My real salary has decreased due to inflation.
'Diminuito' = di-mi-nu-I-to; four syllables; stress on the third.
Use to make a precise economic argument about the loss of purchasing power when nominal pay has remained static while prices have risen.
'Stipendio reale' (real salary, i.e., inflation-adjusted) vs 'stipendio nominale' (nominal salary, i.e., the figure on the pay slip) is an economics concept that many Italian managers understand. Using this distinction elevates the conversation from personal complaint to economic fact.
In termini reali, il mio potere d'acquisto è diminuito del [X]%.
In real terms, my purchasing power has decreased by [X]%.
'Potere d'acquisto' = purchasing power; key economic term
Nominalmente guadagno lo stesso di tre anni fa, ma posso comprare meno.
Nominally I earn the same as three years ago, but I can buy less.
Concrete and relatable explanation of the concept
Un aumento del 10% oggi equivale al semplice mantenimento del valore del 2022.
A 10% raise today is equivalent simply to maintaining the 2022 value.
Frames the raise as maintenance, not improvement
Italy experienced significant inflation in 2022–2023 (reaching over 8% annually), which squeezed the purchasing power of millions of workers. Many Italian employees lost years of purchasing power without any compensating raise. This economic context makes real-salary arguments particularly resonant.