io
/ˈi.o/
In Italian, 'I' is expressed by the personal pronoun io.
In natural, everyday speech, it is often omitted because the conjugation of the verb already makes it clear that the subject is 'I'.
Meaning: personal pronoun (pron)
Which one should you use?
Including io explicitly is used to add emphasis or to create contrast, such as when you want to say 'I, personally, think…' as opposed to someone else.
How does it change in a sentence?
io is used for the first-person singular subject in both formal and informal contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈi.o/ (two syllables, stress on the first syllable)
Did you know?
- Because the verb ending reveals the person, using io can sometimes sound unintentionally aggressive or confrontational to an Italian listener, as if you are pointing a finger at yourself.
- The Italian word for 'ego' is io. In psychology, the 'Id', 'Ego', and 'Superego' are translated as Es, Io and Super-io.
- Italian uses io as a noun to refer to the self or the persona, such as in the phrase il mio io, meaning 'my inner self'.
Examples in context
- Io non lo so.I don't know that.This sentence shows how to use io in a negative statement regarding knowledge.Tatoeba #2391792 by Guybrush88, translation #254835 by CK
- Io ne ho uno.I have one.This sentence demonstrates using io to express possession.Tatoeba #2433237 by Guybrush88, translation #2245891 by CK
- Io non ti amo.I don't love you.This sentence illustrates using io within a sentence expressing affection.Tatoeba #1687369 by Guybrush88, translation #1213414 by alec
- 4715 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara and Lorenzo are deciding who will pay for the coffee.
- ChiaraIo offro il caffè oggi.I am paying for the coffee today.
- LorenzoDavvero? Grazie mille, Chiara!Really? Thanks a lot, Chiara!
- ChiaraPrego, è un piacere.You're welcome, it's a pleasure.
- LorenzoAllora la prossima volta tocca a me.Then next time it is my turn.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “I” translations and entries io, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
