principiante
feminine, masculine
The English word "beginner" can be translated into Italian as principiante. Wiktionary also lists esordiente and debuttante.
Meaning: someone who just recently started (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| principiante | feminine, masculine | |
| esordiente | /e.zorˈdjɛn.te/ | |
| debuttante | /de.butˈtan.te/ | feminine, masculine |
| novizio | /noˈvit.t͡sjo/ | masculine |
| novellino | /no.velˈli.no/ | masculine |
Which one should you use?
principiante is a general term for a beginner. esordiente is specifically used for someone making their debut in a professional field, such as a rookie athlete. novellino is more colloquial and is often used to describe someone who is inexperienced or 'green' in a specific group or task. novizio often carries a more formal or religious connotation, such as a novice in a religious order.
How does it change in a sentence?
principiante is an invariable noun-adjective, meaning it stays the same for both masculine and feminine subjects. Similarly, debuttante is also invariable, ending in -e for both masculine and feminine forms.
Did you know?
- Although principiante is used for learners, Italian uses the word matricola to describe a first-year university student, which literally translates to 'registration number'.
- The word debuttante is a loanword from the French 'débutant', reflecting the historical influence of French high society and the arts on the Italian language.
- The term novellino uses a diminutive suffix that adds a layer of affection or irony, often implying the person is 'cute' or 'naive' in their lack of experience.
Examples in context
- Tom è un principiante.Tom is a beginner.This sentence shows how to identify someone as a principiante.Tatoeba #2611671 by Guybrush88, translation #1025201 by CK
- Io sono un principiante.I'm a beginner.This sentence is useful for stating that you yourself are a principiante.Tatoeba #5104081 by Guybrush88, translation #2247880 by CK
- È un principiante, vero?He's a beginner, isn't he?This sentence is useful for asking for confirmation that someone is a principiante.Tatoeba #8700534 by Guybrush88, translation #8526910 by CH
- Come posso migliorare le mie abilità da principiante?How can I improve my beginner skills?
- Ho appena iniziato a studiare italiano, quindi sono un neofita.I just started studying Italian, so I am a beginner.
- 77 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Martina are discussing a cooking class.
- MatteoTi iscrivi al corso di cucina?Are you signing up for the cooking course?
- MartinaSì, ma sono una principiante.Yes, but I am a beginner.
- MatteoNon preoccuparti, lo sono anche io.Don't worry, I am too.
- MartinaAllora impareremo tutto insieme!Then we will learn everything together!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “beginner” translations and entries principiante, esordiente, debuttante, novizio, novellino, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
