What does ANZI mean in Italian?

In this lesson I'm going to explain what "anzi" means. In other words, I'll explain how to use the adverb "ANZI" and what it can mean.

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But let's go to the meanings of the word "anzi"!

Basically, the adverb "anzi" can be used in three different ways.

Let's start from the first meaning of "anzi" by doing some practical examples!

The first example sentence could be: "Non è stupido, anzi è molto intelligente".

The second example sentence could be: "Non mi disturbi affatto, anzi mi fa soltanto piacere!"

The third example could be: "Non mi sono annoiato, anzi mi sono divertito un sacco!"

Well, as you can see, the adverb "anzi" is used to correct a statement that has been previously denied. So we have a negative statement, we have "anzi" and next a clause correcting the negative sentence.

One of my examples was: "Non è stupido, anzi è molto intelligente" So we have a negative sentence, "Non è stupido", we have "anzi" and next a statement which corrects what has been said.

For example, if we consider the sentence "Non mi disturbi affatto, anzi mi fa soltanto piacere!". Well, in this case we have a negative clause, "Non mi disturbi affatto", and next we have "anzi" which introduces a sentence correcting the previous one.

Then I gave you as an example the sentence "Non mi sono annoiato, anzi mi sono divertito un sacco".

Thus, "anzi" introduces a sentence where the opposite is stated. I'm gonna give you two more examples!

For example, I could say: "Non ero in ritardo, anzi ero in anticipo!"

Another example could be: "Non sono triste, anzi sono molto contento!"

What does it mean? He is not stupid, quite the opposite! That is, someone saying that quite possibly means: he is not stupid at all. On the contrary, he is very smart.

Similarly, I could say: "Non è avaro, anzi!" What does it mean? He is not stingy, he is the opposite of stingy.

Similarly, I could say: "Non c'era tanta gente, anzi!" What does it mean? There were few people.

Or, getting back to my previous example, I could say: "Non sono triste, anzi!" Well, if I say that, I mean that I'm the opposite of sad, so that I'm happy. Happy or merry.

So, well, "anzi" can be used alone like so, or it can introduce a sentence. I can say: "Non sono triste, anzi!" Alternatively, I could say: "Non sono triste, anzi sono molto contento!"

Let's move on to the second way of using "anzi"!

I'm gonna give you an example.

"Se scopro qualcosa, ti mando un messaggio. Anzi, ti chiamo".

Another example sentence could be: "Compra due chili di pomodori. Anzi, comprane 3!"

And the third example could be: "Forse è meglio se chiamo Jessica e l'avviso. Anzi, chiamala tu!"

As you can see, in these 3 sentences the word "anzi" is used to modify what has been previously said.

For example, in the first sentence, first I say "ti mando un messaggio", then I say "anzi" and modify what I have said by saying "ti chiamo".

Similarly, in the second sentence, first I say "compra due chili di pomodori", then I use anzi and modify what I've just said and say "anzi comprane tre".

Similarly, in the third sentence, first I say "È meglio se chiamo Jessica", then I use "anzi" and modify what I've said by saying "anzi, chiamala tu!". How could you rephrase the phrase "anzi, chiamala tu"? You could rephrase it like so: Or better, you call her!

So, well, the adverb "anzi" is similar in meaning to phrases such as "o meglio" (or better) or "o piuttosto" (or rather). You can say "anzi", or you can say "o meglio". For example, I could say: "Se scopro qualcosa ti mando un messaggio. O meglio, ti chiamo!"

Alright, let's move on to the third way of using "anzi"!

The third way of using "anzi" is quite similar to the second one. I'll give you an example right away! "Hai agito male, anzi malissimo".

Another example could be: "La situazione è difficile, anzi tragica".

And the third example could be: "Mi sento stanco, anzi stanchissimo".

Well, as you can see, in this case "anzi" introduces an instensifying phrase. That is, a phrase reinforcing what has just been said. Like I said, the third usage of "anzi" is quite similar to the second one. In this case too "anzi" introduces something modifying what has been said. In particular, in this specific case, it reinforces what has been said.

Well, I hope it's clear how to use "anzi"!

I'm gonna add up here a video that you might wanna watch. If you want to speak Italian well and speak it naturally, please, check out this video too!

And may the force of advanced Italian be with you!

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