mi manca
I miss (someone/something)
Beginner Phrase
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Pronunciation
/mi ˈmaŋ.ka/
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Cultural Note
The Italian construction 'mi manca' literally means 'it is lacking to me' — the subject and object are reversed compared to English. 'Mi manchi' (I miss you, singular) uses this inverted structure: you are the one who is lacking to me. This is one of the trickiest constructions for English speakers.
📝 Example Sentences
Mi manca tanto la mia famiglia.
I miss my family so much.
Mi manchi ogni giorno.
I miss you every day.
Mi manca l'Italia quando sono all'estero.
I miss Italy when I'm abroad.