mille
/ˈmil.le/
The Italian phrase for one thousand is mille.
The word mille is used to represent the specific number 1,000. It also serves as a prefix in compound numbers, such as millecinquecento (one thousand five hundred).
Which one should you use?
Unlike many other Italian numbers, mille does not take a plural form when it is used as the specific number one thousand. However, when the word is used as a noun to mean 'thousands' (for example, 'thousands of people'), it changes to the plural form mila.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a number, mille is an invariable adjective, meaning it does not change its form for gender or number.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈmil.le/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The Italian word for 'mile' is miglio, which is a linguistic doublet of mille. Both words share the same ancient root because a Roman mile was defined as one thousand paces.
- In Italian, mille is used in the expression mille grazie to say 'thanks a lot'. This is the equivalent of saying 'a thousand thanks' in English.
- The term millefoglie, which translates to 'a thousand leaves', is the Italian name for a popular layered pastry known in English as a 'mille-feuille'.
Examples in context
- Mille yen sono sufficienti?Is one thousand yen enough?This sentence is useful for asking about a specific amount using mille.Tatoeba #428090 by Pharamp, translation #73497 by CK
- Io ho millecinquecento mucche.I have one thousand five hundred cows.This sentence shows how mille is used within the compound number millecinquecento.Tatoeba #13312499 by Guybrush88, translation #10107110 by CK
- Stimiamo i danni a mille dollari.We estimate the damage at one thousand dollars.This sentence demonstrates how to use mille when estimating a value.Tatoeba #1646028 by Guybrush88, translation #538956 by darinmex
- L'investimento ammonta a mille euro.The investment amounts to one thousand euros.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Francesco are discussing the price of a vintage camera.
- SofiaQuanto costa quella macchina fotografica?How much does that camera cost?
- FrancescoCosta esattamente mille euro.It costs exactly one thousand euros.
- SofiaÈ un prezzo troppo alto per me.It is too high a price for me.
- FrancescoCapisco, Sofia, è un acquisto importante.I understand, Sofia, it is an important purchase.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mille, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mille, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
