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Learn how to use Italian quantity adverbs like "troppo" (too much), "abbastanza" (enough), "un po'" (a little), "più o meno" (more or less), and "solo" (only) to express different measures and amounts naturally in everyday contexts.
  1. "Troppo" is an adverb that expresses large quantities.
  2. The adverbs that express sufficient quantity are: abbastanza, un po', più o meno.
  3. "Solo" is an adverb that expresses small quantities.
Avverbio (Adverb)Esempio (Example)
TroppoLa benzina costa troppo. (The petrol costs too much.)
AbbastanzaIl modulo è abbastanza lungo. (The form is quite long.)
Un po'C'è un po' di deposito da pagare. (There is a little deposit to pay.)
Più o menoIl rimborso è di più o meno 100 euro. (The refund is more or less 100 euros.)
SoloHo solo la patente italiana. (I have only the Italian driving licence.)

Exercise 1: Gli avverbi di quantità

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

un po', troppi, solo, troppo, più o meno

1. Quantità sufficiente:
Il rimborso sarà disponibile tra ... due giorni.
(The refund will be available in about two days.)
2. Quantità sufficiente:
Abbiamo ... tempo per controllare tutto prima.
(We have a little time to check everything first.)
3. Quantità piccola:
C'è ... da controllare un modulo.
(There is only one form to check.)
4. Quantità piccola:
Controllo la macchina per ... prima di partire.
(I check the car for a while before leaving.)
5. Quantità grande:
La benzina è ... costosa per noleggiare oggi.
(The petrol is too expensive to rent today.)
6. Quantità grande:
L'autonoleggio mi ha dato ... documenti.
(The car rental company gave me too many documents.)
7. Quantità piccola:
C'è ... una ruota nel bagagliaio.
(There is only one wheel in the boot.)
8. Quantità piccola:
Vorrei ... cancellare la prenotazione del GPS.
(I just want to cancel the GPS booking.)

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Instruction: Choose the correct sentence that properly uses adverbs of quantity in contexts related to renting transportation vehicles.

1.
"Too" indicates a large quantity, so it is not used with adjectives that indicate insufficient quantities like "low."
"Only" indicates small quantities and does not fit describing a "high" quantity.
2.
"Too" indicates an excessive quantity, but it is used with adjectives or adverbs, not with fixed numbers as in "too two days."
"Enough" requires a qualitative complement and is not used with fixed numbers without comparison.
3.
"Only" indicates small quantities; associating it with "more" creates an incorrect construction.
"Enough" indicates sufficient quantities, but in this context it sounds less natural than "a bit" for small increases.
4.
"Enough" indicates sufficient quantities, but here the intention is to emphasize an excess, so it is not the best choice.
"Only" indicates small quantities and is inconsistent with "high," which indicates a significant quantity.

Understanding Quantity Adverbs in Italian

This lesson focuses on quantity adverbs (gli avverbi di quantità), which are words used to specify the amount or degree of an action, an adjective, or another adverb. Mastering these adverbs helps you express how much of something there is or how intense something is in everyday Italian.

Common Quantity Adverbs and Their Meanings

  • Troppo: expresses a large or excessive amount. Example: La benzina costa troppo.
  • Abbastanza: indicates a sufficient or adequate amount. Example: Il modulo è abbastanza lungo.
  • Un po': means a small amount or a little. Example: C'è un po' di deposito da pagare.
  • Più o meno: translates to "more or less," showing an approximate quantity. Example: Il rimborso è di più o meno 100 euro.
  • Solo: expresses a small or limited amount. Example: Ho solo la patente italiana.

How Quantity Adverbs Function

Quantity adverbs qualify actions, adjectives, or other adverbs by indicating the degree or extent involved. For example, troppo signals that something is excessive, while solo shows a limited amount. It is important to use them correctly to convey the intended meaning clearly.

Using Quantity Adverbs in Context

These adverbs are very useful when discussing measurements, prices, time, or quantities in practical situations like renting vehicles, shopping, or daily activities.

Comparison with English

Italian quantity adverbs often correspond to English words like "too much," "enough," "a little," or "only." However, some usages differ slightly:

  • Troppo is used with adjectives and adverbs meaning "excessively" or "too much." Unlike English, it doesn't combine directly with fixed numbers (e.g., "troppo due giorni" is incorrect).
  • Abbastanza can mean "quite" or "enough," but it requires an adjective or adverb to compare with, not standalone quantities.
  • Un po' conveys a small amount similarly to "a bit" or "a little."
  • Più o meno directly translates as "more or less," useful for approximations.
  • Solo means "only" or "just" and introduces limitation or restriction.

Remember, quantity adverbs in Italian are placed carefully relative to the words they modify, which can differ from English syntax.

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Fabio Pirioni

Bachelor in Humanities

University of Udine

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Last Updated:

Saturday, 19/07/2025 09:47