“Tanto per” in Italian
Tanto per: Meaning
The phrase tanto per in Italian is an idiomatic expression that translates to “just for the sake of” or “just to” in English and is used to express the purpose of something.
The structure of this expression is tanto per + a verb in the infinitive, like in the example below:
Sono uscita tanto per fare un giro.
I went out just to go for a walk.
Of course, sometimes we have to translate some expressions in a way that sounds more correct in English. Have a look at the translation of the following sentence:
Tanto per cominciare, vorrei ringraziarvi di essere qua.
To begin with, I’d like to thank you for being here.
Tanto per: Examples
This expression is often used to indicate that an action is done without a specific purpose, or simply to pass the time, or to make a minimal or symbolic effort. Here are a few examples to illustrate its use:
Dante è stato uno dei padri della lingua italiana, tanto per fare un esempio.
Dante was one of the fathers of the Italian language, just to give an example.
Tanto per essere chiari, ti dico subito che non posso venire.
Just to be clear, let me tell you right now that I cannot come.
Chiedi se possiamo rimanere, tanto per essere sicuri.
Ask if we can stay, just to be sure.
Voglio andare a correre tutti i giorni, tanto per non perdere l’abitudine.
I want to go running, in order not to lose the habit.
Expression with “Tanto per”
Tanto per Sapere
This expression is very common, so you will hear it a lot if you go to Italy or if you have Italian friends. Here I will list its possible translations:
- Just out of curiosity
- Just to know
- Out of interest
Have a look at these examples to understand its use:
Tanto per sapere, mi puoi dire perché l’hai fatto?
Just out of curiosity, can you tell me why you did it?
A: Perché mi chiedi?
B: Tanto per sapere!
A: Why are you asking?
B: I’m just curious!
Tanto per Dire
This expression is interesting and also very common among Italian speakers. I use it a lot, especially when I want to refer to something with no specific purpose. Here are its possible translations and examples:
- Just saying
- Just because
- For the sake of it
Non te lo dico tanto per dire.
I’m not saying this just because / I’m not just saying that.
Anna ti ha detto quello tanto per dire.
Anna told you that just for the sake of it.
Tanto per Cambiare
This is my favorite one because its use is very sarcastic. It is used when you do not want to mean what you’re saying, but quite the opposite. In fact, it can be translated as:
- Just for a change (with or without a sarcastic tone)
- As usual
- So, no surprise here!
- Surprise, surprise!
Have a look at these examples:
Mauro non vuole venire con noi, tanto per cambiare.
Mauro doesn’t want to come with us, as usual.
I miei genitori non mi lasciano uscire, tanto per cambiare.
My parents don’t let me go out, just for a change!
Unlock New Skills, Tanto per…
As an Italian native speaker, my advice for you is that you properly understand the meaning and use of “tanto per” in Italian, because it is very versatile and commonly used.
Whether you’re looking to add a touch of casualness or sarcasm to your conversations, understanding “tanto per” will give you a deeper insight into the nuances of Italian communication.
Familiarity with idioms in general will not only enrich your vocabulary but also improve your ability to engage more naturally and effectively with native Italian speakers.
And if you want to share how you use this expression, drop a comment, tanto per sapere!
