io
/ˈi.o/
The English word 'I' is translated into Italian as io.
io is the standard personal pronoun for the first-person singular. In casual conversation, it is often omitted. When you do include io, it is typically used to add emphasis or to create contrast, such as saying 'I (and not someone else)'.
Meaning: personal pronoun (pron)
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈi.o/. The stress is on the first of the two syllables.
Did you know?
- The Italian io shares the same ancestor as the English word 'ego', which comes from the Classical Latin 'egō'.
- When Italians use io for emphasis, they may accompany it with a gesture of pointing to their own chest to further isolate themselves from the group.
- While io is the standard word for 'I', in certain regional dialects like Neapolitan, the pronoun is replaced by i', which is pronounced as a short, sharp sound.
Examples in context
- Io non lo so.I don't know that.This sentence shows the use of io in a negative statement.Tatoeba #2391792 by Guybrush88, translation #254835 by CK
- Io ne ho uno.I have one.This sentence demonstrates io in a sentence about possession.Tatoeba #2433237 by Guybrush88, translation #2245891 by CK
- Io non ti amo.I don't love you.This sentence shows how io is used to express a personal feeling.Tatoeba #1687369 by Guybrush88, translation #1213414 by alec
- Mi piaceI like
- Mi piace il gelato.I like ice cream.
- 4715 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their plans for the evening.
- LorenzoIo vado al cinema stasera.I am going to the cinema tonight.
- SofiaPosso venire con te, Lorenzo?Can I come with you, Lorenzo?
- LorenzoCertamente, Sofia, vieni pure!Certainly, Sofia, please come!
- SofiaGrazie, io sono molto contenta.Thanks, I am very happy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “I” translations and entries io, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries io, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
