Welcome to our guide on how to say “thirty” in Italian! In this article, we will explore different ways to express the number “thirty” in both formal and informal contexts. We’ll also highlight any regional variations that exist. Whether you are planning a trip to Italy, learning the language, or simply curious about Italian expressions, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know.
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Formal Ways to Say “Thirty” in Italian
When it comes to using the formal register in Italian, there are a few ways to express the number thirty:
1. Trenta
The most common and universally understood Italian word for “thirty” is trenta. It is quite straightforward to remember and pronounce. For example:
Il mio amico ha trenta anni. (My friend is thirty years old.)
Abbiamo prenotato una camera per trenta notti. (We have booked a room for thirty nights.)
2. Tre decine
In formal contexts, you can also use the phrase tre decine to denote “three tens.” This is a more literal expression, often used in specific contexts where precision is required:
Ho acquistato tre decine di mele. (I bought three tens of apples.)
Abbiamo bisogno di tre decine di fogli di carta. (We need three tens of sheets of paper.)
Informal Ways to Say “Thirty” in Italian
When interacting in an informal setting or during casual conversations, Italians might rely on alternative expressions to say “thirty.” Below are a few examples:
1. Trent’anni
In informal speech, Italians sometimes use the contraction trent’anni, which combines the number “thirty” (trenta) with the word “anni” meaning “years.” This expression is commonly used to talk about someone’s age:
Ho un amico che ha trent’anni. (I have a friend who is thirty years old.)
Mia sorella compirà trent’anni il mese prossimo. (My sister will turn thirty next month.)
2. Tria/deci
In some regions of Italy, particularly in Tuscany, the informal expressions tria or deci are occasionally used to mean “thirty.” These regional variations may be unfamiliar to non-locals, so it’s important to note that they are less commonly used in broader Italian conversations:
Sono tria minuti che aspetto! (I’ve been waiting for thirty minutes!)
Devo ancora comprare il regalo per il compleanno di mia madre che compie deci anni domani. (I still need to buy a gift for my mother’s birthday; she’ll be thirty years old tomorrow.)
Final Tips
Here are a few valuable tips to keep in mind when using the word for “thirty” in Italian:
- While trenta is the standard and widely understood term for “thirty,” using regional variations like tria or deci may lead to confusion for non-local speakers.
- The word “tre decine” is formal and specific, ideal for contexts requiring precision in counting or measurement.
- Remember that Italian numbers, including “thirty,” agree in gender and number with the noun they modify, so their endings may change accordingly. For example, “thirty apples” would be expressed as “trenta mele.”
- Be aware of context when using “trent’anni,” as it explicitly refers to a person’s age. It may not be suitable for other situations where the number thirty is used.
- Don’t be afraid to practice saying “thirty” in Italian; it will help you become more confident and fluent in the language!
Now you have a solid understanding of how to say “thirty” in Italian, both formally and informally. Remember to consider the appropriate context and register when choosing how to express this number. Happy learning! Buon apprendimento!
