interno
/inˈtɛr.no/
The English phrase 'telephone extension' is translated into Italian as interno.
The word interno is used to refer to a telephone extension. In a professional context, you can say numero interno to specifically mean 'extension number'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word interno literally means 'internal' or 'inside', referring to an internal telephone line within a company or building.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine plural form of interno is interni, which is used when referring to multiple telephone extensions.
How do you pronounce it?
interno is pronounced /inˈtɛr.no/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- Beyond telephones, interno is used in real estate to identify a specific apartment door within a larger building complex, similar to a 'unit number'.
- While interno refers to the extension, the act of transferring a call to that extension is called girare la chiamata, meaning 'to turn the call'.
- While English uses 'extension' to imply a reach or an addition, the Italian interno strictly implies the 'interior' of a private network.
Examples in context
- Mi può fornire il suo numero di linea interna?Can you provide me with your internal line number?
- Qual è il tuo interno telefonico?What is your telephone extension?
- Mi dici la tua linea interna?Can you tell me your internal line?
- Qual è il tuo interno?What is your extension?
- Devi comporre l'interno per parlare con lui.You must dial the extension to speak with him.
Example conversation
Chiara and Francesco are working in a modern office.
- ChiaraFrancesco, qual è l'interno della segretaria?Francesco, what is the secretary's extension?
- FrancescoÈ l'interno numero quattro.It is extension number four.
- ChiaraGrazie, provo a chiamare subito.Thanks, I will try calling right now.
- FrancescoPrego, fammi sapere se risponde.You're welcome, let me know if she answers.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry interno, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
