To express a strong wish, a grand fantasy, or a deep regret ("If only..." or "I wish..."), Italian uses the word magari at the beginning of the sentence.
| if only / I wish | magari |
Because these wishes are hypothetical, distant, or currently unfulfilled, magari must be followed by a verb in the imperfect subjunctive.
| If only I had wings like a bird! | Magari avessi le ali come un uccello! |
| If only I could travel into the past! | Magari potessi viaggiare nel passato! |
Distant Hopes and Fantasies
You can use this structure to share wistful thoughts about the past, impossible dreams, or sweeping hopes for the world. Notice how the imperfect subjunctive endings change to match the subject of the wish.
| If only I were invisible in these difficult situations! | Magari fossi invisibile in queste situazioni difficili! |
| If only my carefree youth would return! | Magari tornasse la mia spensierata gioventù! |
| If only we had the opportunity to change the past! | Magari avessimo l'opportunità di cambiare il passato! |
| If only the whole world would find peace! | Magari tutto il mondo trovasse la pace! |
Your questions are stored by us to improve Elon.io