zero
/ˈd͡zɛ.ro/
The Italian word for the English term 'nil' (in the context of sports scores) is zero.
In Italian, zero is used to express the concept of nil or zero. While English speakers often reserve 'nil' for sports, the Italian word zero functions both as the mathematical number zero and as the term used for scores in sports. To express a specific score like 'nil-nil', you use the phrase zero a zero.
Meaning: zero (in sports) (noun)
Which one should you use?
Unlike the English 'nil', which is specific to sports scores, the Italian zero is the general word for both mathematical zero and sports scores.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. It is pronounced /ˈdzɛ.ro/.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the word cifra means 'digit' or 'figure' and is a linguistic doublet of zero, meaning they both originate from the same Arabic root ṣifr.
- In certain Italian games or betting contexts, you might hear the word nulla used to represent a void or a nil value, which sounds more formal than the mathematical zero.
- In Italian, zero can be used as a noun to describe a person who is considered insignificant or a failure, similar to calling someone a 'nobody' in English.
Examples in context
- Nessun capo presenteNo boss present
- Non c'è nessuno quiThere is nobody here
- Il risultato è zeroThe result is zero
- Quanti soldi sono ancora da versare?How much money is still to be paid?
- Nessun pagamento è rimasto in sospeso.No payment is outstanding.
- Hai visto il nuovo film?Have you seen the new movie?
- No, non ho visto niente al cinema ultimamente.No, I haven't seen anything at the cinema lately.
- La partita è finita a zero a zero.The match ended zero to zero.
- Il punteggio è rimasto a zero.The score remained at zero.
Example conversation
Two friends are watching a soccer match on TV.
- SofiaIl punteggio è ancora a zero?Is the score still at zero?
- LorenzoSì, non hanno segnato ancora.Yes, they haven't scored yet.
- SofiaChe noia questo zero a zero!This zero to zero is so boring!
- LorenzoVedrai che cambierà presto.You'll see it will change soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry zero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries zero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
