sono
/ˈso.no/
sono is an Italian word used to say "I am" or "they are".
The word sono is used to express that someone or something is in a certain state. Depending on the context of the sentence, it can mean "I am" or "they are".
How does it change in a sentence?
sono is the first-person singular present indicative form of the verb essere (to be), meaning "I am".
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. The IPA is /ˈso.no/.
Did you know?
- Italian uses sono to express not only a state of being but also to tell the time. For example, to say 'it is eight o'clock', an Italian says sono le otto, using the plural 'they are'.
- Despite looking identical, the 'I am' and 'they are' versions of sono come from two different Latin roots, sum and sunt respectively.
- When an Italian says sono to mean 'I am', they almost always omit the pronoun io. Including the pronoun is usually reserved for strong emphasis or to clear up confusion with 'they are'.
Examples in context
- Sono molto felice di essere qui.I am very happy to be here.
- Io sono il direttore del dipartimento.I am the department head.
- Io sono molto occupato questa settimana.I am very busy this week.
- Sono stanco.I am tired.
- Sono bravi ballerini.They are good dancers.
- Sono molto stanco oggi.I am very tired today.
- Sono felice di vederti.I am happy to see you.
- Sono pronto per uscire.I am ready to go out.
Example conversation
Martina and Alessandro are meeting for coffee.
- MartinaCiao Alessandro! Come stai?Hi Alessandro! How are you?
- AlessandroCiao Martina, sono un po' stressato.Hi Martina, I am a bit stressed.
- MartinaMi dispiace, vuoi un caffè?I'm sorry, do you want a coffee?
- AlessandroSì, grazie, sono proprio stanco.Yes, thanks, I am really tired.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sono, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sono, CC BY-SA 4.0.
