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Italian Word of The Day Supported by: Fluente logo For Members

Italian word of the day: 'Impegno'

Jessica Phelan
Jessica Phelan - [email protected]
Italian word of the day: 'Impegno'
Photo: Annie Spratt/Unsplash/Nicolas Raymond"

Learning the many uses for this Italian word should keep you busy.

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Today's word is extremely useful if you ever find yourself double-booked in Italy (or if you just need a polite excuse to turn down that invitation to another five-hour lunch with the in-laws).

Un impegno (pronounciation available here) is 'a commitment' or 'an engagement' – something you have to do.

Domani non posso, ho un impegno.
I can't tomorrow, I have a previous commitment.

It's a common way to refer to appointments and other chores, but it also means 'commitment' in its broader sense of a kind of promise.

È importante non assumere impegni che sono impossibili da realizzare.
It's important not to make commitments that can't be delivered.

The word comes from the Latin word pignus, meaning 'pledge' or 'stake', like the collateral you'd put up for a loan. So more figuratively, it's like a guarantee you'll do something.

The verb impegnarsi ('to commit oneself') is therefore a way of saying you're making a solemn promise.

Si è impegnata a sposarlo.
She committed to marry him.

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By extension, it implies a certain amount of dedication. Impegnarsi can also mean 'to make an effort' or 'to work hard'.

L'hanno promossa perché si è impegnata.
They promoted her because she worked hard.

Likewise if you act con impegno ('with commitment'), you're showing diligence or dedication.

Devi studiare con impegno per laurearsi.
You have to study diligently in order to graduate.

If you're senza impegno (literally, 'without commitment'), on the other hand, it means you're under 'no obligation' or you're 'not making any promises'.

Gli apparecchi si provano anche a domicilio, senza impegno da parte del cliente.
The appliances can be tried out at home, with no obligation on the client's part.

– Ti andrebbe di andare al cinema sabato?
– Sì, ma senza impegno perché ho tanti compiti da fare.

– Do you fancy going to the cinema on Saturday?
– Yeah, but no promises because I have a lot of homework to do.

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