così
Lemma: così
Translation: so; thus; like this; in this way; this way (adverb)
Etymology: From Latin 'ecce sīc' meaning 'behold thus/so'. The Latin 'sic' (meaning 'thus, so, in this manner') evolved into Italian 'così'. The English word 'so' shares a distant Indo-European root with the Latin 'sic', both expressing the concept of 'in this manner'.
Example Usage
Mnemonics
- Think of 'co-see' - as in 'co-see this way of doing things'
- Associate with the English phrase 'I see, so...' - 'così' is how you acknowledge and continue
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
A very common word in Italian conversation and writing. 'Così così' is a particularly useful expression when asked how you are feeling or how something was - it indicates mediocrity or adequacy without being too positive or negative.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'così' means 'in this way/like this', 'come' means 'how' or 'like/as'. They can sometimes be used in similar contexts but have different meanings.
This word:
Fallo così.
Do it like this.
Confused word:
Fallo come ti ho mostrato.
Do it as I showed you.
Notes: In questions, 'come' asks 'how' while 'così' is more demonstrative, showing or indicating a way of doing something.
Mnemonic: 'Così' has the 'so' sound in it, like the English 'so'. 'Come' sounds like the English 'how' question word.
Explanation: 'Così' means 'so/like this' while 'cosicché' is a conjunction meaning 'so that/in order that'.
This word:
Parla così.
Speak like this.
Confused word:
Parla forte cosicché tutti possano sentirti.
Speak loudly so that everyone can hear you.
Notes: 'Cosicché' introduces a result or purpose clause, while 'così' by itself describes manner.
Mnemonic: 'Cosicché' is 'così' plus 'che' - 'so that'.