sottrazione
/sot.tratˈt͡sjo.ne/feminine
The Italian word for subtraction is sottrazione.
sottrazione is the standard noun used to describe the mathematical calculation of subtraction.
Meaning: calculation (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is derived from the verb sottrarre, which means to subtract or to take away.
Which one should you use?
While sottrazione refers to the operation itself, you may also see the term differenza (difference) used when the emphasis is placed on the result of the subtraction.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of sottrazione is sottrazioni.
How do you pronounce it?
/sot.tratˈtsjo.ne/. The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- Beyond mathematics, sottrazione is used in Italian legal terminology to describe the crime of kidnapping or the illegal removal of a person from their guardians.
- While English speakers say 'take away' in basic math, Italians often use the verb togliere, which is the same word used for removing a piece of clothing or a stain.
- The word sottrazione shares its linguistic DNA with sottoscritto, a term used to describe a person who has 'signed below' a document.
Examples in context
- 8 – 4 è una sottrazione.8 – 4 is subtraction.This sentence uses sottrazione to define a simple mathematical equation.Tatoeba #3038370 by rado, translation #12245179 by Miktsoanit
- L'addizione e la sottrazione sono funzioni matematiche.Addition and subtraction are functions of mathematics.This sentence uses sottrazione to identify it as a mathematical function alongside its opposite, addizione.Tatoeba #2472936 by Guybrush88, translation #681438 by Source_VOA
- Devi sottrarre 7 da 15You need to subtract 7 from 15.
- La differenza tra 12 e 9 è 3The difference between 12 and 9 is 3.
- Dobbiamo togliere 4 dalla somma totaleWe need to subtract 4 from the total sum.
- Sottrai 5 da 10 e ottieni 5Subtract 5 from 10 and you get 5.
- La sottrazione è più difficile dell'addizione.Subtraction is more difficult than addition.
Example conversation
Giulia and Matteo are studying math together at a desk.
- GiuliaMatteo, mi aiuti con questa sottrazione?Matteo, can you help me with this subtraction?
- MatteoCertamente, Giulia, guarda qui.Certainly, Giulia, look here.
- GiuliaAh, ora ho capito come si fa.Ah, now I understand how to do it.
- MatteoOttimo lavoro, sei molto brava.Great job, you are very good.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “subtraction” translations and entries sottrazione, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
