siamo
The English phrase "we are" is translated in Italian as siamo.
siamo is the first-person plural present tense form of the verb essere (to be). For example, while siamo can be used alone, the phrase Noi ci troviamo is specifically used to emphasize one's current location or position.
Which one should you use?
Including the pronoun noi before siamo adds emphasis to the subject "we", whereas omitting it is the standard way to say "we are".
How does it change in a sentence?
The subject pronoun noi (we) is often omitted because the verb ending in siamo already indicates the first-person plural.
Did you know?
- When saying Siamo arrivati, the word siamo acts as an auxiliary verb, meaning 'we have arrived', rather than 'we are arrived'.
- If an Italian speaker says Siamo a posto, they are not just saying 'we are in place' but are likely signaling that a situation is settled or they are satisfied.
- Italian uses siamo in the expression siamo d'accordo to say 'we agree', whereas English uses a different verb entirely.
Examples in context
- Siamo in TV ora.We are on TV now.This sentence is useful for stating that you are currently on television using siamo.Tatoeba #14002695 by Guybrush88, translation #9023991 by Amastan
- Noi siamo a casa.We are at home.This sentence shows how to use siamo to state that you are at home.Tatoeba #3187002 by Guybrush88, translation #1496274 by Thryth
- Tom sa chi siamo.Tom knows who we are.This sentence demonstrates the use of siamo in a subordinate clause.Tatoeba #3417810 by Guybrush88, translation #3417740 by CK
- Siamo insegnanti.We are teachers.
- Noi siamo gli ospiti speciali.We are the special guests.
- Noi ci troviamo alla reception.We are at the reception.
- Noi siamo pronti per la festa.We are ready for the party.
- Noi siamo proprio stanchi.We are really tired.
- Siamo italiani.We are Italian.
- Siamo colleghi.We are colleagues.
- 755 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Matteo are at a cafe waiting for their friends.
- SofiaDove sono i ragazzi?Where are the boys?
- MatteoNon lo so, ma noi siamo già qui.I don't know, but we are already here.
- SofiaSì, siamo in anticipo oggi.Yes, we are early today.
- MatteoÈ vero, Sofia.That's true, Sofia.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
