What is magari in Italian?
In all languages, some words are very useful, and common, and carry lots of meanings. An excellent example of this is the Italian word magari.
We use magari to talk about a wish or a desire. There’s no direct English translation for magari, but it’s like saying perhaps or maybe with a sense of hopefulness and positivity.
This word is also used a lot with the subjunctive. In this case, we can translate magari + subjunctive as if only, I wish, or even as it would be nice if.
In other words, this word expresses a wish or hope.
How to use magari + subjunctive?
We use magari with either the congiuntivo imperfetto or the congiuntivo trapassato when we wish for something.
Now let’s look at the two possible scenarios:
- Magari + congiuntivo imperfetto: to express a wish in the present.
- Magari + congiuntivo trapassato: to express a wish referring to the past.
Let’s compare the two following sentences:
Magari venisse alla festa!
If only she came to the party! / I hope she comes to the party! (She might or might not come)
Magari fosse venuta alla festa!
If only she had come to the party! / I wish she had come to the party! (But she didn’t)
Practice with Quizlet
Here's a set of flashcards and quizzes to practice this grammar topic.Magari + subjunctive: examples
Let’s have a look at some more examples. Make sure you pay attention to whether the verbs are in the congiuntivo imperfetto or congiuntivo trapassato.
Magari potessi venire con voi, ma non posso!
I wish I could come with you, but I can’t.
Magari ci dessero più tempo per mandare tutti i documenti.
If only they gave us more time to send all the documents.
Magari aveste avuto una seconda opportunità!
If only you had had a second opportunity!
Magari facesse caldo!
If only it were hot!
Magari fossimo andati al mare!
I wish we had gone to the beach!
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