Which one should you use?
While economico specifically refers to being inexpensive or low-cost when discussing prices, it can also mean 'economic' (relating to the economy) depending on the context. If you want to say something is a bargain or represents good value for money, you might use the informal term affare. If you want to express that something is both convenient and reasonably priced, the word conveniente is a suitable choice.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, economico must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use economica for feminine singular nouns, economiche for feminine plural nouns and economici for masculine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 5 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable: /e.koˈnɔ.mi.ko/.
Did you know?
- The word economico shares its roots with the ancient Greek concept of 'household management'. Originally, it described someone who was skilled at managing a home's resources effectively.
- While economico is common, using it to describe a person can imply they are 'cheap' or stingy rather than just 'thrifty'. It is safer to use other adjectives when discussing a person's character.
- English speakers often mistake conveniente for 'convenient' in terms of location or effort, but in Italian it primarily means 'inexpensive' or 'good value'.
Examples in context
- Conosci qualche negozio economico?Do you know of any inexpensive stores?This sentence is useful for asking about inexpensive stores using economico.Tatoeba #947832 by Guybrush88, translation #28500 by CK
- Questo pesce è economico ma nutriente.This fish is inexpensive but nourishing.This sentence is useful for describing fish that is inexpensive using economico.Tatoeba #1562068 by Guybrush88, translation #59695 by Jesse
- Questo braccialetto è molto economico.This bracelet is very inexpensive.This sentence is useful for describing a bracelet that is very inexpensive using economico.Tatoeba #3482676 by Guybrush88, translation #3258224 by CK
- Questo hotel è economico e offre comunque un ottimo servizio.This hotel is inexpensive but still provides excellent service.
- Il ristorante offre piatti deliziosi a prezzi convenienti.The restaurant offers delicious dishes at affordable prices.
- È un affare! Ho comprato queste scarpe a basso costo.It's a bargain! I bought these shoes at a low price.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Francesco are discussing where to eat lunch.
- MartinaFrancesco, conosci un posto economico qui vicino?Francesco, do you know an inexpensive place near here?
- FrancescoSì, c'è una piccola trattoria molto economica.Yes, there is a very inexpensive little trattoria.
- MartinaPerfetto, mi piace mangiare in posti economici.Perfect, I like eating in inexpensive places.
- FrancescoAllora andiamo subito, Martina.Then let's go right away, Martina.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “inexpensive” translations and entries economico, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries economico, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
