sono
/ˈso.no/
The Italian phrase for "I am" is sono.
Use sono to express your identity, nationality or permanent characteristics. Note that while English uses "to be" for age, Italian uses the verb "to have". For example, you would say ho (I have) to express how old you are.
Which one should you use?
The form sono is ambiguous because it can mean both "I am" (first-person singular) and "they are" (third-person plural) depending on the context of the sentence.
How does it change in a sentence?
The subject pronoun io (I) is often omitted because the form sono already indicates the first-person singular. However, adding Io before sono provides extra emphasis.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈso.no/. It has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The two different meanings of sono actually come from two completely different Latin verbs: one from sum and the other from sunt.
- Italian uses sono for professions, but unlike English, they omit the word 'a' or 'an' before the job title.
- To say 'I am' in a temporary state, such as being tired, Italians often use sono but the adjective must agree with the gender of the speaker.
Examples in context
- Io sono a Roma.I am in Rome.This example shows the use of sono to indicate location.Tatoeba #923874 by rado, translation #2133023 by CN
- Lo so chi sono.I know who I am.This example shows the use of sono when referring to one's identity.Tatoeba #1209695 by Guybrush88, translation #1828615 by Amastan
- Io sono a casa.I am at home.Tatoeba #2131291 by Guybrush88, translation #29049 by CK
- Sono un professore.I am a professor.
- Sono molto felice di incontrarla.I am very happy to meet you.
- Sono stanco.I am tired.
- Sono di Milano.I am from Milan.
- Io sono qui.I am here.
- Io sono sicuro di questo.I am sure about this.
- 3022 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Francesco are meeting at a cafe.
- MartinaCiao Francesco, sono qui!Hi Francesco, I am here!
- FrancescoCiao Martina, finalmente sei arrivata.Hi Martina, you finally arrived.
- MartinaSì, sono molto affaticata.Yes, I am very exhausted.
- FrancescoTi capisco, anch'io sono stanco.I understand you, I am tired too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sono, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sono, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
