Interjections are words and expressions that are independent, that is to say, they are not grammatically related to other parts of a sentence. Italian speakers make great use of interjections. Many of them can convey different meanings, while others have a more specific interpretation. They can express the following feelings and intentions:
Positive or negative feelings
Ah, Oh: Both of them are used in several contexts to express a positive or negative feeling, such as surprise or disappointment. Ah, che bello! Ah, how nice!Ah, è colpa mia. Ah, it’s my fault! Oh, sei molto gentile. Oh, you’re very kind.Oh, mi dispiace tanto. Oh, I am so sorry.
Uffa: A funny word used to express boredom, annoyance. You use it in a very informal context.Uffa, che noia questa festa! Jeez, how boring this party is! Uffa, ho fame, quando arrivano le pizze? Ugh, I’m hungry, when are the pizzas coming?Peccato (too bad; it’s a pity): This is widely used as an expression for showing regret or when you feel bad about something.Io non vengo stasera. / Peccato! I’m not coming tonight. / Too bad!Non ci sono più biglietti. / Peccato, volevo vedere quel film!There are no more tickets. / Too bad, I wanted to watch that movie!
Uncertainty, doubt
Mah: A common interjection used mainly to express doubt or puzzlement.Mah, non penso sia una buona idea.Well, I don’t think it is a good idea.Credi che verrà alla festa? / Mah!Do you think she will come to the party? / Who knows!
Boh: Another extremely common interjection in everyday language. You use it when you don’t know something.Cosa fai stasera? / Boh. What are you doing tonight? / Dunno.Dove è tuo fratello? / Boh, non l’ho visto.Where is your brother? / Dunno, I didn’t see him.
Remarks, comments or conclusions
Beh (or be’): Italian speakers love to use this interjection here and there, so you might hear it quite often. It can be used in several contexts, for example, when you are introducing a question or when you want to emphasize what you’re about to say, and it can also imply a negative connotation.Beh, cosa ne pensi? Well, what do you think?Beh, potevi chiamare! Well, you could have called!
Appreciation
Ottimo (great, excellent): An expression that you can use when you want to show a positive feeling, especially excitement or appreciation for something.Siamo tutti pronti. / Ottimo!We are all ready. / Excellent!Ho ordinato la pizza. / Ottimo, grazie mille.I ordered pizza. / Great, thank you very much.
