è
The English phrase "is" translates to the Italian word è.
è is used to express the third person singular present form of the verb "to be" (he/she/it is).
Which one should you use?
In Italian, è (is) must be distinguished from e, which means "and".
How does it change in a sentence?
While è is the third person singular form, the form sono is used for the first person singular (I am) and the third person plural (they are).
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often confuse è (is) with e (and) because they look similar. Always include the accent on the è to ensure you are using the verb and not the conjunction.
Did you know?
- When describing a physical state or mood, an Italian speaker would use sta rather than è, even though both translate to 'is' in English.
- The word è shares a common ancestor with the English word 'is' through the Proto-Indo-European root *h₁ésti.
- In formal written Italian, using è in a 'double' form like è che is often criticized as a redundant filler phrase known as a 'tic linguistico'.
Examples in context
- Lui è un DJ.He is a DJ.This sentence shows how to use è to identify someone's profession.Tatoeba #1255427 by Guybrush88, translation #288669 by CK
- Lui è a casa?Is he at home?This sentence uses è to form a question about someone's location.Tatoeba #1255735 by Guybrush88, translation #294392 by CK
- Lui è a casa.He is at home.This sentence uses è to state someone's location.Tatoeba #1259989 by Guybrush88, translation #816868 by Cindrogriza
- Marco è un dottore.Marco is a doctor.
- Il libro è sulla tavola.The book is on the table.
- Voglio che lui sia felice.I want him to be happy.
- È possibile che arrivi in ritardo.It is possible that he/she arrives late.
- È possibile imparare a parlare italiano in pochi mesi.It is possible to learn to speak Italian in a few months.
- Cos'è successo?What happened?
- C'è qualcuno alla porta?Is there anyone at the door?
- C'è abbastanza cibo per tutti.There is enough food for everyone.
- 15608 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Lorenzo are talking about a new restaurant in town.
- GiuliaIl nuovo ristorante è buono?Is the new restaurant good?
- LorenzoSì, è molto economico.Yes, it is very cheap.
- GiuliaÈ vicino al centro?Is it near the center?
- LorenzoSì, è proprio in centro.Yes, it is right in the center.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries è, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
