infatti

Explanatory Connector 'Infatti'

Level 3

Infatti is a discourse marker used to show that what follows confirms or explains what was just said. It is also used alone in conversation to mean 'Exactly!'

How It Works

The word infatti is an invariable conjunction (formed from in + fatti). It is one of the most common connectors in Italian.

1. Primary Function: Confirmation
It introduces a clause that justifies or provides evidence for the preceding sentence. It is almost always followed by the indicative mood.
Example: Avevo fame; infatti ho mangiato tutto. (I was hungry; indeed, I ate everything.)

2. Conversational Agreement
In spoken Italian, infatti is frequently used as a standalone exclamation to agree with a speaker.
Example: 'Questo caffè è pessimo.' 'Infatti!' ('This coffee is terrible.' 'Exactly!')

3. Sentence Placement (Mobility)
While often placed at the start of a clause, infatti is mobile and can be used parenthetically (surrounded by commas) for a more sophisticated tone:

Infatti, lui non sapeva nulla. (At the start)
Lui, infatti, non sapeva nulla. (Parenthetical - very common in native speech)

4. Irony
It can be used ironically to highlight a predictable failure or negative outcome.
Example: Mi ha detto che sarebbe arrivato presto; infatti è in ritardo di un'ora. (He told me he'd arrive early; [as expected] he's an hour late.)

Examples (4)

Pioveva a dirotto; infatti siamo rimasti a casa.
It was pouring rain; indeed, we stayed home.
Word by Word: It was raining to downpour; indeed we are stayed at home.
Here, 'infatti' introduces the logical consequence/proof of the first statement.
Questa soluzione, infatti, sembra la più ragionevole.
This solution, in fact, seems the most reasonable.
Word by Word: This solution, indeed, seems the most reasonable.
This demonstrates the parenthetical use of 'infatti' in the middle of a sentence.
«Quel film era noiosissimo.» «Infatti! Me ne sono andato dopo mezz'ora.»
“That movie was so boring.” “Exactly! I left after half an hour.”
Word by Word: “That film was very boring.” “Indeed! Me from there am gone after half hour.”
In this dialogue, 'infatti' is used to express strong agreement with the previous speaker.
L'esame era difficile; infatti molti studenti sono stati bocciati.
The exam was difficult; in fact, many students failed.
Word by Word: The exam was difficult; indeed many students are been failed.
The second clause provides evidence (the failure rate) for the claim made in the first clause.

Common Mistakes

Using 'infatti' to correct or contradict someone (the 'Actually' trap).
Pensi che sia francese? Infatti è italiano.
Pensi che sia francese? In realtà è italiano.
In English, 'in fact' can be used to correct someone. In Italian, 'infatti' ONLY confirms. To correct someone, use 'in realtà' or 'anzi'.
Writing 'infatti' as two separate words.
In fatti non è venuto.
Infatti non è venuto.
Although it originates from 'in' + 'fatti', it must always be written as a single word.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

infattiLevel 3Explanatory Connector 'Infatti'

Learn This First

To use 'infatti' correctly, a learner needs a solid grasp of basic sentence structure and the ability to link two independent thoughts logically. It builds upon the concept of conjunctions and logical connectors used to provide reasons or results.

quindi / dunque / perciòConclusive Connectors (Quindi, Dunque, Perciò)
These connectors share a similar logical structure in linking clauses, providing a foundation for understanding how 'infatti' functions as a logical link.
Level 3

Words in This Pattern

infattiinfatti

Sources

Practice infatti in Bubblegum

Poppy, your AI tutor, writes Italian lessons at your level. Tap any grammar point in a lesson to see its full explanation.