Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| classe | /ˈklas.se/ | feminine |
| ceto | /ˈt͡ʃɛ.to/ | masculine |
classe is used to refer to a school classroom, a group of students or a category or set of things that share characteristics. The idiomatic phrase in classe means 'in the classroom' or 'during a lesson' and is used without an article. In formal educational or professional training contexts, the word Corso is used to refer to a course or a class.
Which one should you use?
classe is the common term for a school class (a group of students) or a general category. In contrast, ceto is a sociological term used specifically when referring to a social class or a specific stratum of society, such as the middle class.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb Frequentare is used to mean 'to attend' a class.
How do you pronounce it?
The word classe is pronounced /ˈklas.se/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- While frequentare means 'to attend' a class, it is also the standard verb used for 'dating' a person.
- If an Italian says someone has classe, they are praising their innate style and grace rather than their educational level.
- The Latin root of ceto, coetus, implies a coming together or a meeting, which is why it carries a more formal, sociological weight than the more generic classe.
Examples in context
- In che classe è?What class are you in?This sentence asks which class someone is in using classe.Tatoeba #6617665 by Guybrush88, translation #12941165 by CK
- Tom era in classe?Was Tom in class?This sentence asks if Tom was in class using classe.Tatoeba #7083095 by Guybrush88, translation #2648645 by CK
- Non mangi in classe.Do not eat in class.This sentence is a command not to eat in class using classe.Tatoeba #5326407 by Guybrush88, translation #2038353 by JarHead54321
- Sto frequentando un corso di arte.I'm attending an art class.
- Ho una lezione di storia domani.I have a history class tomorrow.
- Ho una lezione di biologia domani.I have a biology class tomorrow.
- Ho una lezione di matematica domani.I have a math class tomorrow.
- Seguo un corso di pittura.I'm following a painting course.
- Partecipo a una lezione di musica.I participate in a music lesson.
- 352 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Giulia are discussing a science project about animals.
- MatteoQuesta specie appartiene a quale classe?Which class does this species belong to?
- GiuliaFa parte della classe dei mammiferi.It is part of the mammal class.
- MatteoÈ una classe molto varia.It is a very diverse class.
- GiuliaSì, Matteo, hai ragione.Yes, Matteo, you are right.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “class” translations and entries classe, ceto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ceto, classe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
