What does Magari mean in Italian?

What does magari mean? Magari has a musical quality that rolls effortlessly off the tongue. Though there is no direct equivalent in English, magari encompasses a unique combination of hope and uncertainty. It can express a desire or wish. It can also imply a highly positive affirmation. Or it can denote a sad minor tone with the “if only” sentiment echoing behind.

Oh, the troublesome word magari. Its multiple meanings may test our patience. But fear not! This post will unveil its secrets!

1. Magari can be used alone as an answer to express a desire or wish.

A solitary utterance of its syllables suffices to express a desire, an unfulfilled dream.

Italian: Vuoi venire al mare con me?

English: Would you like to come to the sea with me?

Italian: Magari!

English: Of course, I wish to go with you!

2. Magari can be used alone to express regret

In moments of lament, Magari can be invoked to bemoan what could have been, what should have been, but never was.

Beware, for there is a subtler nuance that lies in the inflection of the voice. A mere modulation in tone, and yet it distinguishes the first case from the second one. Heed this warning well, for the difference in intonation is a harbinger of much significance.

Italian: Ma poi hai avuto quella promozione a lavoro?

English: But then, did you get that promotion at work?

Italian: Magari!

English: If only I had, but sadly no, even though I would have liked that!

3. Magari plus a conjunctive can be used to express a wish.

We can also use Magari with the subjunctive mood to express desire.

Italian: Magari facesse freddo!

English: I wish it was cold!

4. Magari can take the meaning of maybe or probably.

At times, Magari may take on a more uncertain tone, a reflection of the ever-shifting tides of fate. In these instances, it may carry with it the meaning of ‘maybe’ or ‘probably’, as if to say that the future is but a mystery, and the outcome of our endeavors remains to be seen.

Italian: È in ritardo di 30 minuti… Magari ha sbagliato strada.

English: He is 30 minute late… Maybe he took the wrong way.

5. Magari can take the meaning of rather or sooner.

And yet, in other moments, Magari may hint at a sense of urgency, something required to be done sooner rather than later. It may be a substitute for ‘rather’, a gentle prod to move forward, to act.

Italian: Magari resterò sveglia tutta la notte, ma non chiederò aiuto a nessuno per finire questo lavoro!

English: I’d rather stay up all night, but I won’t ask anybody’s help to finish this work!

6. Magari can also take the meaning of possibly.

In still other instances, Magari may speak of possibility, of a chance that depends on a specific situation, a particular set of circumstances. It may take on the meaning of ‘possibly’, a reminder that the world is a complex place, and that we must always be ready to seize opportunities as they present themselves.

Italian: Magari prima di partire mandami un sms.

English: Possibly send me sms before you leave

The origin of the word Magari

Interestingly, the origin of magari can be traced back to the Greek word “makàrios” which has a very positive connotation, meaning “a great, blessed, or fortunate event”. 

Here is an example of magari as it would be used in Greek (with a positive connotation).

Italian: Quante volte alla settimana vanno in palestra?

English: How many times a week do they go to the gym?

Italian: Magari, una volta a settimana.

English: Hopefully, once a week.

Wrapping Up

Learning Italian is a beautiful journey, and magari is only one of the many nuances of this rich language. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, there is always more to explore and discover. Would you like to test drive a podcast-style Italian course for free? Click here to check it out!