sono per metà italiano
/ˈso.no per meˈta i.taˈlja.no/word by word
The English phrase "I am half italian" is expressed in Italian as sono per metà italiano.
This phrase is used to state that one of your parents is Italian. While you can use the more precise and formal expression ho un genitore italiano to say you have one Italian parent, the common way to express this is by saying you are half Italian.
Which one should you use?
You may also say sono metà italiano by dropping the preposition per. This is a common and acceptable way to express the same idea.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase must agree with the gender of the speaker. If the speaker is female, the adjective must change from italiano to italiana, resulting in sono per metà italiana.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈso.no per meˈta i.taˈlja.no/. It has 6 syllables and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word metà can be used as a noun to refer to a romantic partner, as in la mia dolce metà meaning 'my better half'.
- Italian has a distinct word, mesticcio, to describe a person of mixed race, but using it in the context of being per metà italiano can sometimes carry a negative or archaic connotation.
- In Italy, someone who is per metà italiano might be described as misto if they are focusing on their mixed heritage rather than the specific proportion.
Examples in context
- Sono per metà italiana. Mio nonno materno è originario di Roma.I am half Italian. My maternal grandfather is from Rome.
- Sono mezza italiana. Mia mamma viene da Napoli.I am half Italian. My mom is from Naples.
- Mio padre è italiano, quindi sono per metà italiano.My father is Italian, so I am half Italian.
- Non parlo bene la lingua perché sono per metà italiano.I don't speak the language well because I am half Italian.
- Molti non lo sanno, ma sono per metà italiano.Many people don't know it, but I am half Italian.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their family heritage at a cafe.
- SofiaHai origini particolari, Francesco?Do you have interesting origins, Francesco?
- FrancescoSì, sono per metà italiano.Yes, I am half Italian.
- SofiaChe bello! Lo sapevo che eri speciale.How lovely! I knew you were special.
- FrancescoGrazie, Sofia.Thank you, Sofia.
