decimale
/de.t͡ʃiˈma.le/
The English phrase "decimal" (referring to a number system) is decimale in Italian.
In Italian, decimale can function as both a noun and an adjective. It is used to describe things relating to the base-ten number system or calculations. Common phrases include sistema decimale (decimal system) and frazione decimale (decimal fraction). If you are referring specifically to a decimal number, you can use numero decimale and the symbol used to separate whole numbers from fractions is called punto decimale (decimal point). When discussing money, the term parte decimale is used to refer to the decimal part.
Meaning: number system (noun)
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/de.tʃiˈma.le/. The word has 4 syllables and the stress is on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- The Roman army used a system called decimazione based on the number ten. If a unit committed a serious crime, every tenth soldier was chosen by lot to be executed.
- In Italy, unlike in many English-speaking countries, the symbol used for the punto decimale is actually a comma, such as in '3,14' instead of '3.14'.
- The Italian word for 'decimal' is related to the word decima, which refers to a tithe. Historically, this was a one-tenth tax paid to the church or state.
Examples in context
- Quella cifra dopo la virgola è molto importante.That number after the decimal point is very important.
- La parte con la cifra decimale è quella che devi considerare.The part with the decimal digit is the one you need to consider.
- I numeri decimali sono usati molto frequentemente in matematica.Decimal numbers are widely used in mathematics.
- Assicurati di posizionare correttamente il punto decimale.Make sure to place the decimal point correctly.
- Il sistema decimale si basa su dieci cifre.The decimal system is based on ten digits.
- La parte decimale del prezzo è molto importante per fare i calcoli.The decimal part of the price is very important for calculations.
- Il sistema decimale è molto comune.The decimal system is very common.
- Studiamo il sistema decimale a scuola.We study the decimal system at school.
- Questo calcolo usa il sistema decimale.This calculation uses the decimal system.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a math problem in class.
- SofiaQuale sistema dobbiamo usare per questo esercizio?Which system should we use for this exercise?
- AlessandroDobbiamo usare il sistema decimale, Sofia.We have to use the decimal system, Sofia.
- SofiaÈ più semplice di quello binario?Is it simpler than the binary one?
- AlessandroSì, Alessandro pensa che sia molto più facile.Yes, Alessandro thinks that it is much easier.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “decimal” translations and entries decimale, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
