When tackling do-it-yourself projects (il bricolage), instructions can sometimes be confusing. Italian uses specific explanatory markers to rephrase steps and clarify exactly what tools or actions are needed.
Clarifying Terms with ovvero
Use ovvero ("namely" or "or rather") to introduce a simpler equivalent or an explanation for a specific term.
| DIY, namely practical work, is very useful. | Il bricolage, ovvero il lavoro pratico, è molto utile. |
| One must buy the plywood, namely the material for the project. | Bisogna comprare il compensato, ovvero il materiale per il progetto. |
| There is no hole, namely there is nothing to repair. | Non c'è un foro, ovvero non c'è niente da riparare. |
Simplifying Instructions with in altre parole
Use in altre parole ("in other words") to rephrase a whole concept or summarize an action more directly.
| I like DIY; in other words, I love creating things. | Mi piace il bricolage; in altre parole, amo creare le cose. |
| You need the fretsaw, in other words something to use now. | Ti serve il seghetto, in altre parole qualcosa da usare adesso. |
| She makes a hole, in other words she pierces the wood. | Lei fa un foro, in altre parole buca il legno. |
Specifying Details with vale a dire
To pinpoint exactly what you mean, use vale a dire ("that is to say"). It specifies which tool, material, or action is required after a general statement.
| Do you know how to cut the plywood, that is to say this light wood? | Sai tagliare il compensato, vale a dire questo legno leggero? |
| He uses the fretsaw, that is to say the smallest tool. | Lui usa il seghetto, vale a dire lo strumento più piccolo. |
| One must sand the box, that is to say clean the wood. | Bisogna levigare la scatola, vale a dire pulire il legno. |
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