difficilmente

with difficulty; hardly

adverb dee-fee-CHEEL-men-teh Less Common

Usage Note

Difficilmente means 'with difficulty' or, more commonly, 'hardly / it is unlikely that': difficilmente riuscirà (he is unlikely to succeed). This second, probabilistic sense is the more frequent one and can catch learners off guard — it does not mean 'difficulty' (which is difficoltà) but rather 'probably not.' It is invariable and typically precedes the verb.

Examples

"Difficilmente troverai posto a quest'ora."

Natural Translation

You'll hardly find a seat at this hour.

Literal Translation

With-difficulty you-will-find place at this hour.

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