più
Wordform Details
Translation: moremost
Part of Speech: adverb
Inflection Type:
comparativeIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: più
Translation: more; most; plus; further; anymore (adverb)
Etymology: From Latin 'plus' meaning 'more'. This Latin root is also found in English words like 'plus', 'plural', and 'surplus'. The Italian 'più' underwent a phonetic evolution typical of Romance languages where the final 's' was lost and the vowel 'u' became 'ù'.
Example Usage
Voglio più acqua
I want more water
Non lo faccio più
I don't do it anymore
È più grande di me
He/She is bigger than me
Voglio più tempo per finire il lavoro.
I want more time to finish the work.
Lei è più alta di me.
She is taller than me.
Non posso aspettare più.
I can't wait anymore.
Questo è il libro più interessante che abbia mai letto.
This is the most interesting book I have ever read.
Più studio, più imparo.
The more I study, the more I learn.
Mnemonics
- Think of the English word 'plus' which shares the same Latin root and similar meaning.
- The accent on the 'ù' points upward, suggesting an increase or 'more' of something.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
A fundamental word in Italian that appears in countless expressions and comparative structures. It's one of the first adverbs learned by students of Italian and is essential for expressing comparisons, preferences, and quantities.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'più' means 'more' and is used in comparisons, 'molto' means 'very' or 'a lot' and is used to indicate intensity but not comparison.
Confused word:
Marco è molto intelligente.
Marco is very intelligent.
Notes: 'Più' is used in comparative structures (più...di/che) while 'molto' simply intensifies without comparison.
Mnemonic: 'Più' has an accent pointing up (ù), suggesting comparison or increase; 'molto' doesn't compare but amplifies.
Explanation: 'Più' means 'more' while 'poi' means 'then' or 'afterwards'. They look and sound somewhat similar but have completely different meanings and uses.
This word:
Vorrei più tempo.
I would like more time.
Confused word:
Prima mangio, poi studio.
First I eat, then I study.
Notes: 'Più' relates to quantity or degree, while 'poi' relates to sequence or time.
Mnemonic: 'Più' has the accent (ù) while 'poi' doesn't; 'poi' relates to sequence in time (p-o-i = point of interest later).