lettura
/letˈtu.ra/feminine
In Italian, the English phrase "reading" is translated as lettura.
The noun lettura refers to the general act of reading or can be used to describe a specific piece of reading material, such as a passage or a text. While lettura is the standard noun, you can also use the verb leggere (to read) as a noun to refer to the act of reading itself.
Meaning: process of interpreting written language (noun)
Which one should you use?
While lettura is the primary noun for the process of reading, the gerund leggendo can be used to describe the act of reading while it is currently in progress.
How does it change in a sentence?
lettura is a feminine noun. Its plural form is letture.
How do you pronounce it?
/letˈtu.ra/. The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- Italian uses the word lettura to refer to the 'reading' or measurement shown on a gauge, such as a thermometer or a speedometer.
- The root of lettura traces back to the Latin lectūra, which shares a common ancestor with the English word 'lectern', the stand used to hold a book for reading.
- In a religious context, a lettura refers to a specific scripture reading during a Mass or service.
Examples in context
- Io amo la lettura.I love reading.This sentence shows how to express a love for the act of reading using lettura.Tatoeba #2436698 by Guybrush88, translation #2245966 by CK
- Ho qualche lettura da fare.I have some reading to do.This sentence demonstrates using lettura to refer to material that needs to be read.Tatoeba #5345549 by Guybrush88, translation #2360340 by CK
- Finii la lettura del libro.I ended the book reading.This sentence uses lettura to describe the completion of reading a specific book.Tatoeba #13144949 by Guybrush88, translation #12664248 by anzart
- La lettura di un buon libro è un'ottima forma di relax.Reading a good book is an excellent form of relaxation.
- Mi sto divertendo con la lettura di questo romanzo.I'm enjoying reading this novel.
- 107 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Lorenzo are talking about their hobbies in a cafe.
- SofiaTi piace la lettura nei momenti di relax?Do you like reading in your relaxing moments?
- LorenzoSì, ma preferisco la musica.Yes, but I prefer music.
- SofiaLa lettura mi aiuta a dormire meglio.Reading helps me sleep better.
- LorenzoHai ragione, Sofia.You are right, Sofia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “reading” translations and entries lettura, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lettura, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
