How to Say 'By the Way' in Italian: Smooth Topic Transitions
Learn to change the subject naturally in Italian with a proposito, comunque, and other transition phrases. Includes examples, dialogue, and practice.
By PookieFriends & plans · Yapr Learn
Changing the subject smoothly is a key conversation skill. In Italian, the phrase 'by the way' can be expressed in several ways, each with its own nuance. The most common is 'a proposito', which literally means 'on the subject' and is used to introduce a related point. Another frequent option is 'comunque', which can mean 'anyway' or 'however' and often signals a shift to a new topic. This lesson will teach you these phrases and more, so you can navigate social situations with confidence. You'll learn when to use each, how to pronounce them, and practice with a realistic dialogue.
By the end, you can…
- use 'a proposito' to introduce a related topic in conversation.
- use 'comunque' to change the subject or return to a previous point.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
A proposito
By the way / Speaking of which
ah pro-POH-zee-toh
Used to introduce a related topic. Often followed by a comma or a slight pause. It can stand alone or be followed by 'di' plus a noun (e.g., 'A proposito di Marco...').
Comunque
Anyway / However
koh-MOON-kweh
Used to change the subject, return to a previous topic, or add a contrasting point. It can also mean 'in any case'. Very common in both formal and informal speech.
A proposito di...
Speaking of...
ah pro-POH-zee-toh dee
Followed by a noun or topic. Used to link to something just mentioned. Example: 'A proposito di lavoro, hai trovato un nuovo impiego?' (Speaking of work, did you find a new job?)
Cambiando discorso
Changing the subject
kahn-DYAHN-doh dee-SKOR-soh
A more explicit way to signal a topic change. Used when you want to clearly shift away from the current topic. Slightly more formal.
Ah, senti...
Oh, listen...
ah SEN-tee
Informal way to get someone's attention before introducing a new topic. Common among friends. 'Senti' is the informal imperative of 'sentire' (to listen).
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The most versatile pattern is 'A proposito...' which can be used alone or with 'di' + noun. For example: 'A proposito, come sta tua madre?' (By the way, how is your mother?) or 'A proposito di tua madre, come sta?' (Speaking of your mother, how is she?). 'Comunque' is also extremely common and can be placed at the beginning or end of a sentence: 'Comunque, andiamo al cinema?' (Anyway, shall we go to the cinema?) or 'Andiamo al cinema, comunque?' (Shall we go to the cinema, anyway?). Note that 'comunque' can also mean 'however' in a contrasting sense, so context matters.
When to use it
Use 'a proposito' when you want to introduce a point that is connected to what was just said. It shows you were listening and are building on the conversation. Use 'comunque' when you want to change the subject entirely, return to a previous topic, or wrap up a digression. For example, if you're talking about food and want to switch to plans for the weekend, you might say: 'Comunque, cosa fai questo fine settimana?' (Anyway, what are you doing this weekend?). 'Cambiando discorso' is more explicit and can be used when the shift is abrupt. 'Ah, senti...' is informal and works well among friends to introduce a new topic or request.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Ieri ho visto un film fantastico.
Yesterday I saw a fantastic movie.YEH-ree oh VEES-toh oon feelm fahn-TAHS-tee-kohDavvero? A proposito, hai sentito parlare del nuovo film di Sorrentino?
Really? By the way, have you heard about the new Sorrentino film?dah-VVEH-roh? ah pro-POH-zee-toh, eye sen-TEE-toh par-LAH-reh del NWOH-voh feelm dee sor-ren-TEE-noh?No, non ancora. Comunque, volevo chiederti una cosa.
No, not yet. Anyway, I wanted to ask you something.noh, nohn ahn-KOH-rah. koh-MOON-kweh, voh-LEH-voh KYEH-der-tee OO-nah KOH-zahDimmi pure.
Go ahead.DEEM-mee POO-rehA little context goes a long way
In Italian conversation, transitions like 'a proposito' and 'comunque' are used frequently and naturally. 'A proposito' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. 'Comunque' is also widely used and can soften a topic change. In formal situations, such as speaking with an elder or a professional, you might prefer 'A proposito' or 'Cambiando discorso' over the more informal 'Ah, senti'. Italians often use these phrases to keep the conversation flowing without awkward pauses. Remember that 'comunque' can also mean 'however', so pay attention to context to avoid confusion.
One thing to watch for
Using 'a proposito' to mean 'by the way' in the sense of introducing a completely unrelated topic.
Try this instead: 'A proposito' is best used when the new topic is connected to the previous one. For a completely new topic, 'comunque' or 'cambiando discorso' is more appropriate. For example, if you're talking about food and want to ask about someone's job, you might say 'Comunque, come va il lavoro?' rather than 'A proposito, come va il lavoro?' unless work was already mentioned.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you say 'By the way, have you seen Marco?' in Italian?
Show a sample answer
A proposito, hai visto Marco?
'A proposito' is the most common translation for 'by the way' when introducing a related topic. 'Comunque, hai visto Marco?' is also possible but puts more emphasis on changing the subject.
2What does 'comunque' often mean at the beginning of a sentence?
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Anyway / However
'Comunque' can mean 'anyway' or 'however' depending on context. It is used to change the subject or add a contrasting point.
3Which phrase would you use to explicitly say 'Changing the subject' in Italian?
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Cambiando discorso
'Cambiando discorso' literally means 'changing the subject' and is used to signal a clear topic shift. It is slightly more formal than 'comunque'.
Use 'a proposito' to link to a related topic, and 'comunque' to change the subject or return to a previous point. Practice these transitions to keep your Italian conversations flowing naturally.
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