media
feminine
The English phrase 'average' (as an arithmetic mean) is translated into Italian as media.
When you are referring to the mathematical arithmetic mean, use the noun media. For example, you can describe a student's grade point average as la media dei voti. You can also use the phrase sopra la media to describe something that exceeds the typical level, or sotto la media to describe performance or quality that is below the expected standard.
Meaning: arithmetic mean (noun)
Which one should you use?
Use the noun media when you are talking about the mathematical average itself. If you want to use 'average' as an adjective to describe something as being of a middle or moderate degree, use the related forms medio or media.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The word Banale can be used informally to express that something is ordinary or unremarkable, often with a slightly negative connotation.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun media is feminine and is used with the feminine article la.
Did you know?
- The word media shares its exact same spelling and Latin root as the English word 'media', referring to mass communications. In Italian, these are two completely different concepts.
- While media is used for mathematics, the word mediocre in Italian is much harsher than the English 'average' and implies a disappointing lack of quality.
- The word media is also used in Italian to describe the 'middle ages' as medioevo, combining the root for middle with the word for age.
Examples in context
- Tom è nella media.Tom is average.This sentence is useful for showing how to say someone is within the average.Tatoeba #2750319 by Guybrush88, translation #1493531 by Spamster
- La media di 3, 4 e 5 è 4.The average of 3, 4 and 5 is 4.This sentence shows how to express the mathematical calculation of an average.Tatoeba #2465588 by Guybrush88, translation #72724 by CK
- Il tuo lavoro è sotto la media.Your work is below average.This sentence demonstrates how to use the phrase 'sotto la media' to describe quality.Tatoeba #6901783 by Guybrush88, translation #17122 by CK
- La temperatura media di oggi è 20 gradiThe average temperature today is 20 degrees
- La cena era un po' banale, niente di specialeThe dinner was a bit average, nothing special
- La sua prestazione in quella partita è stata sufficienteHis performance in that match was average
- 42 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Lorenzo are discussing their test results.
- MartinaQual è la media della classe?What is the class average?
- LorenzoLa media è di sette.The average is seven.
- MartinaIl mio voto è sopra la media.My grade is above average.
- LorenzoAnch'io sono sopra la media!I am above average too!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “average” translations and entries media, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries media, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
