We've discussed before how very important it is to be able to express your opinions in Italian. Phrases like secondo me are incredibly useful to know.
But once everyone's aired their opinions in true Italian style, what's next?
If you want to agree or disagree, there's a simple way of expressing that.
(Non) sono d'accordo
I (dis)agree
But a phrase I find myself using more frequently with Italian friends and family is hai ragione (pronunciation available here), which roughly translates as "you're right" or "you've got a point."
Hai ragione e ti sosterrò.
You are right and I will support you.
Literally, it could translate as "you have reason", as in "you have good reason to think that way", and so with this phrase you not only demonstrate that you agree with the opinion but that you think the person airing it is being reasonable, or ragionevole.
Hai assolutamente ragione.
You're absolutely right.
E qui ha ragione.
She has a point there.
If nothing else, this phrase will help pacify an irate Italian neighbour or agitated father-in-law, and easily ends tiresome arguments about things you really can't muster an opinion on.
And once you start using it, you'll no doubt start hearing it crop up in conversations all the time.
Vedremo se hai ragione.
Let's see if you're right.
Penso che abbia ragione.
I think she's right.
Of course, if you're really going to argue like an Italian, you'll also need this version:
Ho ragione, vedrai!
I'm right, you'll see!
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