last but not least, we come to like this as an adjective.When it modifies a noun, it is almost always translated as Such or like that As shown in the following example:
I want to live in a house like this!
I want to live in a house like this!
Have you ever seen a place like this?
Have you ever seen a place like this?
Before we end this article, let’s take a quick look at some set expressions like this You will encounter it in everyday Italian.
- enough! = enough!
- etc. = etc.
- Who who who. = so so.
- Better than this! = What more can you ask for!
- just saying = so
- This is the whole story. = that's right. / This is the whole story.
- so = by doing this/this
- I see! = If only that were the case!
- So be it! = So be it!
- It seems so. = So it looks.
- It doesn't matter. = It's okay/fine (just like that).
- That's how it is = As far as the current situation is concerned
Heather Broster is a graduate with honors in linguistics from the University of Western Ontario. She is an aspiring polyglot, fluent in English and Italian, as well as varying degrees of fluency in Japanese, Welsh and French. Originally from Toronto, Heather has lived in several countries, notably Italy for six years. Her main research areas are language acquisition, education and bilingual teaching.
