a te
/a te/word by word
The English phrase 'to you' is translated into Italian as a te.
The phrase is used to indicate that something is directed toward or given to the person being spoken to.
Which one should you use?
Use a Lei for a single person in a formal context, a Voi for a group of people being addressed formally and a Loro when addressing a group with the utmost formality.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form a te uses a stressed pronoun, which is often used to emphasize that the action is directed specifically at you. In some cases, such as in the phrase A voi ho una sorpresa, the construction remains grammatically correct even when certain pronouns are omitted.
How do you pronounce it?
/a te/
Did you know?
- In much of Italy, using a Voi to address a single person is not seen as plural, but as a highly formal, old-fashioned way of showing respect.
- When Italians want to say 'it is up to you' using a te, they often use the verb stare, as in sta a te, literally meaning 'it stays to you'.
- When using the formal a Lei, the 'L' is often capitalized in writing to show respect, a practice known as the 'forma di cortesia'.
Examples in context
- Non sta a te.It isn't up to you.This sentence is useful for showing how to say it isn't up to you using a te.Tatoeba #7252906 by Guybrush88, translation #7197256 by CK
- Sta a te, Tom.It's up to you, Tom.This sentence is useful for showing how to say it's up to you using a te.Tatoeba #3150052 by Guybrush88, translation #2891662 by CK
- Ora tocca a te!Now it's up to you!Tatoeba #1223989 by Guybrush88, translation #1223981 by rul
- Signori, questa offerta è rivolta a Voi.Ladies and gentlemen, this offer is addressed to you.
- 90 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia is giving a gift to Francesco.
- GiuliaQuesto regalo è per te, ma il pensiero va a te.This gift is for you, but the thought goes to you.
- FrancescoGrazie mille, Giulia! Sei molto gentile.Thank you so much, Giulia! You are very kind.
- GiuliaVolevo dedicare questo libro proprio a te.I wanted to dedicate this book specifically to you.
- FrancescoLo leggerò subito, grazie ancora.I will read it right away, thanks again.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (a, te) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
