Italian Phrase
Cosa conta di più per te?
Meaning
This phrase is used to ask someone about their priorities or what they value most in life. It combines the verb 'contare' (to count or matter) with the comparative 'di più' (more or most) to inquire about personal significance.
When to use
Use this in deep conversations with friends, family, or partners when discussing values, goals, or decision-making. It is a thoughtful question that invites reflection rather than a simple yes or no answer.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Cosacontadi piùper te
Contare
The verb 'contare' literally means 'to count', but here it functions as 'to be important' or 'to matter'.
Di più
This is the comparative form meaning 'more' or 'most' depending on the sentence structure.
🗨In Conversation
Tra carriera e famiglia, cosa conta di più per te?
Between career and family, what matters most to you?
Per me, la famiglia viene sempre al primo posto.
For me, family always comes first.
✕Common Mistakes
Cosa importa di più per te?
While 'importare' means to matter, 'contare' is more frequently used when discussing personal values or the weight of importance.
Cosa conta di più a te?
Use the preposition 'per' to indicate 'for someone' in this specific context of personal importance.
↔Alternatives
Che cos'è importante per te?
What is important to you?
Quali sono le tue priorità?
What are your priorities?
Cultural Tip
In Italian culture, discussing personal values and family is common in close relationships. Using the informal 'te' is appropriate for peers, but you should switch to the formal 'Lei' (Cosa conta di più per Lei?) when speaking to elders or in formal professional settings.