al giorno d'oggi
Lemma: al giorno d'oggi
Translation: nowadays; these days; today; in this day and age (adverbial phrase)
Etymology: This Italian adverbial phrase is composed of several elements: 'al' (contraction of 'a' + 'il', meaning 'to the'), 'giorno' ('day'), 'di' ('of', which becomes 'd' through elision), and 'oggi' ('today'). Literally, it means 'on the day of today'. The word 'oggi' itself comes from Latin 'hodie', which was a contraction of 'hoc die' meaning 'on this day'. This construction parallels similar temporal expressions in other Romance languages.
Example Usage
Al giorno d'oggi tutti hanno uno smartphone.
Nowadays everyone has a smartphone.
Al giorno d'oggi è difficile trovare un lavoro stabile.
These days it's difficult to find a stable job.
Al giorno d'oggi i giovani preferiscono vivere in città.
In this day and age, young people prefer to live in cities.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'giorno' (day) and 'oggi' (today) - it's literally referring to 'the day of today' to emphasize the present time.
- Remember that 'd'' is a contraction of 'di' (of), connecting 'giorno' (day) with 'oggi' (today).
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used in Italian to contrast current situations with those of the past, often when discussing social changes, technological advancements, or shifting cultural norms. It can sometimes carry a slightly critical tone when used by older generations commenting on modern habits or values.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'al giorno d'oggi' means 'nowadays' or 'these days' (referring to the current era or period), 'oggi' simply means 'today' (referring specifically to this day).
Notes: 'Al giorno d'oggi' is used when making general statements about current times, while 'oggi' is used for specific events happening on the current day.
Mnemonic: 'Al giorno d'oggi' is longer and more formal, referring to a longer period (the current era), while 'oggi' is shorter and refers to just one day (today).
Explanation: Both mean 'nowadays', but 'oggigiorno' is a single word alternative to the phrase 'al giorno d'oggi'. They are essentially synonymous but 'oggigiorno' is slightly more formal or literary.
Confused word:
Oggigiorno è raro vedere bambini giocare all'aperto.
Nowadays it's rare to see children playing outdoors.
Notes: Both expressions are common, but 'al giorno d'oggi' might be slightly more colloquial in everyday speech.
Mnemonic: 'Oggigiorno' combines 'oggi' (today) and 'giorno' (day) into one word, while 'al giorno d'oggi' keeps them as separate words in a phrase.