Telling Time: I Mesi - The Months
Telling Time: I Mesi - The Months
Telling Time: I Mesi - The Months
January - gennaio
February - febbraio
March - marzo
April - aprile
May - maggio
June - giugno
July - luglio
August - agosto
September - settembre
October - ottobre
November - novembre
December - dicembre
Notice how the first letter of the day of the week isn’t capitalized. In Italian, days
of the week, months and seasons are all lowercase.
TELLING TIME
The time of day can be described in general terms or specific times.
You can use the follow words to describe time in a general sense.
when
after
before
until
since
while
once
as soon as
as
A che ora parte il treno? (At what time does the train leave?)
A che ora inizia l’opera? (At what time does the opera begin?)
A che ora chiude l’ostello? (At what time does the hostel
close?)
Chiude a mezzanotte e mezzo. (It closes at 12:30 a.m.)
Use the longer Buon giorno and Buona sera in more formal
situations, like when you enter a store.
Use Buona notte! only when its bedtime and when you’re taking
leave of people at night and you think that everyone is going to
bed.
As you’d expect, when someone asks you how you’re doing, there are
many responses.
Sto bene grazie, e tu? (I’m well, thanks, and you? [Informal])
Sto bene, grazie, e Lei? (I’m well, thanks, and you? [Formal])
Benissimo! (Great!)
The numbers venti, trenta, quaranta, cinquanta, and so on drop the final vowel
when combined with uno - 1 and otto - 8. Tre - 3 is written without an accent,
but ventitré - 23, trentatré - 33, and so on are written with an acute accent.
Also, notice that once you know the base number, like “venti - 20”, you can add
your numbers for 1-10 to create “ventuno - 21”, “ventidue - 22”, “ventitré - 23”
and so on.
Esempi:
A: Fa caldo oggi! Quanti gradi ci sono? - It’s hot today! What’s the
temperature?
Esempi:
1492 - millequattrocentonovantadue
1962 - millenovecentosessantadue
1991 - millenovecentonovantuno
2000 - duemila
2016 - duemila sedici
For instance, il primo is the first course on a menu and il secondo is the second
course, so pay attention to articles.
Here’s what they look like:
When used with the numerical succession of kings, popes, and emperors, the
ordinal numbers are capitalized. For example, Vittorio Emanuele III (Terzo), who
ruled the unified Italian nation from 1900 to 1946, was the third king with that
name.
Notice the regularity of ordinal numbers beginning with undicesimo. The suffix -
esimo is added to the cardinal numbers by dropping the final vowel of the
cardinal number.
Those numbers drop their accent and are unchanged when -esimo is added.
Since Italian ordinal numbers function as adjectives, they must agree in gender
and number with the nouns they modify: primo, prima, primi, prime.
first
second
third
fourth
undici—undicesimo
ventitré—ventitreesimo
trentasei—trentaseiesimo
Unlike cardinal numbers, ordinal numbers agree in gender and number with the
nouns they modify.
Roman numerals are frequently used, especially when referring to royalty, popes,
and centuries. In such cases they usually follow the noun.
Luigi XV (Quindicesimo)—Louis XV
Papa Giovanni Paolo II (Secondo)—Pope John Paul II
il secolo XIX (diciannovesimo)—the nineteenth century
Generally, especially in connection with literature, art, and history, Italian uses
the following forms to refer to centuries from the thirteenth on:
The practice may not be as pronounced in a big city like Milan, but it’s always useful to keep in
mind.
This is what you say right before you retire for the night, or when you believe the other person is
about to go to sleep.
5. Ciao — Hi/Hello
Yeah, you’ve heard this one in all those Italian movies you’ve been watching to prepare for your
trip. This is the equivalent of a “hi” or “hello” and often heard between friends. Say “Ciao a
tutti!” (Hello to all!) to address a group.
“Ciao” can also mean goodbye. Its meaning is often read in the context of a situation—if the
person is walking away from you, then the meaning is pretty obvious.
Although “ciao” is easy on foreign lips, it’s a bit informal and should only be used to greet a
friend, people of your own age bracket or people you can be casual with. For people older than
you and those you’re not familiar with, stick with your “Buon giorno” and “Buena serra.”
6. Grazie — Thank you
This is another word you should pass around as often as possible. It’s one of those words that
make you and the receiver both feel good.
Try it! It’ll also ensure even more stellar service at the restaurant.
