Breakdown of Magari il tempo fosse infinito!
essere
to be
il tempo
the time, the weather
magari
if only / I wish
infinito
infinite
Questions & Answers about Magari il tempo fosse infinito!
We usually see 'magari' translated as 'maybe'. Why does it mean 'if only' here?
When magari is followed by the imperfect subjunctive like fosse, it acts as an exclamation of a strong desire. It changes from meaning 'maybe' to expressing an unfulfilled wish, translating to 'if only' or 'I wish.'
Why do we need the imperfect subjunctive (fosse) instead of the present subjunctive (sia)?
We use the imperfect subjunctive to show that this is a hypothetical or impossible wish. Because time is not actually infinite, using fosse highlights that this is a dream rather than a real possibility.
Why is there a definite article (il) before 'tempo'? In English, we just say 'time', not 'the time'.
In Italian, abstract nouns and nouns used in a general, universal sense always require a definite article. So, 'time' as a broad concept must be il tempo.
Could I express this same idea using 'Spero che...' (I hope that...)?
Not exactly. Spero che il tempo sia infinito uses the present subjunctive and suggests a real possibility, as if you genuinely hope it could happen. Magari with the imperfect subjunctive is specifically for wishes you know cannot come true.