A guide to saying it like a local

How to Say "Absolutely" in Italian

The Italian word for 'absolutely,' used for strong agreement, emphasis, or confirmation.

Assolutamente

as-so-loo-tah-MEN-tehneutral

A single phrase, broken down

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Use 'Assolutamente' when you want to agree with someone emphatically, like when they suggest a great idea or ask if you're sure about something. It's a strong way to say 'yes, definitely!'

Alternatives

  • CertamenteOften used for a more formal or polite 'certainly'.
  • CertoA more casual and very common way to say 'sure' or 'of course'.

Ways to get it wrong

Pronouncing the 'ss'

Make sure to pronounce the double 's' sound clearly, like a sustained 's' noise.

Stress placement

The stress falls on the 'MEN' syllable, not the first 'A' or the 'SOO' syllable.

A small cultural note

Italians often use emphatic language, so 'Assolutamente' fits perfectly into many conversations to show genuine enthusiasm or conviction.

Frequently asked

When is 'Assolutamente' better than 'Sì'?

'Sì' is a simple 'yes,' while 'Assolutamente' adds strong emphasis and conviction. Use it when you mean 'absolutely' or 'definitely'.

Can I use 'Assolutamente' for negative answers?

No, 'Assolutamente' is only for positive agreement or confirmation. For a strong negative, you would use 'Assolutamente no'.

Is 'Assolutamente' too strong for casual talk?

Not at all. It's very common in everyday conversation, even among friends, to add emphasis to your agreement.