purtroppo

Purtroppo is an Italian adverb meaning “unfortunately” or “regrettably.” It is used to introduce information that is undesirable or disappointing, and it appears in both spoken and written Italian across formal and informal contexts.

Etymology and history are not completely settled. Most linguists connect purtroppo to the older two-word expression pur troppo, or to a fusion of pur- (indeed, even) and troppo (too much). Over time, the two words fused into the single adverb now in common use. The sense of lament or concession remains central to its meaning.

Usage and grammar: purtroppo is versatile and typically placed at the beginning of a clause or immediately before the main verb or assertion. It does not inflect for gender or number, and it can modify the entire sentence rather than a specific noun. Examples include: “Purtroppo non posso venire.” “La riunione è stata cancellata, purtroppo.” “Purtroppo è arrivato tardi.” In some contexts it can appear after a negation, but the standard and most natural position is before the main statement.

Relation to other terms: purtroppo conveys a milder, more everyday tone than synonyms such as sfortunatamente, which tends to be more formal, while ahimè is a stronger exclamation of sorrow. Purtroppo is widely understood throughout Italian-speaking regions and is a staple of contemporary usage.