paio
/ˈpa.jo/
The English phrase 'pair' can be translated into Italian as paio.
Paio is used to refer to a set of two identical or related objects, such as tools or clothing items.
Meaning: two people in a relationship (noun)
Which one should you use?
While paio refers to a set of two related objects (like shoes), coppia is the preferred term when referring to a romantic couple or a pair of people in a relationship.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using paio to mean a pair of something, it is almost always followed by the preposition di and the noun it modifies.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈpa.jo/. It has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- While paio is masculine, its plural form paia is feminine, which is a rare grammatical trait in Italian.
- Because paio is a back-formation, it actually evolved from its own plural form paia.
- In casual conversation, Italians often use un paio di to mean 'a few' rather than exactly two, similar to the English phrase 'a couple of'.
Examples in context
- Ho un paio di pere.I have a pair of pears.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of paio with fruit.Tatoeba #4353508 by Guybrush88, translation #1102960 by jamessilver
- Ho un paio di scarpe.I have a pair of shoes.This sentence shows how to use paio with footwear.Tatoeba #740276 by Pharamp, translation #762643 by CK
- Ha un paio di forbici?Do you have a pair of scissors?This sentence demonstrates how to use paio with tools like scissors.Tatoeba #3692764 by Guybrush88, translation #2796852 by sharptoothed
- La coppia di danzatori ha affascinato il pubblico.The pair of dancers fascinated the audience.
- Hanno formato una coppia perfetta.They formed a perfect pair.
- La coppia di regine è stata premiata.The pair of queens was awarded.
- Ho comprato un paio di scarpe nuove.I bought a pair of new shoes.
- Vorrei un paio di occhiali da sole.I'd like a pair of sunglasses.
- paio di calziniPair of socks
- Ho bisogno di un paio di calzini nuovi.I need a pair of new socks.
- coppia di cartePair of playing cards
- soci di affariBusiness partners
- coppia di gemelliPair of twins
- Quella coppia di gemelli è identica!That pair of twins is identical!
- 164 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Martina are talking about their friends.
- LorenzoHai visto che bel paio sono Marco e Anna?Have you seen what a lovely couple Marco and Anna are?
- MartinaSì, sono proprio un paio perfetto.Yes, they really are a perfect pair.
- LorenzoSpero che rimangano sempre un paio così unito.I hope they always stay such a close couple.
- MartinaNe sono certa, si amano molto.I am sure of it, they love each other very much.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry paio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries paio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
