Are you familiar with the feeling when you’re pointing at something, and you want to say “this one” in Italian but you’re unsure how? Fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various ways to express “this one” in Italian, including formal and informal phrases. While we’ll primarily focus on standard Italian, we’ll also touch upon regional variations when necessary.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “This One”
If you find yourself in a formal setting or speaking to someone you don’t know well, it’s essential to use polite language. Here are some formal phrases you can use to convey “this one” in Italian:
1. Questo – This is the most common translation for “this one” in formal situations. It is used for masculine singular objects or people. For example: “Questo libro” (This book).
2. Questa – Similar to “questo,” “questa” is used when referring to a feminine singular object or person. For instance: “Questa casa” (This house).
3. Questi – When referring to masculine plural objects or people, you can use “questi.” Example: “Questi scaffali” (These shelves).
4. Queste – For feminine plural objects or people, the appropriate term is “queste.” Example: “Queste scarpe” (These shoes).
Informal Ways to Say “This One”
In informal contexts, such as when talking to friends or family members, Italians often use different expressions. Let’s explore some informal ways to say “this one” in Italian:
1. Questo qui – Adding “qui” after “questo” emphasizes the proximity of the object or person. For example: “Questo libro qui” (This book [right here]).
2. Questa qua – Similarly, “qua” is added after “questa” to emphasize proximity in a feminine context. For instance: “Questa casa qua” (This house [right here]).
3. Questi qua – To refer to masculine plural objects or people informally, you can use “questi qua.” Example: “Questi scaffali qua” (These shelves [right here]).
4. Queste qua – In an informal setting, “queste qua” is used for feminine plural objects or people. For example: “Queste scarpe qua” (These shoes [right here]).
Regional Variations
It’s important to note that Italy has various regional dialects, each with its unique expressions. However, in standard Italian, the phrases mentioned above are widely understood and used across the country. That said, here are a couple of regional variations for “this one” you might come across:
1. ‘Ste còse – In some southern Italian dialects, especially in Naples, you may hear “ste còse” to mean “these things,” which is similar to “queste cose” in standard Italian.
2. Ciù – In parts of Northern Italy, particularly Lombardy, “ciù” may be used instead of “questo” or “questa.” For example: “Ciù tardi” (This one [pointing to a specific time] later).
Tips for Usage
Now that you are familiar with various ways to say “this one” in Italian, here are some additional tips to enhance your understanding:
- Gesture with Precision – When pointing to something while using these phrases, make sure your gesture is clear and precise to avoid any confusion.
- Vary with Context – The appropriate phrase to use depends on the gender and number of the object or person. Always adapt your choice accordingly.
- Practice Pronunciation – To ensure effective communication, practice pronouncing the phrases aloud, focusing on the correct stress and intonation.
- Enrich Vocabulary – Expand your vocabulary by learning related words appropriate for different contexts, such as “that one,” “these ones,” or “those ones.”
- Observe and Learn – Pay attention to how native speakers use these phrases in everyday conversations to further refine your understanding.
With these tips and phrases at your disposal, you are well-equipped to confidently express “this one” in Italian.
Remember, mastering a language is a journey, so embrace every opportunity to practice and learn. Whether you’re in a formal or informal setting, your efforts to communicate in Italian will surely be appreciated.
Enjoy your language learning journey and best of luck in mastering Italian!
