terzo
/ˈtɛr.t͡so/masculine
The Italian word for third is terzo.
terzo is the ordinal form of the cardinal number three. It can also be used as a noun to mean one of three equal parts of a whole.
Meaning: the ordinal form of the cardinal number three (adj)
Which one should you use?
When you are referring to the fraction 'one third' of a whole, use the phrase un terzo.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Sicilian dialect, the word terzu is commonly used to express 'third'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word terzo agrees in gender and number with the noun it refers to. Use terza for feminine singular nouns, terzi for masculine plural nouns and terze for feminine plural nouns. Related to this, the noun terza refers to a musical interval.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable. The IPA is /ˈtɛr.tso/.
Did you know?
- The term terzo tempo literally means 'third time', but it refers to the social gathering and drinks that athletes share after a match has ended.
- The word terzo can be used in the expression terzo uomo, which refers to a 'third man' or a mysterious influential figure operating behind the scenes.
- In Italian law and commerce, a terzo is not just a 'third' person, but a legal term for an 'outside party' or 'third party' who is not involved in a contract.
Examples in context
- C'è un terzo modo?Is there a third way?This sentence is useful for asking about an alternative option using terzo.Tatoeba #5754045 by Guybrush88, translation #5753267 by CM
- È al suo terzo anno.He's in his third year.This sentence is useful for describing a duration or stage of time using terzo.Tatoeba #9022224 by Guybrush88, translation #7386662 by CH
- Tom è al terzo posto.Tom is in third place.This sentence is useful for describing a ranking or position using terzo.Tatoeba #6536362 by Guybrush88, translation #6532144 by CK
- Il terzo giorno della settimanaThe third day of the week
- la terza bottigliaThe third bottle
- Oggi è il terzo giorno della settimana.Today is the third day of the week.
- La terza strada a sinistra.The third street on the left.
- Vado al terzo piano.I'm going to the third floor.
- 83 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are looking for a specific floor in an apartment building.
- AlessandroÈ il terzo piano?Is it the third floor?
- GiuliaSì, il terzo piano è quello in fondo.Yes, the third floor is the one at the end.
- AlessandroGrazie, Giulia. Andiamo allora.Thanks, Giulia. Let's go then.
- GiuliaSì, Alessandro, prendiamo l'ascensore.Yes, Alessandro, let's take the elevator.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “third” translations and entries terzo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
