Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| riguardo | /riˈɡwar.do/ |
| su | /ˈsu/ |
The word 'about' can be translated in several ways depending on the context. When you are discussing a topic or a subject in everyday speech, the preposition su is the most common choice. The word riguardo is used to mean 'concerning'. Additionally, circa is used when you are discussing approximate quantities or dates and in relazione a means 'in relation to'.
Which one should you use?
While riguardo means 'concerning', the preposition su is the most common way to express 'about' when discussing a topic or subject in everyday speech.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase a riguardo is a common way to say 'regarding' or 'concerning' in a more formal or structured context.
How do you pronounce it?
The word riguardo is pronounced /riˈɡwar.do/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- When Italians use su to talk 'about' a person, they are often implying a judgment or a critique, which is more pointed than the neutral English 'about'.
- The word circa is used for approximate numbers, but in Latin it meant 'around' in a circular sense. It creates a mental image of circling a number rather than hitting it exactly.
- The word su literally means 'on' or 'upon', meaning when you say you are talking 'about' a topic, Italians are figuratively placing their words 'on' that topic.
Examples in context
- Non è su di me.It's not about me.This sentence is useful for seeing how su is used to say 'about' a person.Tatoeba #5127387 by Guybrush88, translation #5127385 by Barra
- Non è su di noi.It's not about us.This sentence shows how su is used to say 'about' a group of people.Tatoeba #5980888 by Guybrush88, translation #5757856 by CM
- Sa altro su Tom?Do you know anything else about Tom?This sentence demonstrates using su to express 'about' a specific person.Tatoeba #6911616 by Guybrush88, translation #5772160 by CK
- A proposito di ieri, hai ricevuto la mia email?About yesterday, did you receive my email?
- Di cosa hai parlato con Laura?What did you talk to Laura about?
- Circa trecento persone sono arrivate alla festa.About three hundred people came to the party.
- In merito al progetto, la squadra si è espressa a favore.About the project, the team expressed themselves in favor.
- Il tuo problema è in relazione al lavoro?Is your problem related to work?
- 3539 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Martina are discussing a work matter at a cafe.
- FrancescoHai novità riguardo al nuovo contratto?Do you have news regarding the new contract?
- MartinaNo, non ho ancora sentito nulla.No, I haven't heard anything yet.
- FrancescoPosso chiederti qualcosa riguardo a questo?Can I ask you something regarding this?
- MartinaCerto, dimmi tutto.Sure, tell me everything.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “about” translations and entries riguardo, su, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
