Learning how to translate the word “still” into Italian can be surprisingly tricky. In English, “still” is a common word with multiple meanings, but Italian doesn’t use just one word for it. Instead, there are at least three main ways to translate “still”, depending on the context.
In this post, you’ll learn:
- The 3 most accurate Italian translations of “still”
- How and when to use each one
- Common sentence examples to practice with
Let’s dive in.
Content
“Still” as in “I’m still here” → Ancora
This is the most intuitive one. When still is used to express the continuation of an action or state, the correct Italian word is ancora.
Example:
English: I’m still living in Madrid.
Italian: Sto ancora vivendo a Madrid.
In grammar terms, this use of still often appears with present continuous or compound verb tenses. And just like in English, we usually place ancora in the middle of the verb structure.
“Still” as in “I’m sick, but I still want to go out” → Comunque
Here, still doesn’t refer to time but to contrast or insistence—similar to anyway or nevertheless. In Italian, this idea is best expressed with comunque.
Example:
English: I’m sick, but I still want to go to the cinema.
Italian: Sono malato, ma comunque voglio andare al cinema.
Once again, the placement matters. With compound verbs (like voglio andare), we insert comunque between the helper verb and the main verb.
“Still” as in “Stay still!” → Fermo / Ferma
When still is used as an adjective, meaning “not moving,” the correct Italian word is fermo (masculine) or ferma (feminine).
This comes up in commands or physical descriptions.
Example:
English: Stay still!
Italian: Stai fermo! (to a male) / Stai ferma! (to a female)
It’s commonly heard in contexts involving danger or tension—like in the movie Jurassic Park, where the characters say:
“If you stay still, the T-Rex won’t see you.”
Italian: Se rimanete fermi, il T-Rex non vi vedrà.
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Let’s Recap: The 3 Translations of “Still” in Italian
| English Meaning | Italian Word | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Ongoing action/state | ancora | Sto ancora vivendo a Madrid. |
| Contrasting/insisting action | comunque | Sono malato, ma comunque voglio andare al cinema. |
| Lack of movement | fermo/a | Stai fermo! / Stai ferma! |
Practice Makes Perfect: Try These Sentences
Let’s test your understanding. Translate the following sentences into Italian using the correct version of still.
- He still has to order.
Answer: Deve ancora ordinare. - He’s not big, but still very strong.
Answer: Non è grande, ma comunque molto forte. - If you (plural) stay still, the T-Rex won’t see you.
Answer: Se rimanete fermi, il T-Rex non vi vedrà.
Final Thoughts
This topic might seem simple at first glance, but it’s a classic trap for English speakers learning Italian. The key is to always think about what still really means in your sentence.
- If it’s about time → use ancora
- If it’s about contrast → use comunque
- If it’s about staying in place → use fermo or ferma
Mastering these small but crucial differences will make your Italian more natural and precise.
Got questions? Leave a comment or reach out through the usual channels—I’m here to help.
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