sempre che
Lemma: sempre che
Translation: provided that; as long as; if; assuming that; on condition that (conjunction)
Etymology: Combines 'sempre' (always, from Latin 'semper') and 'che' (that, from Latin 'quid'). The combination creates a conditional conjunction expressing that something will happen only if a certain condition is met. Unlike the English 'always', which primarily denotes frequency, the Italian 'sempre' in this construction helps establish a conditional relationship.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'sempre' (always) + 'che' (that) as 'always that condition applies'
- Remember it as 'always that' → 'provided that'
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Used frequently in both written and spoken Italian to express conditional relationships. It's a standard way to introduce a condition that must be met for something else to happen.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Sempre che' introduces a necessary condition (provided that), while 'anche se' introduces a concession (even if).
This word:
Verrò alla festa, sempre che mi invitino.
I'll come to the party, provided that they invite me.
Notes: With 'sempre che', the action depends on the condition being met; with 'anche se', the action will happen regardless of the condition.
Mnemonic: 'Sempre che' sets a requirement; 'anche se' acknowledges an obstacle that won't stop the action.
Explanation: 'Sempre che' is conditional (provided that), while 'sempre quando' means 'whenever' or 'every time that'.
Notes: 'Sempre quando' indicates a recurring pattern, while 'sempre che' introduces a one-time condition.
Mnemonic: 'Sempre che' introduces a single condition; 'sempre quando' refers to repeated occurrences.