inglese
/inˈɡle.ze/masculine
inglese is the Italian word for English.
inglese is the general term used to refer to the English language. You may also see the more formal phrase lingua inglese used to mean "the English language".
Meaning: the English language (name)
Which one should you use?
While inglese serves as the standard term for the language, when you are referring to the English language as a specific subject or a known entity, it is common to use the definite article, such as in l'inglese.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word for the English language is the masculine noun inglese. When referring to English people, the plural form is inglesi.
How do you pronounce it?
/inˈɡle.ze/. The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- Even though 'English' in English is always capitalized, the Italian word inglese is written in lowercase unless it starts a sentence.
- In Italian, inglese is a gender-neutral adjective. Unlike many other adjectives, it does not change its ending to distinguish between a man and a woman.
- When Italians talk about the British in general, they often use the word britannico instead of inglese, especially in formal or political contexts to be more accurate.
Examples in context
- Lo dica in inglese.Say it in English.This sentence shows how to use inglese to tell someone to speak in the English language.Tatoeba #2357178 by Guybrush88, translation #26377 by CK
- Io non so l'inglese.I don't know English.This sentence demonstrates how to use inglese when stating that you do not know the English language.Tatoeba #2676718 by Guybrush88, translation #1170233 by Eldad
- No, io sono inglese.No, I am English.This sentence uses inglese to identify oneself as being English.Tatoeba #2886636 by Guybrush88, translation #1585479 by ngdongit
- 1994 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Chiara are talking about their language studies at a cafe.
- FrancescoChiara, studi l'inglese a scuola?Chiara, do you study English at school?
- ChiaraSì, ma l'inglese è difficile.Yes, but English is difficult.
- FrancescoNon preoccuparti, il tuo inglese migliorerà.Don't worry, your English will improve.
- ChiaraGrazie Francesco, spero di riuscirci.Thanks Francesco, I hope I can do it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “english” translations and entries inglese, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
