la tua età
/la ˈtu.a eˈta/word by word
In Italian, 'your age' is translated as la tua età.
The phrase refers to the number of years a person has lived. While English uses the phrase as a noun, Italian speakers frequently use la tua età as a complement to the verb avere (to have) to express being a certain age.
Which one should you use?
When addressing more than one person, the possessive adjective changes from tua to vostra. To express 'your age' in a formal context (addressing one person as 'Lei'), use la Sua età with a capitalized possessive.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a group of people, the possessive adjective changes from tua to vostra, resulting in la vostra età.
How do you pronounce it?
The phrase is pronounced /la ˈtu.a eˈta/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- If an Italian wants to say someone is 'old' without being rude, they might avoid mentioning l'età and instead say è in terza età, meaning they are in the 'third age'.
- While you use avere to say you 'have' an age, Italians use the verb compiere to describe the act of 'completing' or reaching a new age on a birthday.
- In Italy, asking Quanti anni hai? is the standard way to ask 'How old are you?', but focusing on l'età can sound more clinical or formal, like a doctor filling out a form.
Examples in context
- Ho la tua età.I'm your age.This sentence is useful for saying you are the same age as the listener using la tua età.Tatoeba #5829327 by Guybrush88, translation #5829209 by CK
- Avevo la tua età.I was your age.This sentence is useful for expressing that you were the same age as the listener in the past using la tua età.Tatoeba #3003885 by Guybrush88, translation #1410127 by al_ex_an_der
- Ha circa la tua età.He is about your age.This sentence is useful for stating that someone is approximately the same age as the listener using la tua età.Tatoeba #3225627 by Guybrush88, translation #301315 by CK
- Mi scuso per la domanda, ma quale è la sua età?I apologize for the question, but what is your age?
- 36 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Giulia are discussing job requirements in an office.
- FrancescoPensi che la tua età sia un limite?Do you think your age is a limit?
- GiuliaNo, credo che la mia età sia un vantaggio.No, I think my age is an advantage.
- FrancescoHai ragione, l'esperienza è fondamentale.You are right, experience is fundamental.
- GiuliaEsatto, spero che lo capiscano.Exactly, I hope they understand it.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (la, tua, età) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
