lezione
/letˈt͡sjo.ne/
The English word 'lesson' is translated into Italian as lezione.
lezione refers to a specific period of instruction, such as a class, but it can also refer to a moral or practical lesson learned from experience.
Meaning: learning task assigned to a student (noun)
Which one should you use?
While lezione is the standard term, you might use lezioncina to refer to a 'little lesson' in an affectionate or informal way. If you are referring specifically to a study session or a session of learning in an informal context, you can use the expression botta di studio.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural form 'lessons', use lezioni.
How do you pronounce it?
lezione is pronounced /letˈtsjo.ne/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- When an Italian speaker says dare una lezione a qualcuno, they are not talking about teaching a student. They mean they are going to 'teach someone a lesson' by punishing them or humbling them.
- In Italian, if someone tells you non fare il professore, they are not telling you to act like a teacher but are warning you not to be pedantic or give an unwanted lezione on how to live.
- The expression botta di studio uses the word botta, which usually means 'a blow' or 'a hit'. It describes a sudden, intense burst of studying as if it were a physical shock to the system.
Examples in context
- È la prima lezione.It is the first lesson.This sentence is useful for identifying the first instance of lezione.Tatoeba #13282495 by Guybrush88, translation #11230959 by Aghanim
- La lezione è finita.The lesson has ended.This sentence is useful for stating that the lezione has ended.Tatoeba #5220622 by Guybrush88, translation #2220318 by eternica
- Fu una lezione utile.That was a useful lesson.This sentence is useful for describing a lezione that was useful.Tatoeba #13282508 by Guybrush88, translation #7948171 by AlanF_US
- Domani ho una lezione di storia.Tomorrow, I have a history lesson.
- Sto frequentando un corso di italiano.I am attending an Italian lesson/course.
- Dopo cena ti faccio una piccola lezioncina di cucina.After dinner, I'll give you a little cooking lesson.
- 186 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Francesco are talking about their school day.
- GiuliaHai studiato per la prossima lezione?Did you study for the next lesson?
- FrancescoSì, ma questa lezione è molto difficile.Yes, but this lesson is very difficult.
- GiuliaPossiamo studiare insieme domani.We can study together tomorrow.
- FrancescoOttima idea, grazie Giulia!Great idea, thanks Giulia!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry lezione, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
