Quick-Monitor Your Studying With 273 Italian Nouns + How one can Use Them


The second you notice you possibly can categorical every part you need in Italian is extremely satisfying. There are various components that take you from questioning learn how to be taught Italian to that superb second. One of the crucial essential issues is to create and apply a vital listing of Italian nouns you possibly can depend on to specific your self. Constructing your vocabulary of nouns in Italian can be essentially the most enjoyable half. So, begin right here your treasure hunt to search out these nouns in Italian round you.

The two varieties of Italian nouns

young male tourist taking picture of pantheon, Italian nouns

Nomi or sostantivi (nouns) are a core a part of Italian grammar. Like in English, they’re important phrases that outline many issues, together with individuals, animals, objects, concepts, feelings, actions, or occasions.

There are two most important classes of nouns in Italian:

  • Nomi propri (correct nouns) refers to distinctive names of individuals, locations, organizations, or issues. They will consult with:
    • a selected particular person’s nome (identify) or cognome (final identify), like Mary Stewart
    • a geographical place, like Rome, Italy, or Capri
    • a model identify, like Coca-Cola
    • a pet identify, like Felix, Snoopy, and so on.
  • Nomi comuni (widespread nouns) are the final phrases for objects, animals, individuals, and ideas. For instance:
    • cane = canine
    • libro = e-book
    • città = metropolis

Gender and variety of nouns in Italian

In Italian, each noun has a selected gender—masculine or female—and it might have a singular or plural kind. The gender and variety of a noun affect the encircling phrases. For instance, Italian articles and Italian adjectives can change to match the gender and variety of a noun. You may even see it occur with some verbs in Italian, too!

Il genere (gender): female and masculine

Some nouns, like colours in Italian, are all the time masculine: il rosso (the crimson), il verde (the inexperienced), and so on. Others, like bambino (boy) and bambina (woman), have comparable spellings however change their endings to point gender. Nonetheless, some nouns are invariable, which means their kind doesn’t change. For these, you’ll depend on articles or prepositions to make clear the gender for phrases like nipote which may imply both grandson or granddaughter.

Since many Italian nouns observe recognizable patterns, there are some basic tricks to establish their gender:

  • Italian nouns ending in “-o” are often masculine
  • Italian nouns ending in “-a” are largely female
  • Italian nouns ending in “-e” will be both masculine or female

Mortgage phrases:

  • Borrowed phrases from different languages, which regularly finish in a consonant, are sometimes masculine, like “movie,” “sport,” and “laptop.”

Il numero (the quantity): singular and plural

In Italian, nouns change their kind to point whether or not they’re singular or plural. You may depend on basic guidelines to create most singular and plural kinds:

  • Plural nouns ending in “-o” change the final letter to “-i”
    • amico/amici = good friend/good friends
  • Plural nouns ending in “-a” change the final letter to “-e”
  • Plural nouns ending in “-e” change the final letter to “-i”
    • fiore/fiori = movementer/movementers

In fact, there are some exceptions, corresponding to invariable nouns that don’t observe the plural guidelines above:

  • all abbreviations
    • foto from fotografia = picture
  • nouns ending with a consonant
  • nouns ending with an accented letter
  • nouns that finish in “-i”.

Moreover, many Italian nouns ending in “-ca” or “-ga” add the letter “-h” within the plural to protect their onerous sound:

  • banca (financial institution) turns into banche (banks)
  • acciuga (anchovy) turns into acciughe (anchovies)

Mastering these variations will be tough at first since Italian grammar guidelines differ from English ones. However it’s only a matter of time and apply. When you begin constructing your primary Italian vocabulary, remembering genders and numbers will change into pure. So, iniziamo! (Let’s begin!)

Italian nouns for relations

Household is essential to Italians. Retaining relationships with relations and constructing new ones is a deep cultural custom in Italy. So, begin mastering these essential Italian nouns, which can change into important when discussing relationships and family members.

Italian PronunciationEnglish
cognata/cognato (f/m)koh-NYAH-tah/koh-NYAH-tohsister-in-law/brother-in-law
cugina/cugino (f/m)koo-JEE-nah/nohcousin
figlia/figlio (f/m)FEEL-yah/FEEL-yohdaughter/son
fratello (m)frah-TEL-lohbrother
genero (m)JEH-neh-rohson-in-law
genitori (m)jeh-nee-TOH-reedad and mom
mamma/madre (f)MAHM-mah/MAH-drehmother/mom
marito (m)mah-REE-tohhusband
moglie (f)MOHL-yehspouse
nipote (m or f)nee-POH-tehgrandson/granddaughter or nephew/niece
nonna/nonno (f/m)NON-nah/NON-nohgrandmother/grandfather
nuora (f)NOO-oh-rahdaughter-in-law
papà/padre (m)pah-PAH/PAH-drehdad/father
sorella (f)soh-REL-lahsister
suocera/suocero (f/m)SWO-cheh-rah/SWO-cheh-rohmother-in-law/father-in-law
zia/zio (f/m)TZEE-ah/TZEE-ohaunt/uncle

The significance of formal and casual tones when speaking to individuals in Italy

Italian distinguishes between formal and casual tones: The pronoun tu (singular, casual “you”) is for casual interactions, whereas lei (“she,” which can be used because the formal “you”) is for a extra formal context.

