computer
/komˈpju.ter/masculine
The English phrase 'computer' can be translated into Italian as computer. If unsure, use computer. Wiktionary also lists calcolatore and elaboratore.
Meaning: programmable electronic device (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| computer | /komˈpju.ter/ | masculine |
| calcolatore | /kal.ko.laˈto.re/ | masculine |
| elaboratore | /e.la.bo.raˈto.re/ | masculine |
| ordinatore | /or.di.naˈto.re/ | Switzerland, masculine |
| computatore | masculine | |
| computiere | masculine |
In everyday Italian, the English loanword computer is the most common way to refer to a programmable electronic device.
Which one should you use?
While computer is the standard term, calcolatore is a more technical or formal term often found in academic or historical contexts. The forms computatore and computiere are also listed as variations.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Italian-speaking Switzerland, the standard term is ordinatore.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because computer is a foreign loanword, it is invariable in the plural. To indicate more than one, you only change the article, such as using i computer for 'the computers'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables with the stress on the second syllable: /komˈpju.ter/.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the word calcolatore shares the same root as calcolo, which means both a 'calculation' and a 'kidney stone'.
- The word calcolatore is derived from the Latin calculator, which referred to a person who performed calculations using pebbles.
- In a formal or academic setting, you might see the word elaboratore used to describe a system that performs complex processing, rather than just a simple PC.
Examples in context
- Io ho un computer.I have a computer.This sentence shows how to state possession of a computer.Tatoeba #1984303 by Guybrush88, translation #253848 by CK
- Tom è al computer.Tom is at the computer.This sentence describes someone being at the computer.Tatoeba #5351817 by Guybrush88, translation #680277 by Source_VOA
- Io uso il computer.I use the computer.This sentence demonstrates the use of the computer.Tatoeba #1980537 by Guybrush88, translation #254143 by orcrist
- Durante la presentazione, ho utilizzato il calcolatore per mostrare i dati.During the presentation, I used the computer to display the data.
- Ieri sera ho guardato un film sul mio computer.Last night, I watched a movie on my computer.
- 1871 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara and Alessandro are in their home office.
- ChiaraAlessandro, il tuo computer è acceso?Alessandro, is your computer turned on?
- AlessandroSì, Chiara, lo sto usando ora.Yes, Chiara, I am using it now.
- ChiaraPosso usare il mio computer qui?Can I use my computer here?
- AlessandroCertamente, accomodati pure.Certainly, please make yourself comfortable.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “computer” translations and entries computer, calcolatore, elaboratore, ordinatore, computatore, computiere, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries calcolatore, computer, elaboratore, ordinatore, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
