Italian proverb #1: Tutte le strade portano a Roma

‘Tutte le strade portano a Roma” is a famous Italian. Ir refers to the fact that many different roads were connecting the city with the rest of the Empire. All these roads would have led the travelers to Rome from the many various settlements of the Empire.

Nowadays, this proverb conveys the message that there are different ways to get to the same goal. Do you agree? The saying exists in English and can be translated as all roads lead to Rome. What about in your language?

If the same or a similar expression exists in your native language, please write it down in the comments.

What do “Qualsiasi” e “Chiunque” mean?

Qualsiasi (Any)

Qualsiasi is one of those words that can often lead to confusion. In this article you will learn how to use it properly when speaking Italian.

Qualsiasi is an indefinite adjective, and it is invariable: it means that it is not modifiable, in fact qualsiasi never changes in Italian.

The meaning of qualsiasi is “any”, meaning no matter which amongst many options and is always followed by singular nouns.

Quale di questi dolci vuoi? Qualsiasi! – Which pastries would you like? Any!
Quale tipo di pasta vuoi? Dammene uno qualsiasi – What shape pasta would you like? Any!

Puoi chiamarmi a qualsiasi ora – You can call me any time.
Puoi passare a trovarmi in qualsiasi momento – You can visit me at any time.

QUALSIASI (WHICHEVER or WHATEVER)

Qualsiasi can also be used as a conjugation, meaning whichever or whatever, and in these cases requires the subjunctive use (see further explanations below).

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN “QUALSIASI” AND “QUALUNQUE”?

Always, “qualsiasi” can be replaced by “qualunque”. These two adjectives are synonyms and entirely interchangeable.

Other meaning of qualsiasi/qualunque

Note that when following a noun, qualsiasi and qualunque have a different meaning:

Oggi non è un giorgio qualsiasi (o qualunque). E’ il mio anniversario di matrimonio! – Today is not just any old day. It is my anniversary!
Non voglio un vino qualunque – I don’t want just any old wine!

In the above sentences, qualsiasi (or qualunque) havee the meaning of “ordinary” and has a pejorative nuance.

CHIUNQUE (ANYONE / WHOEVER)

Chiunque (anyone, or whoever) is the corresponding pronoun of the indefinite adjectives qualsiasi and qualunque. Chiunque is a pronoun and refers only to people. It means “anyone“, meaning no matter who amongst several people.

Chiunque può imparare l’italiano – Anyone can learn Italian.
Chiunque può partecipare a questo progetto – Anyone can join the project.

QUALSIASI and CHIUNQUE with the subjunctive

When qualsiasi is used with the meaning of whichever / whatever and chiunque means whoever the subjunctive follows them.

Qualsiasi cosa ti chieda, fallo – Whatever he asks you, do it.
Qualsiasi cosa succeda, stai tranquilla – Whatever happens, be calm.
Chiunque chiami al telefono, digli che non ci sono – Whoever phones, tell them I am not here.

Italian idioms #3: Avere la testa tra le nuvole.

Avere la testa tra nuvole (literally: to have the head amongst the clouds) is a metaphorical expression describing someone that is absent-minded or someone that is lost in his/her thoughts and that results disconnected from the reality.

Anche oggi hai dimenticato di comprare il pane..hai sempre la testa tra le nuvole Matteo!
Secondo un nuovo studio avere la testa tra le nuovole stimolerebbbe la creatività.
Da bambina ero una sognatrice, avevo sempre la testa tra le nuvole.

Vocabulary checklist:

Do not forget that the verb dimenticare takes the preposition DI.

sognatore (m.), sognatrice (f.): dreamer

da bambina, da bambino: as child. Do not forget to use the imperfetto after this expression when you are talking about situations that happened that for an indefinite period of time in your past.

Do you have similar expressions in your native languages? If so, please write it down in the comments and explain its meaning in Italian!

adavanced Italian