magari

From Greek μακάρι (makári, “I wish”), which is derived from Ancient Greek μακάριος (makários, “blessed, happy”).[1] Compare Spanish maguer (“although”, conjunction) and Romanian măcar (“even”, adverb).

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magari

1. even

   Synonyms: perfino, persino

2. maybe, perhaps

   Synonyms: forse, chissà

   magari un'altra volta ― perhaps another time

In some cases forse cannot be used as a synonym:[2]

to make a suggestion or give advice:

Magari ci vediamo per le 9 ― Maybe we meet around 9?

Magari va all'arco di trionfo, c'è un bel panorama lì. ― You should go to the Arc de Triomphe, there's a beautiful panaroma.

to speculate about a slight possibility, in the meaning “you never know”:

Prendi una giacca che magari lì all'aperto fa freddo. ― Take a jacket, it might be cold outside.

to make an additional wish or request, in the sense of “possibly”, “ideally” or “it would be nice”:

Vorrei tanto una villa, magari con piscina. ― I'd really like to own a villa, ideally one with a pool.

In some cases forse can be used but changes the meaning:

Magari vado al cinema domani. ― I might go the cinema tomorrow.

Forse vado al cinema domani. ― Perhaps I [can] go the cinema tomorrow.

In the first example magari expresses a personal intention or desire, whereas forse indicates that the speaker has less control over the eventual outcome of the event.

Magari can also express an optimistic hope:

Magari c'è posto. ― I hope there is room.

Forse c'è posto. ― Maybe there is room.

magari

1. even if

   Synonyms: anche se, se solo

2. if only

   Magari fossi ricco! ― If only I were rich!

   Magari fosse vero! ― If only that were true!

magari!

1. (colloquial) of course!; you bet!
2. (colloquial) Used to express the speaker's wish that the preceding statement were true; I wish!; if only!; yeah right!

The intonation is key to distinguish between the senses.[3]

magari

1. plural of gari

magari

1. plural of gari