Well, you may wish to know this phrase.
If you have spent any time round Italians, you have most likely seen they’ve a entire vocabulary of expressive sounds. There’s boh for “I do not know”, beh for “nicely…”, and right this moment’s phrase: mah (hear it pronounced right here).
This non-committal sound is usually used to precise doubt or uncertainty, normally about one thing that will or might not occur sooner or later.
Think of it as a brief model of chissà or chi lo sa? (who is aware of?).Â
Come pensi andrà a finire?
Mah… Non ho una palla di cristallo.
How do you assume it can pan out?
Who is aware of… I don’t have a crystal ball.
What makes mah completely different from boh is the extent of dedication.Â
While boh is a full “I don’t know”, mah suggests you’ve gotten an opinion however you are being diplomatic about it. Or you are genuinely unsure. Or you are shopping for time when you consider what to say subsequent.
You may use it to tease somebody.
Mi stai preparando una sorpresa per l’anniversario di matrimonio?
Mah! Vedremo…
Are you making ready a shock for our wedding ceremony anniversary?
Who is aware of! We’ll see…
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The pronunciation issues. It’s not a pointy ma just like the phrase for “however” – it is drawn out barely, virtually like a sigh.
Of course, the sound works greatest with the matching physique language. Raised eyebrows for real uncertainty, and an open-palmed shrug ought to get the purpose throughout absolutely.
Pensi che arrivi in orario?
Mah…
Do you assume he’ll arrive on time?
[with a shrug] Who is aware of…
Mah, it is price including to your vocabulary.
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