Guide: How to Say “Our” in Italian

Italian, known for its rich culture and beautiful language, offers several ways to express possessiveness. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how to say “our” in Italian, including both formal and informal expressions. While regional variations exist, we will primarily focus on standard Italian.

Formal Expressions for “Our”

When speaking formally, Italians use the following expressions to convey the possessive pronoun “our”:

1. Nostra: This is the most common way to say “our” in a formal context. For example:
   

   “Il nostro team ha raggiunto grandi risultati.” (Our team has achieved great results.)

2. La nostra: This form is used when the noun being possessed is feminine. For example:
   

   “La nostra azienda è rinomata a livello internazionale.” (Our company is renowned internationally.)

3. I nostri: This form is used when the noun being possessed is masculine and plural. For example:
   

   “I nostri amici stanno arrivando.” (Our friends are coming.)

4. Le nostre: This form is used when the noun being possessed is feminine and plural. For example:
   

   “Le nostre vacanze sono state indimenticabili.” (Our holidays were unforgettable.)

Tip: Adapting Adjectives

When using “our” in Italian, keep in mind that adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun they modify. This means that if the noun changes, the adjective needs to change as well. For instance:

• Nostra casa (our house) vs. Nostro figlio (our son)
• Le nostre amiche (our female friends) vs. I nostri amici (our male friends)

Informal Expressions for “Our”

Italian natives often use informal expressions to convey possession casually. Here are some common ways to say “our” in an informal setting:

1. La nostra: Informally, Italians frequently use “la nostra” to mean “our.” For example:
   

   “Abbiamo prenotato la nostra vacanza preferita.” (We booked our favorite holiday.)

2. I nostri: Similarly, “i nostri” is frequently used informally. For example:
   

   “Domani andiamo con i nostri amici al cinema.” (Tomorrow we are going to the movies with our friends.)

Regional Variations

While standard Italian expressions are widely understood across Italy, some regional variations exist.

In Southern Italy, particularly in Naples and Sicily, it is common to hear the expressions “nuoster” or “nuost” instead of “nostro” to mean “our.” These variations add a unique character to the local dialects.

The Importance of Pronunciation

It is crucial to note that pronunciation heavily influences the meaning in Italian. Pay attention to vowel lengths, stress patterns, and consonant sounds to ensure clear communication.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You now have a solid understanding of how to say “our” in Italian. Whether in formal or informal settings, you can confidently express possession using the appropriate expressions provided. Remember to adapt adjectives to agree with the possessed noun, and pay attention to regional variations if necessary. Enjoy exploring the beautiful Italian language and culture!