“The More… the More…” in Italian
In linguistics, this type of sentence structure is called a comparative correlative. A comparative correlative is the use of two comparatives to express correlation between two variables.
This is certainly a good expression to add to your Italian repertoire if you want to sound like a native, and it is so easy!
Let’s have a look at some examples of how to use it correctly:
Più ti conosco più mi piaci.
The more I know you, the more I like you.
Più cerco di rilassarmi, più mi innervosisco.
The more i try to relax, the more nervous I get.
Più studi, più preparato sarai per l’esame.
The more you study, the more prepared you will be for the exam.
When we use this construction with English adjectives, we just add -er to the end of the adjective. On the contrary, this construction never varies in Italian, whether it is used with adjectives, nouns or adverbs.
Più alto è il prezzo, più nuovo è il prodotto.
The higher the price, the newer is the product.
Più alto sei, più velocemente corri.
The taller you are, the faster you run.
More or Less?
How to use “più” and “meno” in Italian
This comparative correlative can also be used with the opposite meaning, which in English is translated with “the less… the less…”.
Meno guadagni, meno potrai acquistare.
The less you earn, the less you can buy.
Meno ti preoccupi, meno ti stresserai.
The less you worry, the less you become stressed.
Just like in English, you can even mix più (the more) and meno (the less):
Meno mangi, più avrai fame stasera.
The less you eat, the more you will be hungry tonight.
Più ti preoccupi, meno dormirai.
The more you worry, the less you will sleep.
“The More, the Better” in Italian
The literal translation of the English words “better” and “worse” is meglio and peggioin Italian. Since the structure of this Italian construction is very similar to English, you shouldn’t be surprised to discover that also in this case it works in the same way.
Più siamo, meglio è.
The more the better (merrier).
Più ti stressi, peggio ti sentirai.
The more you stress, the worse you will feel.
Meno studi, peggio andrà l’esame.
The less you study, the worse your exam will go.
Learn more about the Italian adjective bene.
Experimenting with “the More… the More” Structures
Once you will grasp these structures, you will found yourself frequently using them in conversations, I promise! In fact, the “più… più…” structure is a very useful way to express comparisons vividly.
My advice, as always, is that you practice daily to better understand the context and the nuances of Italian expressions. Engage in conversations, either with friends or with our AI tutor, challenge yourself and learn Italian as a native speaker!
