Italian Phrase
Usali pure.
Meaning
‘Usali pure.’ means ‘Use them, feel free to do so.’ The speaker is giving permission and encouraging the listener to make use of something that has just been offered or mentioned.
When to use
Use this phrase in informal or semi‑formal conversations when you hand someone an object, a set of tools, documents, etc., and want to let them know they can use it without hesitation. It works well in both spoken and written Italian, especially among friends, colleagues, or in a customer‑service setting.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Usalipure
Imperative of *usare*
‘Usa’ is the second‑person singular imperative of the verb *usare* (to use). It gives a direct command or invitation.
Clitic pronoun *li*
*li* is the masculine plural direct‑object pronoun that replaces a noun like *i libri* or *gli strumenti*.
Adverb *pure*
*pure* after an imperative adds a tone of permission or encouragement, similar to ‘go ahead’ or ‘feel free’ in English.
🗨In Conversation
Ecco i fogli extra, usali pure.
Here are the extra sheets, feel free to use them.
Grazie, li userò subito per il progetto.
Thanks, I’ll use them right away for the project.
✕Common Mistakes
Usalo pure.
‘Usalo’ is singular; use it only when referring to one masculine object. For multiple items you need ‘Usali’.
Usa li pure.
The pronoun must be attached to the verb (Usali). Separating them is ungrammatical.
Usali anche.
‘Anche’ changes the meaning to ‘also use them’, losing the permission nuance that *pure* provides.
↔Alternatives
Usali come vuoi.
Use them as you like.
Sentiti libero di usarli.
Feel free to use them.
Falli tuo.
Make them yours.
Cultural Tip
In Italian, adding *pure* after an imperative softens the command and makes it sound more courteous. It does not mean ‘also’ here, as it often does in other contexts. The phrase is common in everyday speech, but avoid it in very formal written communication; instead, you could say *La prego di usarli* in a formal letter.