7. Molte grazie — Many thanks
“Molte” is an intensifier and analogous to the English word “very” or “many.” So if you’d like
to express your gratitude more profoundly, simply add “molte” in front of “grazie” and you’ll
have a winning combination.
8. Grazie mille — Thanks a lot
Another alternative is “Grazie mille” or “Mille grazie.” “Mille” means “thousand.” So literally
you’re saying “a thousand graces.”
9. Prego — You’re welcome
“Prego” is often translated in textbooks as “You’re welcome” or “Don’t mention it.” But
while “prego” is what you say after “grazie,” it also has quite a number of other uses. For
example, a shop attendant could utter, “Prego?” to signify their intent to serve you. It’s like
they’re saying, “How can I help you?”
Or if somebody asks if a seat is taken, a “prego” response would be taken to mean “be my
guest.” The word can also mean “After you,” used to allow an older lady, for example, to enter a
room first.
If someone talks in Italian too fast, simply declare, “Prego.” This would mean, “I beg your
pardon?” or “Please talk louder/slower.”
“Prego” is like the olive oil of the Italian language: you use it on everything. And on your
Italian trip, you’ll be hearing it more than you’ll be speaking it, so watch out for the word.
10. Scusa — Excuse me (informal)
No matter the emergency, you don’t just approach a native speaker to ask them something
without the courtesy of saying, “Excuse me.” They’re probably busy with their own lives,
minding their own business, so you don’t want to just barge in with guns blazing.
Have the courtesy of a “scusa” so they can give you their attention and point you to the nearest
bathroom. Or better yet, use the formal form…
11. Mi scusi — Excuse me (formal)
You can use “scusa” with friends and colleagues, but “mi scusi” is how you open the
communication lines with a complete stranger. It’s more formal. It shows that you’re attuned to
Italian social dynamics and are giving the person due courtesy.
12. Mi dispiace — I’m sorry
In the rush of following your itinerary, trying to cover as much geography as possible, it’s
possible to get into little misunderstandings or mishaps with a native speaker. You can apologize
with a “Mi dispiace.”
By the way, native speakers also use “scusa” to mean “I’m sorry.” So don’t get overly sensitive
if a native speaker bumps into you and gives you a “scusa.” They’re not being arrogant, they’re
apologizing and are probably just in a hurry to get somewhere.
13. Arrivederci — Until we see each other again (informal)
Just as you announce your entrance into a shop with a “Buon giorno,” you should also announce
your exit. Don’t just quickly fade into oblivion. And besides, you would want the other person
to have a good impression of that “American tourist” who was extremely courteous.
There are many different ways you can say goodbye, just as there are many ways to say goodbye
in English. Here are some that you can use:
Expressing assent (or dissent) are very important, too! Here are some ways to do that:
19. Sì — Yes
20. No — No
“No” means “no,” and “sì” means “yes.” That’s simple enough. But what if you’re not sure of
the answer? How can you express uncertainty? You can say:
21. Forse — Maybe
22. Può darsi — Maybe
23. Non lo so — I’m not sure
24. Penso di no — I don’t think so
On the other hand, if you’re dead sure about something, you can say:
You’ll have no problem being understood in English in touristy areas like hotels, big restaurants
and museums. And if you’re talking with young Italians, you’ll probably get away with speaking
English.
But what about those times when a little more Italian is required?
One of the things you want to establish early on when talking to native speakers is letting them
know that you’re not fluent in their language. Lay your cards on the table before the
conversation gets awkward.
Either way, Italians will appreciate you trying to communicate in their mother tongue and be
extra patient with you. Here are some key phrases you need:
The early parts of the conversation are fairly predictable. You’ll most probably be asked what
your name is, where you’re from and the kind of work you do. Here are some phrases that you
need to practice as well as listen for.
Native speakers the world over are always interested in their guests—their nationality, where
they come from, where they live. These questions during small talk signify genuine interest from
the other person.
The conversation could go a million different ways from there, but one question that would most
probably be asked is:
No matter how long you prepare for your trip—poring over guidebooks and plotting every twist
and turn of your precious few days—there’s really nothing like being in the middle of a city like
Florence, for example, and feeling like you might as well be in Buenos Aires.
Travel tip: To get better directions, ask somebody who’s not headed somewhere
himself/herself. Remember, although you might be on your vacation, living the dream, it’s just
another day for them. They have errands to do and places to go as well.
So if you want to involve a native speaker, someone idly sitting at an outdoor café might be a
better target than a harried mother anxious to get home.
