One of the fundamental aspects of learning any language is mastering numbers. Whether practical or for conversational purposes, knowing how to express numbers in Italian can greatly enhance your communication skills. In this guide, we’ll explore the formal and informal ways to say numbers in Italian, provide some regional variations where necessary, and offer useful tips and examples along the way.
Table of Contents
1. Cardinal Numbers
Cardinal numbers are used to indicate quantity, count, or order. They are the “building blocks” of numbers in Italian. Here are the cardinal numbers from zero to ten:
Zero – 0
Uno – 1
Due – 2
Tre – 3
Quattro – 4
Cinque – 5
Sei – 6
Sette – 7
Otto – 8
Nove – 9
Dieci – 10
Note that the numbers “uno” and “otto” change their endings when followed by a noun. They become “un” and “ott” respectively:
Un cane – One dog
Ottimi dolci – Eight excellent pastries
2. Formal and Informal Ways
When it comes to saying numbers, Italian distinguishes between the formal and informal registers. The formal form is usually used in official or professional contexts, while the informal form is used in casual conversations. Here’s how to express numbers formally and informally:
Formal
In formal situations, such as dealing with businesses or government offices, you generally use the following phrases:
- Number: Numero
- First: Primo
- Second: Secondo
- Third: Terzo
- Fourth: Quarto
- Tenth: Decimo
For example:
Il numero di telefono – The telephone number
Sono il primo della fila – I am the first in line
Informal
In informal situations, such as conversations with friends or family, you can use simpler expressions:
- Number: Numero
- First: Primo/Prima
- Second: Secondo/Seconda
- Third: Terzo/Terza
- Fourth: Quarto/Quarta
- Tenth: Decimo/Decima
For example:
Hai il mio numero di telefono? – Do you have my phone number?
La sua casa è la quarta a sinistra – Their house is the fourth on the left
3. Useful Tips and Examples
Here are some practical tips and additional examples to enhance your understanding of expressing numbers in Italian:
Using “e” and “o” for “and”
When combining numbers, use “e” (and) if the number ends in a vowel, and “o” (or) if it ends in a consonant. For example:
Tre e due fanno cinque – Three and two make five
Cinque o sei? – Five or six?
Using “cento,” “mille,” and “milione”
The words “cento” (hundred), “mille” (thousand), and “milione” (million) follow a particular pattern of agreement with the number they describe:
Diciottocento – Eighteen hundred
Duecento euro – Two hundred euros
Mille ragazze – A thousand girls
Due milioni di abitanti – Two million inhabitants
Ordinal Numbers
Ordinal numbers indicate order or position. For the most part, adding “-esimo” or “-ma” to the cardinal number creates them:
Quarto – Fourth
Quindicesimo – Fifteenth
Regional Variations
Italian is rich in regional variations, and some numbers vary across different dialects. However, the cardinal numbers we’ve covered are standard and widely understood throughout Italy. Feel free to explore regional variations if you’re interested in diving deeper into the language.
With these tips, examples, and variations, you’re well on your way to confidently expressing numbers in Italian. Practice regularly to improve your pronunciation and fluency, and soon you’ll be ready to handle any numerical conversation with ease!
