di solito
/di ˈsɔ.li.to/
The English phrase 'usually' can be translated into Italian as di solito. Wiktionary also lists generalmente and solitamente.
Meaning: most of the time (adv)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| di solito | /di ˈsɔ.li.to/ |
| generalmente | /d͡ʒe.ne.ralˈmen.te/ |
| solitamente | /so.li.taˈmen.te/ |
All three forms in this pack can be used to express that something happens most of the time. While di solito is a common way to say 'usually', note that tipicamente translates to 'typically' and comunemente translates to 'commonly'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase di solito literally translates to 'of habit' or 'of custom'.
Which one should you use?
Solitamente serves as a more formal or written alternative. Use generalmente (which means 'generally') when you want to emphasize a general rule or tendency rather than a personal habit.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of di solito is /di ˈsɔ.li.to/. It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- If you wanted to say 'I usually do', you could use the rare verb solere, which is a defective modal verb that exists only to express habit.
- In Italian, the word solito can also describe a 'usual' order at a cafe, such as il solito, which implies the barista already knows exactly what you want.
- In Italian, the phrase di solito is often placed at the very beginning of a sentence to set the context, whereas English speakers often place 'usually' in the middle of the verb phrase.
Examples in context
- Di solito viene qui?Does he usually come here?The sentence is useful for asking about a person's usual routine with di solito.Tatoeba #2921109 by Guybrush88, translation #1764793 by Amastan
- Di solito non russo.I don't usually snore.The sentence is useful for describing a personal habit with di solito.Tatoeba #4847771 by Guybrush88, translation #3820748 by CK
- Di solito non mento.I usually don't lie.The sentence is useful for making a statement about one's typical behavior with di solito.Tatoeba #5340323 by Guybrush88, translation #5340306 by Adelpa
- Di solito prendo il caffè al mattinoI usually have coffee in the morning
- Solitamente faccio una passeggiata dopo cenaI usually take a walk after dinner
- Solitamente vado in piscina nel pomeriggioI usually go to the pool in the afternoon
- In genere, esco con gli amici il sabato seraUsually, I go out with friends on Saturday nights
- Di norma, la mia famiglia va in vacanza in estateUsually, my family goes on vacation in summer
- Di solito cucino la cena a casaI usually cook dinner at home
- Solitamente vado al cinema il venerdì seraI usually go to the cinema on Friday nights
- In genere, preferisco leggere libri invece di guardare la televisioneUsually, I prefer to read books instead of watching TV
- Di norma, il traffico inizia a peggiorare dopo le 17:00Usually, the traffic starts getting worse after 5 PM
- 891 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Alessandro are talking about their morning routines.
- SofiaA che ora ti svegli di solito?What time do you usually wake up?
- AlessandroMi sveglio di solito alle sette.I usually wake up at seven.
- SofiaPrendi il caffè o il tè?Do you have coffee or tea?
- AlessandroBevo sempre un caffè forte.I always drink a strong coffee.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “usually” translations and entries di solito, generalmente, solitamente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
