primo gennaio
/ˈpri.mo d͡ʒenˈna.jo/word by word
primo gennaio is the Italian way to say January first.
This phrase refers to the first day of the calendar year. While primo gennaio describes the specific date, the holiday itself is referred to as Capodanno.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the ordinal number primo (first) and the month gennaio (January).
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to the date within a sentence, it is common to use the definite article il before the phrase, resulting in il primo gennaio.
How do you pronounce it?
The phrase is pronounced /ˈpri.mo dʒenˈna.jo/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italy, the feast of Capodanno is often associated with the custom of wearing red underwear to bring luck and prosperity for the coming year.
- While primo gennaio is the date, the Italian word Capodanno literally translates to 'head of the year'.
- The month gennaio is named after Janus, the two-faced Roman god of beginnings and transitions. Because he could look both into the past and the future, he was considered the perfect patron for the start of the year.
Examples in context
- Il primo gennaio è festa.January first is a holiday.
- Il mio compleanno è il primo gennaio.My birthday is January first.
- Ci vediamo il primo gennaio.We will see each other on January first.
Example conversation
Two friends are planning a New Year's trip.
- GiuliaPartiamo il primo gennaio?Are we leaving on January first?
- FrancescoSì, il primo gennaio è perfetto.Yes, January first is perfect.
- GiuliaFrancesco, hai già i biglietti?Francesco, do you already have the tickets?
- FrancescoNo, li prendo domani.No, I will get them tomorrow.
