paesi
The English phrase 'countries' is translated into Italian as paesi.
paesi is the standard word for 'countries'. You may also use the synonym nazioni when you wish to emphasize the political or national identity of the countries.
Which one should you use?
While paesi is the standard way to say 'countries', it is also the plural of paese, which can mean 'town' or 'village' in certain contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of paesi is paese.
Did you know?
- While nazioni refers to political states, paesi comes from the Latin pagus, which originally meant a rural district or a piece of land.
- In Italian, the expression un paese di matti describes a place where everyone is crazy, often used to describe the chaotic nature of certain cities or countries.
- The term paesaggio meaning 'landscape' is derived from paese, literally describing the appearance of the 'country' or 'village'.
Examples in context
- Vivono in paesi diversi.They live in different countries.This sentence is useful for showing how to describe where people live using paesi.Tatoeba #7167275 by Guybrush88, translation #6254601 by CK
- Ho amici in molti paesi.I have friends in many countries.This sentence is useful for mentioning friends located in many paesi.Tatoeba #12459564 by Guybrush88, translation #5853259 by CK
- Quali paesi ha visitato?What countries have you visited?This sentence is useful for asking which paesi someone has visited.Tatoeba #13354299 by Guybrush88, translation #6825838 by CK
- 172 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Alessandro are talking about their travel plans.
- GiuliaVuoi visitare nuovi paesi quest'anno?Do you want to visit new countries this year?
- AlessandroSì, mi piacciono molto i paesi caldi.Yes, I really like warm countries.
- GiuliaAllora dovremmo andare in Africa.Then we should go to Africa.
- AlessandroÈ un'ottima idea, Giulia!That is a great idea, Giulia!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
