quanti anni hai?
The Italian phrase for "how old are you?" is quanti anni hai?
This phrase is used to ask someone about their age.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase quanti anni hai? literally translates to "how many years do you have?"
How does it change in a sentence?
When answering the question, use the verb avere (to have) instead of essere (to be). For example, to say "I am twenty years old", you would say Ho venti anni.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying quanto sei vecchio?, as this is an incorrect way to ask for age and sounds like you are asking "how much of a decrepit old person are you?"
Did you know?
- In many Italian social contexts, asking quanti anni hai? to an adult you have just met can be considered much more intrusive and blunt than it would be in English-speaking cultures.
- The verb avere used in this phrase is the same verb used to express hunger or thirst. In a way, Italians 'have' years just as they 'have' hunger.
- When asking a stranger or an elder, you must change the verb to the formal ha instead of hai. Using quanti anni hai? with someone you do not know well can be perceived as a lack of respect.
Examples in context
- Scusa, quanti anni hai?Excuse me, how old are you?
- Posso chiederti quanti anni hai?Can I ask how old you are?
Example conversation
Matteo and Giulia are meeting for the first time at a party.
- MatteoCiao, io sono Matteo. Tu come ti chiami?Hi, I am Matteo. What is your name?
- GiuliaCiao Matteo, io sono Giulia.Hi Matteo, I am Giulia.
- MatteoPiacere Giulia. Quanti anni hai?Nice to meet you Giulia. How old are you?
- GiuliaHo venticinque anni.I am twenty-five years old.
