insieme
/inˈsjɛ.me/
The English phrase 'ensemble' can be translated into Italian as insieme.
While 'ensemble' in English often refers to a group of musicians or dancers, the Italian word insieme is most commonly used as an adverb meaning 'together'.
Meaning: group of musicians, dancers etc. who perform together, the chorus of a ballet company (noun)
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between the English noun 'ensemble' and the Italian word insieme. In English, 'ensemble' is a noun referring to a group. In Italian, insieme is typically an adverb meaning 'together'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adverb meaning 'together', insieme is invariable, meaning it does not change based on gender or number.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /inˈsjɛ.me/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use insieme to refer to a musical ensemble or a group of performers. Instead, in Italian, you should use the loanword ensemble or the word gruppo to refer to a group of performers.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the phrase stare insieme is used not only for being in the same room but also to describe being in a romantic relationship.
- The Italian language uses the French loanword ensemble specifically in high-art contexts like classical music and ballet to denote a precise artistic unity.
- The word insieme is built from two Latin parts, 'insimul' and 'semel', which translates roughly to 'at the same time' or 'once'.
Examples in context
- L'ensemble di musicisti ha eseguito un concerto magnifico.The ensemble of musicians performed a magnificent concert.
- Il complesso teatrale ha messo in scena uno spettacolo straordinario.The theater ensemble performed an extraordinary show.
- I ragazzi hanno formato un gruppo di musicisti molto talentuoso.The young people formed a very talented ensemble of musicians.
- Loro suonano insieme da molti anni, sono un meraviglioso ensemble di violini.They have been playing together for many years, they are a marvelous violin ensemble.
- Il mio gruppo preferito è un ensemble jazz di altissimo livello.My favorite group is a highly skilled jazz ensemble.
- Stasera andiamo a vedere uno spettacolo teatrale con un incredibile ensemble di attori.Tonight, we are going to see a theater show with an incredible ensemble of actors.
Example conversation
Chiara and Matteo are discussing a music performance.
- ChiaraHai sentito l'insieme durante il concerto?Did you hear the ensemble during the concert?
- MatteoSì, l'insieme suonava in modo perfetto.Yes, the ensemble played perfectly.
- ChiaraSecondo me, Matteo, erano davvero bravi.In my opinion, Matteo, they were really good.
- MatteoSono d'accordo con te, Chiara.I agree with you, Chiara.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry insieme, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries insieme, CC BY-SA 4.0.
