lingua italiana
/ˈlin.ɡwa i.taˈlja.na/word by word
The Italian language is called lingua italiana in Italian.
Use lingua italiana when you name the language in full, for example in a course title or on a form.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase joins the noun lingua (language) and the adjective italiana (Italian), with the adjective after the noun.
Which one should you use?
When the word lingua is left out, the language is simply italiano, which is masculine.
How does it change in a sentence?
italiana is feminine because it agrees with the feminine noun lingua.
How do you pronounce it?
The IPA is /ˈlin.ɡwa i.taˈlja.na/. The phrase has five syllables, with stress on the first syllable of lingua and the next to last syllable of italiana.
Did you know?
- Modern italiano is based on the 14th-century Florentine dialect used by literary giants like Dante Alighieri, rather than being a neutral average of all regional speeches.
- While italiano is the official language, Italy has dozens of recognized regional languages, such as neapolitan and sardinian, which are distinct from dialects.
- In Italian, the phrase lingua can be used in the idiom lingua lunga (long tongue) to describe someone who talks too much or gossips.
Examples in context
- Sto studiando la lingua italiana per motivi professionaliI am studying the Italian language for professional reasons
- Studio la lingua italiana da due anni.I have been studying the Italian language for two years.
- La lingua italiana è molto musicale.The Italian language is very musical.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Sofia are discussing their language studies at a cafe.
- AlessandroSofia, studi la lingua italiana?Sofia, do you study the Italian language?
- SofiaSì, la amo molto.Yes, I love it very much.
- AlessandroAnche io la trovo bellissima.I also find it beautiful.
- SofiaÈ vero, Alessandro.It's true, Alessandro.
