offerta
/ofˈfɛr.ta/
The Italian word for 'bid' is offerta.
To express the action of making a bid, Italians typically use the verb fare (to do/make) with the noun offerta. In formal contexts, the verb phrase piazzare un'offerta means 'to place a bid'. While offerta is the noun for a bid, the corresponding verb to perform the action of bidding is offrire.
Meaning: transitive: to offer as a price (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the noun offerta is offerte.
How do you pronounce it?
offerta is pronounced /ofˈfɛr.ta/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on 2 of 3.
Did you know?
- In an auction context, an Italian might use the phrase rilanciare l'offerta to mean 'outbidding' someone by raising the previous bid.
- In Italy, the word offerta is used not only for a commercial bid but also for a religious offering or a charitable donation.
- The verb offrire can also be used to mean 'to treat' someone, such as when you say you will 'offer' a coffee to a friend.
Examples in context
- Faccio un'offerta contro di lui.I bid against him.This sentence shows how to use offerta in the context of bidding against someone.Tatoeba #10536618 by Guybrush88, translation #260453 by CK
- Ho presentato la mia proposta per il progetto.I submitted my bid for the project.
- Ho deciso di fare un'offerta.I decided to make a bid.
Example conversation
Martina and Matteo are at an antique auction.
- MartinaQuel vaso è bellissimo, faccio un'offerta!That vase is beautiful, I'll make a bid!
- MatteoAttenta, Martina, il prezzo è già alto.Careful, Martina, the price is already high.
- MartinaNon importa, voglio davvero comprarlo.It doesn't matter, I really want to buy it.
- MatteoAllora buona fortuna con la tua offerta.Then good luck with your bid.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry offerta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
