online
The English phrase "online" can be translated into Italian using several forms, most commonly online. Wiktionary also lists in rete and in linea.
Meaning: connected to the Internet (adj)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| online | |
| in rete | /in ˈre.te/ (word by word) |
| in linea | /in ˈli.ne.a/ (word by word) |
In Italian, there are several ways to express being connected to the internet. The English loanword online is the most common way to say 'online' in everyday Italian, especially when referring to being connected to the internet or social media. You may also use in rete or in linea when discussing technical connectivity or telecommunications.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase in rete literally translates to "in the net", where rete means "network" or "net".
Which one should you use?
In linea is often used in the context of telecommunications or technical connectivity, similar to being "on the line".
How does it change in a sentence?
As an English loanword, online is invariable and does not change for gender or number.
Did you know?
- The word linea in in linea shares a root with the English word 'linen', as both derive from the Latin word for 'flax'.
- In a professional context, in linea can be used to describe two people who are in agreement, meaning they are 'on the same page'.
- The word rete used in in rete is the same word Italians use for a fishing net or a goal net in football.
Examples in context
- Lui è sempre online.He is always online.This sentence shows how to use online to describe someone's constant state of connectivity.Tatoeba #3378450 by Guybrush88, translation #3378258 by _undertoad
- Tom è ancora online.Tom is still online.This sentence uses online to indicate that someone is still connected.Tatoeba #4516929 by Guybrush88, translation #4494842 by CK
- Quando sarà in linea?When will you be online?This sentence uses in linea to ask when someone will be connected.Tatoeba #2552802 by Guybrush88, translation #2301469 by FeuDRenais2
- Il negozio ha aperto un negozio online sul web.The shop has opened an online store on the web.
- 192 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Matteo are talking over the phone about a group project.
- SofiaSei online per controllare il documento?Are you online to check the document?
- MatteoNo, sono ancora offline.No, I am still offline.
- SofiaAllora chiamami quando sarai online.Then call me when you are online.
- MatteoVa bene, ti avviso subito.Okay, I will let you know immediately.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “online” translations and entries online, in linea, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (in, rete, linea) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries in, in linea, linea, online, rete, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