Asking for directions starts with you approaching the other person with a “Mi scusi,” asking your
question, then hearing the directions to your destination.
Here are some phrases that could help you navigate this conversation:
In the planning stage of your trip, as you develop your itinerary, get the exact names of the
places, streets, museums, beaches that you want to hit.
If you do find yourself in a cab, tell the driver to pull over with this line.
You’ve arrived!
Vocabulary for Your Shopping Trip
Shopaholics! You’ll be forgiven for forgetting the words “destra” (right) or “sinistra” (left),
but you should never ever forget the words and phrases in this section.
The beauty of travel is that you could be totally lost one second, not knowing where to go, then
out of the corner of your eye a shop bursting with trinkets and baubles suddenly appears. In that
fateful moment, you realize you’re exactly where you needed to be.
The opening number of this intricate dance is when the owner or one of the shop’s attendants
comes to you and says any of the following:
Spend a few minutes looking closely at the items. But don’t touch. Look slightly disinterested,
even if in your heart of hearts, you’re already wondering how everything will fit in the small
luggage you managed to bring. (You blame yourself for packing light.)
When you’re ready, point to the item and say something like:
They’ll try to look annoyed. They’re really not. Don’t take it personally. They’re just playing
their role in the whole drama. If they don’t budge, say:
When the price, at long last, does come down, you can finally say:
Bid your new friend goodbye and move on to the store next to theirs. (Try to finish the whole
block before dinner.)
Phrases for Eating Out in Italy
You’ve probably dreamed of Italian food even before you finalized those travel dates. Italy is a
land of good food and wine, and it would be the tragedy of all tragedies if the wait staff
continued to bring you the wrong order just because they thought you meant something else.
If you don’t have a place in mind, start with asking a local, “Dove si mangia bene?” (Where is
a good restaurant?).
Generally, a restaurant near touristy areas is more expensive and less authentic. Get off the
beaten path and go to a restaurant where the locals eat.
68. Quanti? — How many?
This is one of the first questions a greeter will ask you. He’s asking how many people are in your
group.
Once seated, the waiter could ask you this, which is a friendly way of asking for your order.
After getting your food, take your time and enjoy your meal. In Italy, when you sit at a table
rather than stand at the bar, you pay a different price for the grub. So you might as well take your
sweet time.
But you don’t have to follow this. Simply pick your fancy.
Your waiter may not be the sensitive and fawning type that you’re used to in America. You
might even think he’s not paying you enough attention. Don’t take this personally, just patiently
wait for your order. It’ll be worth the wait.
For those who want their steak absolutely just the way they like it, here’s how you let the house
know.
Whether it’s another bottle of wine for your group or another round of their free bread, say it like
you mean it, and follow up your request with the next phrase.
They won’t give you the bill until you ask for it, so it’s better to have this phrase ready. You
don’t want to have to do the universal sign language to ask for the check when you’re doing so
good with your Italian.
By the way, you’re not required to leave a tip in Italy. Of course, nobody would stop you from
doing so, but just know that it’s not expected.
Vocabulary for Emergency Situations
Vacations are days when you have a minimum amount of control. They’re unpredictable in both
good and not so good ways. A day may turn out to be more awesome than imagined, but it can
also go south faster than you could say, “Oddio!” (Oh my God!)
Uncertainty. That’s just the last thing you need when you’re in a foreign country and have no
friend or relative to hold your hand.
Be ready to ask for help. Italians are always ready to extend guests a helping hand, but you
have to let them know what’s wrong and how they can assist you.
82. Aiuto! — Help!
83. C’è stato un incidente. — There’s been an accident.
84. Dov’è il bagno? — Where’s the bathroom?
Yes, you’ll have this emergency in Italy. Especially if you don’t space your bathroom breaks
regularly or if you’re the type who only goes to the restroom when it’s absolutely necessary.
Fingers crossed that you don’t need to use “Dov’è il bagno?” with the previous one, “C’è stato
un incidente.”
90. Chiamate il pronto soccorso, per favore! — Call for first aid, please!
For medical emergencies, Italy’s equivalent of 911 is 118.
So instead of screaming, “Call 911!” you say, “Chiama Uno, Uno, Otto!”(Call 1-1-8!)
91. Chiamate la polizia! — Call the police!
They’re there for a reason. And your emergency situation is definitely one of them. So run to
your embassy when something goes extremely awry.
It’s better to be over-prepared, so have your embassy’s address and contacts ready, even before
you get to Italy.
