How many Italian words starting with Q do you know?

How many Italian words starting with Q do you know? Probably not so many.

This is why I drew a short list of three tricky “Q” words to be familiar with if you want to boost up your Italian vocabulary.

Qualsiasi/qualunque

First and foremost, qualsiasi and qualunque are indefinite adjectives that have the same meaning, thus, there is no difference in its usage. They are interchangeable and it will be totally up to you, opting for one or another.

Why are these words challenging to use? The reason is, they have no exact translation in English, and so, they might sound confusing in Italian.

How to use qualsiasi and qualunque in Italian?

Qualsiasi and qualunque have four possible translations in English.

ANY

Most of the times qualsiasi (or qualunque) refer to a thing or number of things, no matter how much or how many.

• Per qualsiasi ragione – for any reasons
• Puoi venire a qualsiasi ora – you can come anytime
• Quale colore vuoi? Qualsiasi – What colour do you choose? Any.

WHATEVER

When qualsiasi (or qualunque) means whatever, it is mandatory to conjugate in the subjunctive the verb following it.

• Qualsiasi cosa tu dica, ti sostengo – Whatever you say, I support you
• Qualsiasi cosa accada, gli saro vicino – Whatever happens, I will be by his side

ORDINARY (adj.)

Qualsiasi (or qualunque) means ordinary or casual when placed after the noun that is referring to.

• Un paese qualsiasi – an ordinary village
• Noi non abbiamo un prodotto qualsiasi – we don’t have an ordinary product

EVERY

In some expressions, qualsiasi (or qualunque) mean every.

• Lo voglio a qualunque costo – I want it at all (every) costs
• Da qualsiasi parte – everywhere

Qualora

Qualora is one of those words you don’t hear very often, but when you use it will give your Italian a sophisticated touch.

The meaning of qualora is very similar to if, describing a hypothetical situation. Hence, when using qualora instead of if?

You can use qualora if you want to speak Italian more elegantly (qualora belongs to a higher standard of the Italian language) or to translate into Italian the English conjunctions “in the event that…” or “in case that… “

• Qualora vincesse le elezioni… – if/in case/in the event she wins the elections
• Qualora cambiassi idea… – if/in case/ in the event you change your mind

Quandanche

Quandanche is another sophisticated Italian word meaning even if or even though.  A subjunctive verb follows it.

Synonyms of quandanche are sebbene, benché.

• Quandanche cambiasse idea, non cambierebbe la situazione – Even though he changed his mind, the situation would not change