sotto
/ˈsot.to/
The Italian word for 'under' is sotto.
sotto means 'under' or 'below'. It is used to describe something located at a lower level than something else. Beyond physical position, sotto is also used to mean 'less than' when referring to numbers or quantities.
Meaning: at a lower level than (prep)
Which one should you use?
While sotto refers to physical position or numerical quantities, the adjective sottoposto is used specifically to express being 'under' a certain condition, authority or influence (translated as 'subject to').
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈsot.to/.
Did you know?
- The word sottosopra describes something that is 'upside down', literally translating to 'under-above'.
- The English word 'sub' in 'subway' or 'submarine' shares a common ancestor with the Italian sotto.
- In Italian, the word sottolineare means 'to underline', but it is frequently used as a synonym for 'to emphasize' a point in a conversation.
Examples in context
- È sotto la sedia.It is under the chair.This sentence is useful for identifying the location of an object in relation to a chair.Tatoeba #2714827 by Guybrush88, translation #28185 by CK
- È sotto il letto.It's under the bed.This sentence is useful for identifying the location of an object in relation to a bed.Tatoeba #3696226 by Guybrush88, translation #2713722 by CK
- È sotto al tavolo.It's under the table.This sentence is useful for identifying the location of an object in relation to a table.Tatoeba #4907440 by Guybrush88, translation #39623 by CK
- Il libro è sotto la scrivania.The book is under the desk.
- La penna è al di sotto del quaderno.The pen is under the notebook.
- La palla è sotto il tavolo.The ball is under the table.
- Il gatto si è nascosto sotto il letto.The cat has hidden under the bed.
- Il libro è sotto la sedia.The book is under the chair.
- Le penne sono sotto il cuscino.The pens are under the pillow.
- 616 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Sofia are looking for a lost remote in the living room.
- MatteoÈ sotto il divano?Is it under the sofa?
- SofiaNo, non è sotto il divano.No, it is not under the sofa.
- MatteoGuarda sotto il tappeto!Look under the rug!
- SofiaAh, eccolo! È sotto il tappeto.Ah, there it is! It is under the rug.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “under” translations and entries sotto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sotto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
