Uses and Meanings of “Vabbè” - Usi e Significati di “Vabbè”

Let’s Talk Italian With Aronne

Ciao ragazzi! Bentornati nel mio podcast! Nella puntata di oggi, vi insegnerò i diversi significati e i diversi utilizzi della parola: “Vabbè” in italiano. Questa piccola parola viene usata spesso nelle conversazioni di tutti i giorni, in contesti molto informali. Vi trascriverò tutti i significati principali di questa parola nella descrizione, dateci un’occhiata!

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Hi guys! Welcome back to my podcast! In today’s episode, I'll teach you the different meanings and uses of the word: "Vabbè" in Italian. This small word is often used in everyday conversations, in very informal contexts. All the meanings you'll hear during this episode are in the description, take a look! Have a good time listening.

The Italian expression “Vabbè” actually comes from the phrase “Va bene” (Okay/All right), which you are undoubtedly familiar with, and is equally common in spoken language. It basically derives from the union of the words “va” and “bene”, with the elision of the last syllable of “bene”, “ne”, and the accent on the final “e”.

There are cases in which the two expressions are not interchangeable and it’s mandatory to use “vabbè”:

1. To express concession or acceptance

The most common case is the one of “vabbè” used to express concession or acceptance, often half-heartedly, somewhat reluctantly.

2. To minimize something that has been said

The second case is the one of “vabbè” used to minimize something that has been said. It can take different forms:

The form “se, vabbè” or “sì, vabbè” and the form “vabbè, dai”, are used to express disbelief with regard to something that has been said, often with the meaning of “addirittura!” (really!), “non esagerare!” (don’t go overboard!).

3. As a reaction to something shocking or unexpected

The third and last case in which vabbè cannot be replaced by “va bene” is that of “no, vabbè” or “cioè, no, vabbè”: an expression typically used by youngsters, as a reaction to a shocking or unexpected event.

When “Vabbè” can be replaced by “Va bene”:

1. To change the subject or finish the conversation

In the first case, “vabbè” can be used to finish a conversation, often with a sense of hurry or irritation, or even to change the subject and talk about something else.

2. To focus the attention on a new element

The second case where “vabbè” can be replaced by “va bene” is the expression “sì, vabbè, ma”, to focus the attention on a new element, in contrast to something that has just been mentioned. As if to say: “sì, ho capito, ma…” (Yes, I get that, but…).

3. To express a concession

The third and last case where “vabbè” and “va bene” are interchangeable, is the expression “vabbè che…” used to express a concession with the meaning of “è vero che…”(it’s true that…), “ok che…”. Often this expression is followed by a sentence introduced by “ma” (but) or “però” (however), therefore an adversative clause, which is in contrast to the one just formulated.

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