dunque
Lemma: dunque
Translation: therefore; so; then; consequently; thus (conjunction)
Etymology: Derived from Latin 'tunc' (then, at that time) with the addition of the intensive prefix 'de-', evolving into Medieval Latin 'de + unquam' (from ever). The word developed through Vulgar Latin into Italian, maintaining its logical connective function. English cognates include words derived from Latin 'tunc' such as 'temporal' and 'contemporary', though the connection is distant.
Example Usage
Piove, dunque non possiamo uscire.
It's raining, therefore we can't go out.
Penso, dunque sono.
I think, therefore I am.
Dunque, cosa facciamo stasera?
So, what are we doing tonight?
Hai finito i compiti? Dunque possiamo andare al cinema.
Have you finished your homework? Then we can go to the cinema.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'dunque' as 'done + consequently' - when something is done, consequently this follows.
- Associate with 'dunk' - when you dunk something, 'therefore' it gets wet.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Widely used in both written and spoken Italian to indicate logical conclusions or to resume a conversation after an interruption. It's also commonly used as a filler word or to express surprise or realization, similar to 'well then' in English.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'dunque' indicates a logical conclusion or consequence, 'comunque' means 'anyway' or 'however' and often introduces a contrasting idea.
Notes: 'Dunque' follows a cause-effect relationship, while 'comunque' often acknowledges a situation but then presents an alternative view or action.
Mnemonic: 'Dunque' draws a conclusion (D for deduction), while 'comunque' offers a contrast (C for contrast).
Explanation: Both 'dunque' and 'quindi' mean 'therefore' but 'quindi' is slightly more formal in some contexts and can also mean 'afterwards' or 'next' in a sequence.
This word:
Non ho studiato, dunque non sono preparato.
I haven't studied, therefore I'm not prepared.
Confused word:
Prima finisco il lavoro, quindi vado a casa.
First I'll finish work, then I'll go home.
Notes: While often interchangeable, 'dunque' can sound more emphatic or dramatic in certain contexts.
Mnemonic: Think of 'quindi' as 'queue-indi' - indicating what comes next in the queue.