da solo
/da ˈso.lo/word by word
The Italian phrase for a job or performance done by one person is da solo.
da solo is used as a noun phrase to refer to a job or performance performed by a single individual.
Meaning: job or performance done by one person (noun)
Which one should you use?
Related forms include solista, da solista or per solista when specifically describing a musical solo and solitario or solo when describing someone without a companion or instructor.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /da ˈso.lo/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- There is a distinct difference between essere solo and stare solo. While both relate to being alone, stare solo often refers to the physical act of remaining in a place without others, while essere solo can refer to a deep existential loneliness.
- In Italian, the word solo can also function as an adverb meaning 'only', such as in the phrase solo io, which translates to 'only I' or 'just me'.
- In a musical context, a solo in Italy is often discussed using the term assolo. While solo is common, assolo is the more technical term for a virtuoso piece, emphasizing the 'absolute' nature of the performance.
Examples in context
- Vado al cinema da solo.I'm going to the movies alone.
- Lui ha mangiato da solo.He ate by himself.
- Preferisco viaggiare da solo.I prefer to travel alone.
- Non ho bisogno di aiuto, posso farlo da solo.I don't need help, I can do it myself.
- Mi piace leggere da solo.I like to read alone.
- Adoro passare il tempo libero immerso nella lettura senza compagnia.I love spending my free time immersed in reading without company.
- Ha finito il lavoro da solo.He finished the work by himself.
- Non posso fare tutto da solo.I cannot do everything by myself.
Example conversation
Martina and Lorenzo are talking about a school assignment.
- MartinaLorenzo, vuoi fare questo compito insieme?Lorenzo, do you want to do this homework together?
- LorenzoNo, preferisco finirlo da solo stavolta.No, I prefer to finish it by myself this time.
- MartinaSei sicuro? È un lavoro molto lungo.Are you sure? It is a very long job.
- LorenzoSì, voglio provare a farlo da solo.Yes, I want to try to do it by myself.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry da solo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (da, solo) and can differ in connected speech.
