Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Paesi Bassi | masculine, plural | |
| Olanda | /oˈlan.da/ | feminine |
In Italian, the name for the country in northwestern Europe can be expressed in two ways. Paesi Bassi is the official and most common name for the nation. Olanda is also frequently used, though it technically refers to a specific region within the country.
What does it mean word for word?
The term Paesi Bassi literally translates to 'Low Countries'.
Which one should you use?
Paesi Bassi is the formal name for the country, whereas Olanda is an informal term used in everyday speech. While Olanda is common in conversation, Paesi Bassi is the correct way to refer to the entire nation officially.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Paesi Bassi is the formal and official term. Olanda is considered an informal term used in everyday conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because Paesi Bassi is plural, you use the plural article i (i Paesi Bassi) when referring to the country. Olanda is a feminine singular noun.
Did you know?
- While you might use Olanda to describe things from the nation, the word actually has its roots in the Old Dutch phrase holt lant, which means 'wood land'.
- In Italian, the word bassi is an adjective meaning 'short' as much as it refers to 'low' elevation.
- The use of i Paesi Bassi requires the plural article i, which is unusual for a single country name in Italian.
Examples in context
- L'Olanda è un paese piccolo.The Netherlands is a small country.This sentence shows how to describe the size of the country using Olanda.Tatoeba #2020405 by Guybrush88, translation #64826 by human600
- Si parla l'Olandese in Olanda.One speaks Dutch in the Netherlands.This sentence illustrates the use of Olanda when discussing the Dutch language.Tatoeba #7279773 by Guybrush88, translation #6933703 by Ricardo14
- Lavorò un anno e mezzo in Olanda.He worked for one and a half years in the Netherlands.This sentence demonstrates the use of Olanda in the context of a work history.Tatoeba #1816488 by Guybrush88, translation #1816209 by Amastan
- Mi piacerebbe visitare i Paesi Bassi durante la mia prossima vacanza.I would like to visit the Netherlands during my next vacation.
- I Paesi Bassi sono famosi per i loro mulini a vento.The Netherlands is famous for its windmills.
- Gli studenti olandesi che studiano all'estero spesso vengono dai Paesi Bassi.Dutch students studying abroad often come from the Netherlands.
- L'Olanda è un paese molto interessante da esplorare.The Netherlands is a very interesting country to explore.
- Marco è appena tornato dall'Olanda.Marco has just returned from the Netherlands.
- Sono stato in Olanda per una settimana e mi sono divertito molto.I was in the Netherlands for a week, and I had a lot of fun.
- 32 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Matteo are discussing their dream travel destinations.
- MartinaVorrei visitare i Paesi Bassi in primavera.I would like to visit the Netherlands in spring.
- MatteoAnche a me piace l'idea, Martina.I like the idea too, Martina.
- MartinaPossiamo andare ad Amsterdam nei Paesi Bassi.We can go to Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
- MatteoOttima idea, cerchiamo i voli!Great idea, let's look for flights!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “netherlands” translations and entries Paesi Bassi, Olanda, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Bassi, Olanda, Paesi Bassi, olanda, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
