voi
/ˈvo.i/
The Italian phrase for "you (plural)" is voi.
voi is the pronoun used to address two or more people directly. It is appropriate to use this pronoun in both formal and informal contexts when you are speaking to a group.
Which one should you use?
While voi is used for addressing multiple people, Lei is the singular pronoun used to address one person formally.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using voi as a subject, the verb must be conjugated in the second-person plural form, such as fate (you all do/make).
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈvo.i/. It has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- Voi was once a common polite way to address one person, and it still survives that way in parts of southern Italy.
- The Italian voi is a cognate of the French vous and the Russian вы, all descending from the same ancient root.
- Although voi is used for groups, Italian has no dedicated 'y'all' or 'you guys' because voi already covers both casual and formal plural address.
Examples in context
- Signori, voi siete gentili.Gentlemen, you are kind.
- Ragazzi, voi siete fantastici!Guys, you are fantastic!
- Amici, voi avete fatto uno splendido lavoro.Friends, you've done a splendid job.
- Ragazzi, voi tutti siete fantastici!Guys, all of you are fantastic!
- Amici, voi tutti avete fatto uno splendido lavoro.Friends, all of you have done a splendid job.
- Voi due, siete pronti?Are you two ready?
- A voi tutti, voglio dire grazie.To all of you, I want to say thank you.
- Voi siete molto gentili.You are very kind.
- Cosa fate voi stasera?What are you doing tonight?
- Voi venite alla festa?Are you coming to the party?
Example conversation
Sofia and Francesco are talking to their group of friends at a café.
- SofiaCiao a tutti, voi siete pronti?Hi everyone, are you ready?
- FrancescoSì Sofia, siamo pronti!Yes Sofia, we are ready!
- SofiaOttimo, andiamo subito.Great, let's go right away.
- FrancescoAspetta, devo prendere la borsa.Wait, I have to get my bag.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry voi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries voi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
