Meaning
therefore, so
- therefore, so, hence
- well, then
In a sentence
Ho finito il lavoro, dunque posso uscire.
I finished work, so I can go out.
E dunque, cosa facciamo stasera?
So, what are we doing tonight?
Non abbiamo alternative, dunque dobbiamo accettare l'offerta.
We have no alternatives, so we have to accept the offer.
Usage notes
- Use 'dunque' for logical conclusions, not time sequences. For 'then' as next step, prefer 'poi' or 'quindi'.
- Common in spoken Italian, especially to restart a thought. Often sounds more natural than 'quindi' in conversation.
- Avoid overusing 'dunque' in formal writing. 'Pertanto' or 'di conseguenza' fit better in essays or reports.