What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "how does one say this in Italian".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The standard form come si dice questo in italiano is a neutral, standard way to ask the question and is appropriate for both formal and informal situations. The formal way to say 'How to say this in Italian' is Mi scusi, come si dice questo in italiano? The informal way to say 'How to say this in Italian' is Scusa, come si dice questo in italiano?
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb dice is the third-person singular present form of dire (to say), used here in an impersonal construction. If you are asking about multiple words, you must change the verb to the plural dicono and the pronoun to queste parole, resulting in come si dicono queste parole in italiano?
When do people say it?
The phrase Mi scusi means 'Excuse me' and is used to show respect and politeness.
Did you know?
- The word questo comes from the Vulgar Latin phrase eccum iste, which effectively combined two different words for 'this' to create a stronger pointer.
- The word si used in this phrase is a reflexive pronoun that has evolved to create a passive voice, a common feature in Romance languages but rare in English.
- The word italiano contains the suffix -ano, which is a common way in Italian to form adjectives from names of places or people.
Examples in context
- Scusi, come si dice questo in italiano?Excuse me, how do you say this in Italian?
- Non lo so, come si dice questo in italiano?I don't know, how do you say this in Italian?
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Sofia are studying a book together in a cafe.
- LorenzoSofia, come si dice questo in italiano?Sofia, how do you say this in Italian?
- SofiaSi dice 'libro'.You say 'libro'.
- LorenzoGrazie mille per l'aiuto.Thanks a lot for the help.
- SofiaPrego, Lorenzo!You're welcome, Lorenzo!
