Ciao and welcome to our guide on how to say “sixty” in Italian! Whether you wish to count to sixty in a formal or informal context, we have got you covered. Italian, known for its melodious tones and expressive culture, offers several ways to express this numerical value. In this guide, we will explore formal and informal variations, while also touching on regional variations when necessary. So, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Sixty” in Italian
When it comes to formal situations, Italians primarily use cardinal numbers to represent numerals. In this case, the word for “sixty” is “sessanta”. It’s pronounced as seh-SAHN-tah. Remember to enunciate each syllable clearly, emphasizing the second syllable for proper pronunciation. Here’s an example:
Il risultato è sessanta. (The result is sixty.)
Informal Ways to Say “Sixty” in Italian
Informal conversational settings in Italy often witness the use of alternative expressions for numbers. Instead of using the cardinal number “sessanta,” Italians may refer to “sixty” as:
- “Soxanta”: This pronunciation represents a commonly used vernacular variant in some regions of Italy, like Southern Italy and Sicily. Here’s an example:
Hai pagato soxanta euro per la cena? (Did you pay sixty euros for dinner?)
- “Sessantina”: This term, derived from “sessanta,” is often used colloquially to signify approximately sixty or a substantial quantity. It is especially common when referring to groups or collections. For example:
Ho ricevuto una sessantina di messaggi oggi. (I received about sixty messages today.)
Regional Variations
While the standard Italian terms mentioned above work perfectly across Italy, regional variations can add an extra touch of flavor to the language. Here are a couple of examples to highlight regional differences:
Sardinian Variation
In the Sardinian dialect, the word for “sixty” is “sessãnta”. The nasalized sound in the second syllable adds a unique regional touch. Here’s how it looks in a sentence:
Custu annu cumpilo sesanta annos. (This year, I turn sixty.)
Piedmontese Variation
In Piedmontese, one of the regional languages spoken in northern Italy, “sixty” is expressed as “sessanta” just like in standard Italian. However, pronunciation may differ due to the distinct accent. Here’s an example:
A-i cavà-sessanta. (I am sixty years old.)
Tips for Mastering Numbers in Italian
Understanding how to say specific numbers is not only helpful for day-to-day conversations but also essential for various interactions. To improve your number fluency, consider these tips:
- Practice with audio resources: Listening to native speakers and imitating their pronunciation will refine your skills.
- Use repetition: Repeating numbers out loud or in your head regularly will help reinforce them in your memory.
- Engage in number-based activities: Playing games that involve counting or practicing arithmetic in Italian will enhance your numerical vocabulary.
Wrapping Up
Congratulations! Now you know how to say “sixty” in Italian. Remember, in formal contexts, use the cardinal number “sessanta”. In informal situations, feel free to employ variations such as “soxanta” or “sessantina”. If you encounter regional differences, adapt accordingly, such as using “sessãnta” in Sardinian or adjusting the pronunciation in Piedmontese. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be effortlessly navigating Italian numbers. Buon lavoro (Good luck)!
