medio
/ˈmɛ.djo/
The Italian word for medium (of intermediate size) is medio.
medio is used as an adjective to describe something of an intermediate size.
Meaning: of intermediate size (adj)
Which one should you use?
While medio is used as an adjective for size, the noun used to refer to a medium, such as a communication medium or a surrounding environment, is typically mezzo.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective medio changes its ending to agree with the gender and number of the noun it describes: media is the feminine singular form, medi is the masculine plural form and medie is the feminine plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmɛ.djo/. The first of two syllables is stressed.
Did you know?
- An Italian 'medium' who speaks to spirits is called a medium, borrowing the English or French term rather than using medio.
- The word mezzogiorno meaning 'noon' literally translates to 'middle day'. It is also the word used to refer to the southern region of Italy.
- The word mezzo is used to describe transport, such as a bus or train, which are called mezzi di trasporto.
Examples in context
- Prendi una porzione media di pasta.Take a medium-sized portion of pasta.
- Juan ha un livello di italiano intermedio.Juan has an intermediate level of Italian.
- Vorrei una pizza media, per favore.I would like a medium pizza, please.
- Prendi una porzione normale di dolce.Take a medium-sized portion of dessert.
Example conversation
Matteo and Chiara are ordering drinks at a cafe.
- MatteoChe taglia di succo vuoi, Chiara?What size juice do you want, Chiara?
- ChiaraPer me un succo medio, grazie.A medium juice for me, thanks.
- MatteoOttimo, prendo lo stesso per me.Great, I'll get the same for myself.
- ChiaraPerfetto, ordiniamo subito.Perfect, let's order right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “medium” translations and entries medio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
