“Intanto” in Italian
Intanto is an Italian adverb that can take on several different meanings depending on how it is used. In English it can translate to “meanwhile“, “in the meantime” or “for now“.
It provides context about when something happens and allows you to express temporal connections between different actions or states.
Its main purpose is to connect events, by expressing simultaneous actions, fill time between events, or indicate temporary conditions. Let me now guide you through its different uses in Italian.
How to use “Intanto” in Italian
“Intanto” as “Meanwhile”
One of the most common translations of intanto is meanwhile. It describes two or more actions happening at the same time, acting as a time bridge between two simultaneous actions or events.
Io cucino, e intanto tu apparecchia la tavola.
I’ll cook, and meanwhile, you set the table.
Ho già chiamato il tecnico. Intanto aspettiamo.
I already called the technician. Meanwhile, we wait.
In some contexts, you can also use intanto che instead of just intanto. This use is typically reserved to when the standard order of the sentence is altered, as you can see below:
Tu studi, e intanto io preparo il pranzo.
You study, and meanwhile I’ll prepare lunch.
Preparo il pranzo, intanto che tu studi.
I’ll prepare lunch, while you study.
When used this way, it translates more similarly to mentre (while).
“Intanto” as “in the Meantime”
Another common use of intanto is to mean “in the meantime“. It is very similar to the previous use, as it is used to fill in the gap between two events.
L’aereo parte alle 18, intanto facciamo un giro in centro.
The plane leaves at 6 p.m., in the meantime, let’s take a walk downtown.
La pizza è in forno, intanto possiamo guardare un film.
The pizza is in the oven, in the meantime, we can watch a movie.
This use of intanto allows for a second activity to occupy the time while waiting for another event.
“Intanto” as “for now”
Intanto can also be used to mean “for now“, implying that a current action or situation is temporary. It suggests that things may change later.
Intanto possiamo cominciare senza di lui.
For now, we can start without him.
Intanto tieni questo, poi vediamo.
For now, hold onto this, and then we’ll see.
This meaning helps convey that while something is happening, it’s only a short-term arrangement.
“Intanto” or “in Tanto”
A very common question that my students ask when learning Italian is whether intanto and in tanto are the same thing. The answer is: no, they are distinct expressions with different meanings.
- Intanto is an adverb, it is written as a single word and means “meanwhile“, “in the meantime” or “for now“.
- In tanto is written as two words and, to be honest, it is rarely used in modern Italian. An expression where you can find it is di tanto in tanto (from time to time), or when followed by any type of measurement to indicate a large amount of something.
In tanto tempo, non hai ancora finito.
In so much time, you still haven’t finished.
