Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| notebook | /ˈnot.buk/ | masculine |
| laptop | masculine | |
| computer portatile | masculine | |
| calcolatore portatile | masculine | |
| elaboratore portatile | masculine | |
| ordinatore portatile | masculine | |
| computatore portatile | masculine | |
| computiere portatile | masculine |
The term refers to a portable computing device. While many forms exist, common ways to express this include the English loanword laptop and the descriptive term computer portatile.
Which one should you use?
In everyday conversation, notebook is the most common way to refer to a laptop. The term computer portatile is the standard descriptive Italian way to say it. The English loanword laptop is also widely used and understood in both technical and casual contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
The word notebook is pronounced /ˈnot.buk/ and has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the word computer alone to mean a laptop. In Italian, computer usually refers to a desktop or a computer in general. You should add portatile to specify that it is a laptop.
Did you know?
- While notebook is common, if you use the word taccuino to mean 'notebook', an Italian might think you are talking about a physical paper diary rather than a computer.
- The word calcolatore is an older, more formal term for a computer, derived from the verb calcolare, meaning 'to calculate'.
- The English term laptop is so integrated into the language that many Italians use it as a masculine noun, even though it is not an original Italian word.
Examples in context
- Io ho un laptop.I have a laptop.This sentence is useful for saying 'I have a laptop'.Tatoeba #5055665 by Guybrush88, translation #4305641 by CK
- Tom ha un laptop.Tom has a laptop.This sentence is useful for saying 'Tom has a laptop'.Tatoeba #11740682 by Guybrush88, translation #6878301 by Hybrid
- Non ho un laptop.I don't have a laptop.Tatoeba #11740984 by Guybrush88, translation #8018208 by OsoHombre
- Ho bisogno di un nuovo computer portatileI need a new laptop
- Ho comprato un nuovo portatileI bought a new laptop
- Il mio vecchio notebook è lentoMy old laptop is slow
- Ho comprato un computer portatile fantastico.I bought a fantastic laptop.
- Mia sorella ha un portatile nuovo.My sister has a new laptop.
- Ho comprato un MacBook nuovo.I bought a new MacBook.
- La mia azienda utilizza dei computer portatili Dell.My company uses Dell laptops.
- 407 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Lorenzo are at a cafe working.
- SofiaLorenzo, dove hai messo il mio notebook?Lorenzo, where did you put my laptop?
- LorenzoÈ nella tua borsa, Sofia.It is in your bag, Sofia.
- SofiaAh, grazie! Non lo trovavo.Ah, thanks! I couldn't find it.
- LorenzoPrego, posso aiutarti con qualcos'altro?You're welcome, can I help you with anything else?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “laptop” translations and entries notebook, computer portatile, calcolatore portatile, elaboratore portatile, ordinatore portatile, computatore portatile, computiere portatile, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries calcolatore, computer, notebook, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
