quindi
Lemma: quindi
Translation: therefore; thus; so; then; afterwards (adverb, conjunction)
Etymology: Derived from Latin 'quinde' (from there), which comes from 'qui' (who, which) + 'inde' (from there, thence). The word evolved to express both temporal sequence and logical consequence. It shares the same Indo-European root *kwo- with English question words like 'who' and 'what', while the 'inde' part relates to English words indicating direction or sequence.
Example Usage
Piove, quindi non possiamo uscire.
It's raining, therefore we can't go out.
Ho studiato molto, quindi dovrei superare l'esame.
I studied a lot, so I should pass the exam.
Finisco di lavorare e quindi vado a casa.
I finish working and then I go home.
Quindi, cosa facciamo adesso?
So, what do we do now?
Mnemonics
- Think of 'quin-di' as 'consequently' - the 'quin' part sounds a bit like 'consequence'.
- Associate 'quindi' with 'queue-in-dee' - imagine people queuing up in sequence, one after another, like sequential thoughts.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
A very common connector in Italian speech and writing. Italians often use 'quindi' to link thoughts in conversation, sometimes starting sentences with it to indicate a conclusion or next step in reasoning.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Quindi' means 'therefore/then' while 'quando' means 'when'. They look similar but have different functions - 'quindi' shows consequence or sequence, 'quando' indicates time.
Notes: Both words are frequently used in everyday Italian, but 'quindi' connects cause and effect while 'quando' establishes timing.
Mnemonic: 'Quindi' has 'di' at the end like 'accordingly', while 'quando' has 'do' like 'during'.
Explanation: While both can mean 'then', 'quindi' often implies a logical consequence ('therefore'), whereas 'poi' typically indicates temporal sequence ('afterwards').
This word:
Non ho studiato, quindi non ho superato l'esame.
I didn't study, therefore I didn't pass the exam.
Confused word:
Ho finito di studiare, poi sono andato a letto.
I finished studying, then I went to bed.
Notes: In casual speech, Italians sometimes use these interchangeably, but 'quindi' more strongly suggests a cause-effect relationship.
Mnemonic: Think of 'quindi' as 'consequently' and 'poi' as 'post' (after).