Usually, you work together informally with all your loved ones members in Italian, besides on your parents-in-law. Whereas this isn’t a strict rule, utilizing a proper tone with older individuals or these you don’t know properly is taken into account well mannered.

One other key level: Like English, completely different nouns in Italian refer to oldsters. Mamma (mother) and papà (dad) are good when talking on to your dad and mom. On this context, Italians additionally use diminutives corresponding to mamy (mommy), papy (daddy) or abbreviations like ma’ and pa’. However, madre (mom) and padre (father) are extra formal and customary when speaking about dad and mom to another person.

Italian nouns about individuals and professions

Additionally, you will want widespread Italian nouns to speak with or speak about others whether or not you’re on the grocery retailer, a sports activities sport, or at work. 

Italian PronunciationEnglish
amico/amica (m/f)ah-MEE-kah/ah-MEE-kohgood friend
autista (m or f)ow-TEE-stahdriver
bambino/bambina (m/f)bahm-BEE-noh/bahm-BEE-nahboy/woman (youngster)
calciatore/calciatrice (m/f)kahl-kee-ah-TOH-reh/kahl-kee-ah-TREE-chesoccer participant
capo (m or f)KAH-pohboss
carabiniere (m)kah-rah-bee-NYEH-rehcarabinieri (Italian police)
cassiere/cassiera (m/f)kahs-SYEH-rah/kahs-SYEH-rehcashier
collega (m or f)koh-LEH-gahcolleague
compagno/compagna (m/f)kohm-PAHN-yah/kohm-PAHN-yohaccomplice or classmate
controllore (m or f)kohn-troh-LOH-rehticket inspector
cuoco/cuoca (m/f)KWOH-kah/KWOH-kohcook dinner
donna (f)dOH-nahlady
dottore/dottoressa (m/f)doht-TOH-reh/doht-toh-REH-sahphysician
fidanzato/fidanzata (m/f)fee-dahn-ZAH-tah/fee-dahn-ZAH-tohfiancée/fiancé
guida turistica (f)GWEE-dah too-REE-stee-kahtour information
insegnante (f/m)een-sehn-YAHN-tehtrainer
interprete (m or f)een-TEHR-preh-tehinterpreter
pilota (m or f)pee-LOH-tahpilot
poliziotto/poliziotta (m/f)poh-lee-TSYOT-tah/poh-lee-TSYOT-tohpolicewoman/policeman
professore/professoressa (m/f)pro-feh-SOH-reh/pro-feh-SOH-reh-sahprofessor
ragazzo/ragazza (m/f)rah-GAHT-tsah/rah-GAHT-tsohgirlfriend/boyfriend
tassista (m or f)tah-SEE-stahtaxi driver
traduttore/traduttrice (m/f)trah-doot-TREE-che/trah-DOOT-toh-rehtranslator
uomo (m)oo-OH-mohman
vicino/vicina (m/f)vee-CHEE-noh/vee-CHEE-nahneighbor
vigile/vigilessa (m/f)VEE-jee-less-ah/VEE-jee-lehsite visitors officer

Phrases to consult with elements of the physique

Studying the essential elements of the physique in Italian is crucial should you’re going to journey to Italy. When you’re on the physician’s workplace, understanding these phrases may help!

Italian PronunciationEnglish
boccaBOH-kahmouth
braccio/bracciaBRAH-choh/BRAH-chaharm/arms
colloKOH-lohneck
cuoreKWOH-rehcoronary heart
dito/ditaDEE-toh/DEE-tahfinger/fingers
gamba/gambeGAHM-bah/GAHM-behleg/legs
ginocchio/ginocchiajee-NOHT-kee-oh/jee-NOHT-kee-ahknee/knees
mano/maniMAH-noh/MAH-neehand/palms
nasoNAH-zohnostril
occhio/occhiOH-kee-oh/OH-kee-eeeye/eyes
orecchio/orecchieoh-REH-kyo/oh-REH-kee-ehear/ears
panciaPAHN-chahstomach
piede/piediPYEH-deh/PYEH-deefoot/toes
schienaSKEH-nahagain
stomacoSTOH-mah-kohabdomen
testaTEH-stahhead

Italian nouns for automobiles and transportation

woman looking at departure board for water bus in venice

One other glorious tip for having the right journey expertise to view Tuscany’s finest wineries is to construct a vital vocabulary about transportation. Here’s a quick however useful listing of particular Italian nouns you need to use together with your Italian phrases whereas touring.

