era
/ˈɛ.ra/
The English phrase 'was' is translated into Italian as era.
era is used as the past tense of the verb 'to be' to describe a state, characteristic or background setting in the past.
Which one should you use?
While era describes a continuous state or background setting in the past, the alternative è stato is used for a completed event or a specific duration that has ended.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form era is used for the third-person singular, which covers 'he', 'she' and 'it', as well as the third-person singular formal 'you' (Lei).
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈɛ.ra/.
Did you know?
- The word era is a homonym in Italian, meaning it also refers to a geological or historical 'era' or 'epoch'.
- Using era can transform a statement into a polite request in certain contexts, implying that something 'was' intended or desired.
- While era is the third person singular, the first person singular 'I was' (ero) sounds nearly identical to the word for 'hero' (eroe) minus one vowel.
Examples in context
- Tom era in TV.Tom was on TV.This sentence shows how to use era to indicate someone was on television.Tatoeba #6034000 by Guybrush88, translation #5190891 by CK
- Dan era in TV.Dan was on TV.Tatoeba #6552813 by Guybrush88, translation #3991633 by Amastan
- Era là da solo.He was alone there.This sentence shows how to use era to describe someone being alone in a location.Tatoeba #626429 by Guybrush88, translation #290430 by CM
- Il signore era gentile con me.The gentleman was kind to me.
- La giornalista fu molto precisa nella sua intervista.The journalist was very precise in her interview.
- Giulia era stanchissima ieri sera.Giulia was extremely tired last night.
- Marco era lì quando tutto è successo.Marco was there when everything happened.
- C'era un problema con il computer di Giovanni.There was a problem with Giovanni's computer.
- 7797 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Sofia are talking about an old restaurant.
- FrancescoIl locale era molto elegante.The place was very elegant.
- SofiaSì, ma il cibo era troppo salato.Yes, but the food was too salty.
- FrancescoÈ vero, la cena era deludente.It's true, the dinner was disappointing.
- SofiaSpero che il nuovo ristorante sia migliore.I hope the new restaurant is better.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry era, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
