lettere
The English phrase 'letters' translates to Italian as lettere.
The term lettere refers to written messages sent from one person to another by mail.
Which one should you use?
While lettere refers to written correspondence, the same spelling can also mean 'letters' in the sense of characters of the alphabet. The specific meaning is determined by the context of the sentence.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of lettere is lettera.
Did you know?
- In Italian, lettere also refers to the humanities or a degree in literature. A person who has studied the arts and languages is often said to have studied lettere.
- If you are talking about 'letters' in the sense of a font size, an Italian would use the word corpo (body) rather than any word related to lettere.
- In certain legal contexts, the phrase lettera della legge is used to refer to the 'letter of the law', meaning the strict, literal interpretation of a statute.
Examples in context
- Io non scrivo lettere.I don't write letters.This sentence is useful for expressing that you do not write lettere.Tatoeba #7020572 by Guybrush88, translation #6356817 by CK
- Ti scrissi tre lettere.I wrote you three letters.This sentence is useful for stating that you wrote three lettere to someone.Tatoeba #7938163 by Guybrush88, translation #7935388 by CK
- Tu scrivi delle lettere?Do you write letters?This sentence is useful for asking if someone writes lettere.Tatoeba #7018792 by Guybrush88, translation #6357306 by CK
- 327 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia is showing Alessandro the mail she received.
- AlessandroHai ricevuto delle lettere?Did you receive any letters?
- GiuliaSì, ho ricevuto alcune lettere oggi.Yes, I received some letters today.
- AlessandroSono lettere importanti?Are they important letters?
- GiuliaSì, sono lettere per il lavoro.Yes, they are letters for work.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
