adverb
assai
very
Definition & meaning
Assai means very, a lot, or quite, depending on the context. It can intensify an adjective or adverb, or indicate a large amount.
- È assai difficile. — It is very difficult.
- Mi piace assai. — I like it a lot.
It is common in literary or formal Italian and in some regional varieties of everyday speech.
Grammar & Word origin
Assai is an invariable adverb. It comes from Latin ad satis, meaning “to sufficiency” or “enough.”
It can also be used after a noun in expressions such as tempo assai (“plenty of time”), though this usage can sound literary or regional.
Synonyms & antonyms
- molto — “very” or “a lot”; more common and neutral in everyday Italian.
- parecchio — “quite a lot” or “considerably”; often more conversational.
- poco — “little” or “not much”; an opposite when assai refers to degree or quantity.
Common phrases & collocations
Make “assai” part of your vocabulary.
Build your Italian vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
Oggi sono assai felice.adverb
Today I am very happy.
Keep exploring Italian
Learn words from the content you love.
Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).
Scan for iPhone & iPad