There you go! You’re now set for your adventure thanks to all these Italian travel phrases and
words! Hope you enjoy your vacation because you definitely deserve it.
Take lots of pictures, and send me some!
Safe travels.
Italian Clothes Vocabulary
Italian/Vocabulary/Clothes
< Italian | Vocabulary
orgoglioso proud
antipatico antipatic
simpatico nice, pleasant
bugiardo liar
onesto honest
audace bold
timido shy
energico zippy
pigro lazy
stressato stressed
rilassato relaxed
gentile kind
buono good
cattivo bad
felice happy
contento joyful
triste sad
allegro jolly
amorevole all-loving
fortunato lucky
sfortunato unlucky
Appearance[edit]
bello pretty
brutto ugly
castano brown
biondo blonde
rosso red
riccio Curly
liscio Straight
https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Italian/Vocabulary/Adjectives
https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Italian/Vocabulary/Basic_Words_and_Phrases
Mia sorella My sister
Hardware[edit]
il computer
il mouse
il monitor
lo schermo monitor
il modem
lo scanner
la stampante printer
il disco disk, disc
il dischetto diskette
il masterizzatore CD/DVD burner
Software[edit]
il programma program
il file
la directory
la cartella folder
il filesystem
il sistema operativo operating system
il compilatore compiler
l'editor
il word processor
il foglio elettronico spreadsheet
il browser
Interface[edit]
l'interfaccia grafica graphical interface
la console
il comando command
la finestra window
la finestra di dialogo dialog window
il menu
il pulsante button
la barra di scorrimento scrollbar
il puntatore pointer
il cursore cursor
le impostazioni settings
Italian/Vocabulary/Common phrases
< Italian | Vocabulary
I don’t understand non capisco /noŋ ka.ˈpis.ko/ (non kah pee skoh) (listen)
where's the bathroom? dov'è il bagno? /do.ˈvɛ il ˈba.ɲːo/ (doe VEH eel bah nyoh) (listen)
Do you speak English? Parla inglese? (formal) /'par.la iŋ.glɛ.ze/ (Par-lah een-gleh-zeh) (listen)
Italian/Vocabulary/Colors
< Italian | Vocabulary
The latest reviewed version was checked on 10 December 2012. There is 1 pending change awaiting review.
The latest reviewed version was checked on 16 April 2014. There are 2 pending changes awaiting review.
l'autobus = bus
il camion = lorry, truck
il camionista lorry driver, truck driver
la carreggiata = roadway
il centro della città = town centre
la coda di traffico = tailback
andare dritto = go straight ahead
il edificio = building
fare un'inversione = do a U-turn
la fermata d'autobus = bus-stop
il furgone = van
l'incrocio = crossroads
girare a destra/sinistra = turn right/left
il guidatore = driver
incrociare la strada = cross the road
l'indicazioni = directions
l'ingorgo = traffic jam
l'isola pedonale = traffic island
il lampione = lamp-post
la macchina = car, automobile
il marciapiede = pavement, sidewalk
il parcheggio = car-park, parking lot
il parchimetro = parking meter
il passaggio pedonale = pedestrian crossing
il pedone = pedestrian
il posteggio = car-park, parking lot
la rotonda = roundabout
la segnalazione stradale = sign post
i semaforo = traffic lights
il sottopassaggio = underpass
la stazione degli autobus = bus station
la stazione di servizio = petrol station, gas station
la strada = street
la strada a due carreggiate = dual-carriageway
la strada a senso unico = one-way street
la strada laterale = turn-off, turning
la strada principale = main road
il tram = tram, streetcar
il traffico = traffic
la zona pedonale = pedestrian precinct (pedestrian area)
Italian/Vocabulary/Symbols
< Italian | Vocabulary
Contents
1Punctuation
2Diacritics
3Misc Symbols
4Mathematics
Punctuation[edit]
. punto
, virgola
: due punti
; punto e virgola
! punto esclamativo
? punto interrogativo, punto di domanda
- trattino
" virgolette
( ) parentesi
Diacritics[edit]
` accento grave
´ accento acuto
^ accento circonflesso
~ tilde
¨ dieresi, umlaut
Misc Symbols[edit]
% percento
& "e" commerciale
@ chiocciola, at
* asterisco
# cancelletto
Mathematics[edit]
+ più
- meno
× per
÷ diviso
= uguale
< minore
> maggiore
Italian/Vocabulary/Time
< Italian | Vocabulary
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