essere indispensabile
L'acqua è indispensabile per la sopravvivenza.
Water is essential for survival.
To be absolutely necessary or crucial; something that cannot be done without.
Questo documento è indispensabile per completare la pratica.
This document is essential to complete the procedure.
La sua esperienza è indispensabile per il successo del progetto.
His experience is indispensable for the project's success.
Used to emphasize the critical importance of something in both formal and informal contexts.
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Pro Tip
Common mistake: Avoid literal translation
Do not translate 'essere indispensabile' as 'to be indispensable' in English unless the context clearly supports it. Instead, use 'to be essential' or 'to be crucial' for natural phrasing in most cases.
Gold Rule
Usage in sentences
Always follow 'essere indispensabile' with 'per' when indicating what it is essential for (e.g., 'È indispensabile per la salute' = 'It is essential for health').
Word Origin
The phrase combines 'essere' (to be) from Latin 'esse' and 'indispensabile' (indispensable) from Latin 'indispensabilis' (not to be dispensed with), formed by 'in-' (not) + 'dispensare' (to dispense). The term entered Italian via French 'indispensable' in the 17th century.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in both written and spoken Italian to stress the unreplaceable nature of something. Often appears in professional, academic, or formal contexts but is also used conversationally.