How to say “if anything”: Italian grammar lesson 164

Summary

Dive into the nuances of the Italian word semmai, a handy adverb that’ll spice up your language skills! Learn its dual roles in expressing “if anything” or “if ever,” and master the art of the subjunctive mood when using it. 🇮🇹✨

  • Adverb Magic: Use semmai to mean “if anything” and add a twist to your sentences. It’s like saying, “Hold up, here’s a better idea!” 🔄
  • Hypotheticals: When you’re getting all hypothetical, semmai is your go-to for “if ever.” It’s like pondering the possibilities with a dash of Italian flair. 🤔
  • Subjunctive Mood: Pair semmai with the subjunctive mood to sound like a true Italian. Remember, using the indicative is a no-go and will make you stick out! 🚫
  • Semmai vs. se mai: Both mean “if ever,” but semmai is the cool kid on the block for “if anything.” Use it to sound extra savvy. 😎
  • Conjugation Station: When introducing a hypothetical, conjugate the next verb in the subjunctive. It’s like setting the stage for a dramatic Italian opera. 🎭

My thoughts

“If anything” in Italian: Semmai

As you may have guessed, semmai comes from linking two words: se and mai, and it has two main uses in the Italian language:

As an adverb, it means “if anything”:

Non farla uscire, semmai vai tu da lei.

Don’t let her go out; if anything, you go to hers.

Nongiudicare. Semmai, dovresti provare a capirlo.

Don’t judge. If anything, you should try to understand.

Semmai can also be used to introduce a hypothetical sentence, meaningif ever”. In this case, we can also use the separate words se and mai.

Semmai succedesse, sarò pronta.

If it ever happens, I will be ready.

Sarebbe bello vederti, se mai deciderai di passare di qui.

It would be good to see you if you ever decide to pass by.

Did you notice? In this case, as we are introducing a hypothetical sentence, we need to use the subjunctive mood (congiuntivo) with semmai.

It is very important to remember this, as using semmai with the indicative form (indicativo) would be incorrect and sound odd!

 

Semmai vs se mai in Italian

As we mentioned above, the word semmai originally comes from 2 words: se (if) and mai (ever).

Both versions (semmai and se mai) are accepted in Italian today, but the linked version (semmai) is more widespread with the meaning of “if anything”:

Non giudicare. Semmai, dovresti provare a capirlo.

Don’t judge. If anything, you should try to understand.

While the separate version is more often used to mean “if ever” (which is the literal translation of the two words se and mai):

Se mai succedesse, sarò pronta.

If it ever happens, I will be ready.

It’s a good thing to remember, but do not worry at all about this, as both versions are correct in both meanings.

Semmai: Examples

Free Guide
How to Learn Languages Fast

Let’s have a look at some more examples of the use of semmai and se mai in Italian.

Notice that when we use it to introduce a hypothetical sentence, we conjugate the following verb in the congiuntivo (subjunctive).

Semmai, passo più tardi.

If anything, I’ll come back later.

Non sono capitalista, semmai il contrario!

I am not a capitalist. The opposite, if anything!

Se mai riuscissi a fare 10 flessioni, sarei felicissima.

If I am ever able to do 10 push-ups, I will be very happy.

Sono sicura che andreste d’accordo, se mai ti decidessi ad uscire con lui.

I am sure you’d get along well if you ever decided to go out with him.

A word that is often used together with semmai is anzi (rather).

What does semmai mean in Italian?

In Italian we use "semmai" to say if anything.

How to use semmai in Italian?

Semmai, as an adverb, means “if anything”. If you want to use it to introduce a hypothetical sentence you need to remember to use the subjunctive mood.

Follow me to fluency​

Create a free lifetime account to get access to all the free courses and other resources.

Leave a Reply

Take a free lesson today!

Create a free lifetime account to get access to all the free lessons and other resources.

I’ll also deliver my free resources my best offers to your mailbox (opt out at any time).

What are regular Italian verbs? There are many irregular verbs in the Italian language, including the auxiliary verbs essere and avere. They are called irregular because the endings in some...
How to ask questions in Italian? Learn the grammar with simple rules and examples and practice with audio lessons.
How to give orders using a negative in Italian? Learn the grammar with simple rules and examples and practice with audio lessons.
What do allora and quindi mean in Italian? If you’ve been around Italian people or have watched Italian movies, I am sure you heard the words quindi and allora over and...
Try my courses for free​
Stefano

Log in

Reset password or get in touch.

Not a member yet? Join today!

How long to fluency?

Find out how long it will take you to master Italian!
Get on the right track in 3 minutes.

dolce vita logo

We're already friends!

Coming from Luca and Marina?
Here's a special deal for you!
Just tell me where I should send the coupon.

50% OFF
all language resources

We're already friends!

Coming from All Language Resources?
Here's a special deal for you!
Just tell me where I should send the coupon.

50% OFF
GRAB A COUPON NOW, REDEEM IT LATER
50% OFF

To receive free resources once a week together with my best offers, just tell me where to send everything. Opt out at any time.

Create a free lifetime account to get access to all the free lesson and other resources.