codice fiscale
The English phrase "social security number" can be translated into Italian as codice fiscale.
In Italy, the codice fiscale is a unique alphanumeric code used for all administrative and tax-related purposes, much like a combination of a tax ID and a social security identifier. While it is often used to translate the concept of a social security number, it specifically refers to the Italian tax code.
Meaning: nine-digit number issued in the US under the Social Security Act (noun)
Which one should you use?
If you are specifically referring to the US Social Security Number in an Italian sentence, it is more accurate to use numero di previdenza sociale rather than codice fiscale.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use codice fiscale to translate "social security number" when referring to the US system, but codice fiscale specifically refers to the Italian tax code and is not a direct equivalent for the US Social Security Number.
Did you know?
- The Italian word fiscale shares the same Latin root as the English word 'fiscal', both deriving from 'fiscus', which was the Roman word for a woven wicker basket used to hold money.
- You cannot even buy a simple SIM card or register for a utility contract in Italy without providing your codice fiscale.
- The word codice comes from the Latin 'cōdicem', which originally referred to a block of wooden tablets fastened together with leather thongs.
Examples in context
- Salve, potrebbe gentilmente controllare se il mio codice fiscale è corretto? Ho bisogno di utilizzarlo per una questione amministrativa. Grazie infinite!Hello, could you kindly check if my tax identification number is correct? I need to use it for an administrative matter. Thank you very much!
- Devo inserire il mio codice fiscale americano.I need to enter my American social security number.
Example conversation
Francesco and Martina are filling out paperwork at a government office.
- FrancescoMartina, dove hai messo il tuo codice fiscale?Martina, where did you put your social security number?
- MartinaÈ scritto sulla tessera nella mia borsa.It is written on the card in my bag.
- FrancescoPuoi darmelo adesso per favore?Can you give it to me now please?
- MartinaSì, eccolo qui, Francesco.Yes, here it is, Francesco.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries codice, fiscale, CC BY-SA 4.0.
