In this guide, we will explore how to say “yesterday” in Italian, providing both formal and informal ways as well as some regional variations, if necessary. Whether you’re planning your next trip to Italy or simply expanding your language knowledge, learning to express “yesterday” correctly will help you navigate daily conversations with ease. So let’s dive in and discover the various ways to say “yesterday” in Italian!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Yesterday”
When it comes to formal Italian, using specific words to denote “yesterday” is crucial. Here are three common ways to express “yesterday” in formal situations:
- Ieri – The most common and widely used term for “yesterday” in formal Italian is “ieri.” This word is used in everyday conversation and is easily understood across Italy. For example:
Ho visitato il Colosseo ieri. (I visited the Colosseum yesterday.)
- Il giorno prima – Another formal way to say “yesterday” is “il giorno prima” which translates to “the day before.” This structure is typically used in more formal settings or when referring to a specific event. For instance:
Il giorno prima del mio compleanno sono andato a cena al ristorante. (The day before my birthday, I went out for dinner at a restaurant.)
- Un giorno fa – Although less common, “un giorno fa” means “one day ago” and is sometimes used to convey “yesterday” in formal contexts. Here’s an example:
Sono arrivato in Italia un giorno fa. (I arrived in Italy one day ago / yesterday.)
Informal Ways to Say “Yesterday”
When conversing in a more casual setting, Italians tend to use slightly different expressions when referring to “yesterday.” Here are some informal phrases commonly used:
- Ieri sera – Italians frequently use “ieri sera” to mean “yesterday evening” or “last night.” It is a popular way to refer to the specific time frame around yesterday evening. For example:
Siamo andati al cinema ieri sera. (We went to the cinema last night.)
- Ieri mattina – Similar to the previous phrase, “ieri mattina” means “yesterday morning.” It is often used to indicate events or activities that took place specifically in the morning of the previous day. For instance:
Sono andato a correre ieri mattina. (I went for a run yesterday morning.)
- Gli altri – When Italians refer to the day before today in a more colloquial manner, they might simply say “gli altri” which translates to “the others.” It is a less strict and widely understood way to express “yesterday.” Here’s an example:
Gli altri siamo stati al mare. (Yesterday, we went to the seaside.)
Regional Variations
While the aforementioned terms are widely understood throughout Italy, it’s worth noting that various dialects and regional variations exist, resulting in slight differences when expressing “yesterday.” In some regions, you may come across these variations:
- Oggi – In some Southern (particularly Sicilian) dialects, “oggi” is used to refer to yesterday. However, this is a rare occurrence and mainly used regionally. For example:
Sono andato al mercato oggi. (I went to the market yesterday.)
- Scors – In certain Northern dialects like Venetian or Lombard, “scors” is a regional variation of “ieri” or “yesterday.” Here’s an example:
Semo stà a spasso in città scors. (We went for a walk in the city yesterday.)
Remember, regional variations are not commonly used outside their specific areas, so it is important to be aware of the standard Italian expressions for “yesterday” to ensure understanding wherever you go.
Tips for Usage
To help you master the correct usage of these phrases, here are a few tips and examples:
1. When talking about past events, use the past tense in combination with the word for “yesterday.” For example:
Ho fatto una passeggiata ieri. (I took a walk yesterday.)
2. Pay attention to the gender and number agreement when using other words in a sentence. For instance:
Siamo usciti con i nostri amici ieri sera. (We went out with our friends last night.)
3. It’s helpful to practice using “yesterday” in various contexts to reinforce your understanding. Try constructing sentences about your daily activities or significant events using different variations of “yesterday” in Italian.
Conclusion
In conclusion, learning how to express “yesterday” in Italian is a valuable part of language acquisition. By using the phrases mentioned in this guide, you’ll be able to easily converse about past events and understand others when they refer to “yesterday.” Remember that “ieri” is the most commonly used term in formal situations, while phrases like “ieri sera” and “ieri mattina” are more commonly used in casual conversations. Also, keep in mind any regional variations you may encounter during your travels. Happy learning, and enjoy incorporating these new expressions into your Italian conversations!
