lista
/ˈlis.ta/feminine
The English word 'list' can be translated into Italian as lista or elenco.
Meaning: enumeration or compilation of items (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| lista | /ˈlis.ta/ | feminine |
| elenco | /eˈlɛn.ko/ /eˈlen.ko/ |
masculine |
The term refers to an enumeration or compilation of items. To express the action of creating a list, Italians commonly use the phrase fare una lista. Related verbs used to describe creating or reciting a list include elencare and listare.
Which one should you use?
While lista is a general, everyday term for a list, such as a grocery list or a guest list, elenco is often used for more formal, structured or official enumerations, such as a directory or a catalog.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine noun lista becomes liste in its plural form. The masculine noun elenco becomes elenchi in its plural form.
Did you know?
- The word elenco comes from the Ancient Greek word élenkhos, which originally referred to a logical refutation or a way of proving a point through questioning.
- In Italian political contexts, a lista refers to a slate of candidates running for office. When voters choose a lista, they are supporting a specific party's organized group of representatives.
- Be careful with the verb listare, as in some modern Italian slang or technical contexts, it can be used to mean 'to price' something, derived from 'listino' (price list).
Examples in context
- Io sono in lista.I'm on the list.This sentence is useful for saying you are on the lista.Tatoeba #2484269 by Guybrush88, translation #1891097 by CK
- Ho un elenco qui.I have a list here.This sentence is useful for saying you have an elenco.Tatoeba #5901591 by Guybrush88, translation #2358744 by CK
- La lista è corta.The list is short.This sentence is useful for describing the length of the lista.Tatoeba #14035951 by Guybrush88, translation #14036121 by araneo
- Ho preparato una lista della spesa.I made a shopping list.
- È necessario compilare una lista di controllo.It is necessary to fill out a checklist.
- L'elenco dei partecipanti è ancora incompleto.The list of participants is still incomplete.
- Dammi un elenco delle tue competenze.Give me a list of your skills.
- Hai scritto un piccolo elencetto per ricordarti tutto?Did you write a little list to remember everything?
- Ho un elencetto di cose da fare oggi.I have a little list of things to do today.
- Ho fatto una lista di cose da comprare al supermercato.I made a list of things to buy at the supermarket.
- C'è una lista di cose da fare per il weekend.There's a list of things to do for the weekend.
- Ho scritto una lista delle cose da fare.I wrote a list of things to do.
- Ho preparato diverse liste.I prepared several lists.
- Fammi vedere i tuoi elenchi.Let me see your lists.
- 424 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Sofia are planning their grocery shopping.
- FrancescoSofia, hai scritto la lista della spesa?Sofia, did you write the shopping list?
- SofiaSì, la lista è sul tavolo.Yes, the list is on the table.
- FrancescoManca qualcosa in questa lista?Is something missing from this list?
- SofiaNo, Francesco, abbiamo tutto.No, Francesco, we have everything.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “list” translations and entries lista, elenco, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries elenco, lista, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
