uno
/ˈu.no/
The Italian word for one is uno.
uno is the most common and neutral way to say one in Italian. It can function as the cardinal number 1, a noun representing a digit or figure or an impersonal pronoun referring to one person or thing. Additionally, the colloquial phrase un sacco is used to mean a ton or a lot, while più di uno translates literally to more than one.
Meaning: cardinal number 1 (num)
Which one should you use?
uno is used for masculine nouns or as an impersonal pronoun, whereas una is used when referring to a single feminine noun.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to a single feminine noun, the form changes to una. If you are using an abbreviated version of una before a singular feminine noun that starts with a vowel, you use un'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈu.no/.
Did you know?
- The Italian word uno shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'one', both tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European root *h₁óynos.
- While uno means one, the phrase un botto functions similarly to un sacco to mean 'a lot' or 'a bang', using the concept of a single unit to describe a huge amount.
- In some regional Italian dialects, uno is used as a generic filler word similar to 'someone' or 'a guy' in a way that differs from standard grammar.
Examples in context
- Io ne ho uno.I have one.This sentence is useful for showing how to use uno to indicate possession.Tatoeba #2433237 by Guybrush88, translation #2245891 by CK
- È uno di noi.You are one of us.This sentence shows how to use uno when referring to a person within a group.Tatoeba #4316370 by Guybrush88, translation #2892983 by CK
- Ne ho già uno.I already have one.This sentence demonstrates the use of uno to indicate current possession.Tatoeba #5528957 by Guybrush88, translation #2291627 by CK
- Un uomoOne man
- Una donnaOne woman
- Una pennaOne pen
- Un'isolaOne island
- Ho comprato un bel po' di libri.I bought quite a few books.
- Ho mangiato un sacco di pizza.I ate a ton of pizza.
- 1405 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Giulia are ordering drinks at a cafe.
- AlessandroQuanto caffè vuoi, Giulia?How much coffee do you want, Giulia?
- GiuliaNe vorrei solo uno, grazie.I would like just one, thank you.
- AlessandroVa bene, ne prendo uno anche per me.Alright, I'll get one for myself too.
- GiuliaPerfetto, così ne abbiamo due.Perfect, that way we have two.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “one” translations and entries uno, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries uno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
