Italian Phrase
A volte, se è una partita importante.
Meaning
Literally, 'Sometimes, if it is an important match.' The sentence is usually a lead‑in to a statement about what the speaker does or feels under that condition.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to qualify an action, feeling, or plan with the condition that the game or match is significant—common in conversations about soccer, basketball, or any competitive event.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Avolte,seèunapartitaimportante.
A volte
An adverbial phrase meaning 'sometimes'. It does not change with gender or number.
se (if)
Introduces a conditional clause; the verb that follows is in the indicative present.
è (essere)
Third‑person singular present of 'essere', used here to describe the state of the match.
una partita importante
Noun phrase where the adjective 'importante' follows the noun, a common order in Italian.
🗨In Conversation
A volte, se è una partita importante, mi alleno più intensamente.
Sometimes, if it's an important match, I train more intensely.
Capisco, allora ti prendi più sul serio quando c'è molto in gioco.
I understand, so you take it more seriously when there's a lot at stake.
✕Common Mistakes
A volte, se è un partita importante.
‘Partita’ is feminine; the correct article is ‘una’.
A volte se è una partita importante.
Missing comma can make the sentence sound rushed; the pause after ‘volte’ is important.
A volte, se è una importante partita.
Do not place the adjective before the noun unless you want a poetic nuance; the natural order is noun + adjective.
↔Alternatives
Talvolta, se è una partita decisiva.
Sometimes, if it's a decisive match.
A volte, quando è una partita importante.
Sometimes, when it's an important match.
Di tanto in tanto, se la partita è importante.
From time to time, if the match is important.
Cultural Tip
In Italian sports talk, 'partita importante' often refers to league games, derbies, or cup fixtures that can affect a team's standing. Italians tend to use the noun 'partita' for soccer, while 'match' is more common for tennis or volleyball. Adjust the adjective accordingly: 'partita decisiva' for a match that decides a championship.