What does a parte mean in Italian?
In today’s post, we’re going to focus on an expression that’s very useful, versatile, and common: a parte.
This expression has several meanings depending on the context.
These are the meanings of a parte:
- Separate
- Different
- Except
- Apart
- Aside
We’re going to go through all of these meanings, and we’ll give you examples.
Let’s get started and see how to use a parte in Italian!
How to use a parte as separate or different?
We can use a parte to say different or separate, like in the examples below:
Il vino è a parte, non è compreso nel prezzo.
The wine is separate. It’s not included in the price.
Questo è un discorso a parte.
This is a separate argument.
Mi faccia un conto a parte per favore.
Please make a separate check.
Tonia vive in un mondo a parte.
Tonia lives in a different world.
How to use a parte as except?
A parte can also mean except, except for, except from, or with the exception of:
Sono venuti tutti a parte lui.
They all came except him.
Non sto vedendo nessun’altra a parte te.
I’m not seeing anyone else except you.
How to use a parte as aside or apart?
Here’s an interesting use: we can use a parte like we use aside or apart in English.
We use it together with what we want to put aside, like in the examples below:
Vento a parte, è stata una bella giornata.
Wind aside, it was a beautiful day.
Modestia a parte, le mie torte sono insuperabili!
Modesty aside, my cakes are unbeatable!
And this is a very common expression:
Scherzi a parte.
All kidding aside.
Jokes aside.
It’s so common that there’s a TV show called Scherzi a parte. Is a hidden camera-practical joke television series.
Here’s an example in context with this expression:
Scherzi a parte, cosa ti ha detto?
Jokes aside, what did he tell you?
What are some set phrases with a parte?
There are some common set phrases with a parte.
Let’s look at two of them:
- A parte il fatto che
This is a very common set phrase. It means something like leaving aside the fact that, other than, or apart from the fact that.
Il computer era troppo piccolo, a parte il fatto che non mi è piaciuto.
The computer was too small, leaving aside the fact that I didn’t like it.
A parte il fatto che abbiamo molte cose in comune, sei anche molto simpatico!
Other than the fact that we have many things in common, you’re also very fun!
- A parte che
We can also use the shortened version of a parte il fatto che: a parte che.
Non sappiamo niente, a parte che dobbiamo studiare.
We don’t know anything except that we have to study.
Non abbiamo trovato molto su di lui, a parte che era tedesco.
We didn’t find out much about him except that he was German.
Still translating in your head? Wanna speak Italian for real? Check out Stefano's courses to think directly in Italian and become fluent fast!