Ciao! Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “minus” in Italian. Whether you are a language enthusiast or simply planning a trip to Italy, learning how to express mathematical operations in Italian can be incredibly useful. In this guide, we’ll explore the various ways to say “minus” in Italian, including both formal and informal expressions. Let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “Minus” in Italian
If you’re in a formal context or need to use proper Italian, the following expressions will come in handy:
1.1 “Meno”
The most commonly used word for “minus” in Italian is “meno.” It is widely understood and accepted, making it suitable for both spoken and written language. Here are a few examples:
Il risultato della sottrazione di dieci meno cinque è cinque. (The result of the subtraction of ten minus five is five.)
Remember to use the appropriate verb conjugation based on the context and subject.
1.2 “Sottrazione”
Another formal way to express “minus” in Italian is by using the word “sottrazione,” which means “subtraction.” Although it might not be as common as “meno,” it is still important to understand. Let’s see it in action:
Nell’ultima sottrazione, ho ottenuto un risultato negativo. (In the last subtraction, I obtained a negative result.)
Make sure to use the appropriate verb forms and prepositions when using this term.
2. Informal Ways to Say “Minus” in Italian
When it comes to informal situations or everyday conversations, Italians often resort to simpler expressions to say “minus.” Here are a few informal ways to express it:
2.1 “Meno”
Yes, “meno” also works as an informal expression. However, in casual conversations, it can sometimes be shortened to “men” or “mè.” Let’s take a look:
Viene al cinema con noi? – No, men. Ho altri impegni. (Are you coming to the movies with us? – No, minus. I have other commitments.)
As you can see, the informal use of “meno” is often accompanied by other colloquial expressions to create a more relaxed tone.
2.2 “Togli”
In informal contexts, you might also hear Italians using the word “togli” to express “minus.” This term is derived from the verb “togliere,” which means “to remove.” Here’s an example:
Dobbiamo togliere sette euro dal totale perché Matteo non ha abbastanza soldi. (We need to remove seven euros from the total because Matteo doesn’t have enough money.)
Although “togli” is mainly used for informal conversations, it can also be employed in certain formal scenarios.
3. Regional Variations
Italian is a language with rich regional variations, and some dialects may have unique expressions for “minus.” While the standard terms mentioned earlier are universally understood throughout Italy, you might encounter some regional variations. Here’s an example from Southern Italy:
In the Campania region, particularly in Naples, you may hear the word “sutt’oh” or “sotto uno” to mean “minus one.” However, it’s important to note that these regional variations are not widely used in formal or nationwide communication.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of our comprehensive guide on how to say “minus” in Italian. Now you can confidently express mathematical operations or talk about subtraction in both formal and informal settings. Remember to use “meno” and “sottrazione” for formal occasions, while “meno,” “men,” and “togli” work well in informal situations. Be aware of regional variations, but stick to the standard terms if you want to be universally understood.
Enjoy your journey with the Italian language, and don’t hesitate to practice these expressions whenever you can. Buon viaggio!
