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PhrasesAt the CinemaNon mi è piaciuto per niente.
A2informal

Non mi è piaciuto per niente.

I didn't like it at all.

Pronunciation

pia-CIU-to — stress on second syllable. The 'ciu' sounds like 'choo' in 'choose'.

When to use it

Say to a friend after leaving the cinema when the film disappointed you. Strong negative reaction — 'per niente' emphasises total dislike. Used freely in conversation.

What it means

Italian uses 'piacere' (to please) for expressing likes and dislikes. 'Mi è piaciuto' = I liked it (it pleased me); 'non mi è piaciuto' = I didn't like it. 'Per niente' means 'not at all' and intensifies the negative. This is the past tense form used after seeing the complete film.

Variations

Era una delusione totale.

It was a total disappointment.

'Delusione' means disappointment, not delusion. A classic false friend.

Mi ha deluso molto.

It disappointed me a lot.

The verb 'deludere' is very common in Italian film criticism.

Non valeva la pena.

It wasn't worth it.

'Non vale la pena' is used constantly in Italian for things not worth the effort.

Mini Dialogue

— Allora, com'era? — Non mi è piaciuto per niente. La storia era noiosa e il finale non aveva senso. — Davvero? Io invece l'ho trovato interessante. — De gustibus! Comunque, andiamo a prendere qualcosa? — Sì, dai.

— So, how was it? — I didn't like it at all. The story was boring and the ending made no sense. — Really? I actually found it interesting. — Different strokes! Anyway, shall we go for something? — Yes, let's.

Cultural Note

Italians are lively film critics. Post-cinema discussion ('la critica da bar') over a coffee or aperitivo is a beloved ritual. Expressing strong opinions — positive or negative — is entirely normal and expected.