Italian PronunciationEnglish
aereoAH-eh-reh-ohairplane
aeroportoah-eh-roh-POR-tohairport
approdoah-PRO-dohtouchdown (ferry)
autoAH-tohautomotive
autobusAH-toh-boosbus
autonoleggioah-oo-toh-noh-LEH-johautomotive rental
barcaBAHR-kahboat
biciclettabee-chee-LET-tahbicycle
biglietteriabee-lyeh-teh-REE-ahticket workplace
binariobee-NAH-ryohpractice platform/observe
camionKAH-mee-ohntruck
fermatafehr-MAH-tah(bus or practice) cease 
gondolaGON-doh-lahgondola
metropolitanameh-toh-poh-lee-TAH-nahsubway
motoMOH-tohmotorbike
naveNAH-vehship
portoPOR-tohport
pullmanPOOL-mahnbus (medium/long-distance routes)
scooterSKOO-tehrscooter
taxiTAHK-seetaxi
traghettotrah-GHEH-tohferry
tramTRAHMtram
trenoTREH-nohpractice
stazionestaht-TSYOH-nehpractice station
vaporettova-por-EH-tohwater bus (Venice)

A few of these nouns are abbreviations which have change into generally used. It’s attainable to make use of both the abbreviated phrase or the total model. This is applicable to:

  • auto, quick for vehicle (automotive)
  • moto, quick for motocicletta (motorbike)

Different phrases may also be shortened:

  • metropolitana turns into metro (subway)
  • bicicletta turns into bici (bicycle)

Important phrases for meals in Italian

Once you’re in Italy, meals is a central a part of your expertise. When you actually need to grasp Italian, understanding all of the Italian phrases for meals is greater than speaking successfully—it’s a part of understanding the tradition. As soon as you realize these phrases, apply ordering meals in Italian!

Italian PronunciationEnglish
amaroah-MAH-rohbitter (liquor)
analcolicoah-nahl-KO-lee-kohnon-alcoholic drink
antipastoahn-tee-PAH-stohappetizer
apericenaah-peh-ree-CHEH-nahcasual aperitif-dinner
aperitivoah-peh-ree-TEE-vohaperitif
bisteccabee-STEH-kahsteak
budinoboo-DEE-nohpudding
caffèkah-FEHespresso
caffelattekahf-feh-LAH-tehespresso with milk
cappuccinokahp-poo-CHEE-nohcappuccino
caramellakah-rah-MEHL-lahsweet
carneKAR-nehmeat
cioccolatinochoh-koh-lah-TEE-nohchocolate sweet
cioccolatochoh-koh-LAH-tohchocolate
contornokon-TOR-nohfacet dish
dolceDOHL-chehdessert/candy
formaggiofor-MAH-johcheese
fruttaFROO-tahfruit
frittatafree-TAH-tahomelette
gelatojeh-LAH-tohice cream
grappaGRAHP-pahgrappa (Italian brandy)
insalataeen-sah-LAH-tahsalad
insalatonaeen-sah-lah-TOH-nahmassive salad
panePAH-nehbread
paninopah-NEE-nohsandwich
pastaPAH-stahpasta
patatepah-TAH-tehpotatoes
patatine frittepah-tah-TEE-neh FREE-tehFrench fries
pescePEH-shehfish
pizzaPEE-tsahpizza
polloPOH-lohrooster
primoPREE-mohfirst course
risoREE-zohrice
risottoree-ZOHT-tohrisotto
secondoseh-KOHN-dohsecond course
spaghettispah-GHEH-teespaghetti
tehtea
tisanatee-ZAH-nahnatural tea
tiramisùtee-rah-mee-SOOtiramisu
tortaTOR-tahcake
uovaOO-oh-vaheggs
verduravehr-DOO-rahgreens
vino biancoVEE-noh BYAHN-kohwhite wine
vino roséVEE-noh roh-ZEHrosé wine
vino rossoVEE-noh ROHS-sohcrimson wine

Italian nouns concerning the climate

Speaking concerning the climate is an infallible option to break the ice and keep away from that doubtlessly awkward second while you’re in an elevator with different individuals. And Italians speak concerning the climate quite a bit!

It’s a terrific talent to have, not only for conversations but additionally to make small speak extra snug.

  • Il tempo è bello oggi! = The climate is sweet at present!
  • Finalmente è arrivato il sole. = Lastly, the solar has come out.
  • Un po’ di pioggia ci farebbe bene. = Some rain could be good.
ItalianPronunciationEnglish
arcobalenoahr-koh-bah-LEH-nohrainbow
autunnoow-TOON-nohautumn
cieloCHEH-lohsky
propertyeh-STA-tehsummer time
invernoin-VEHR-nohwinter
nebbiaNEHB-byahfog
neveNEH-vehsnow
nuvolaNOO-voh-lahcloud
pioggiapee-OH-jahrain
primaverapree-mah-VEH-rahspring
soleSOH-lehsolar
tempestatem-PEH-stahstorm
temporaletem-POH-rah-lehdownpour
umiditàoo-mee-DEE-tahhumidity
ventoVEHN-tohwind

Nouns for geography and locations

overview of faraglioni rocks in Capri

Dove vivi? (The place do you reside?). Cosa vorresti visitare in Italia? (What would you want to go to in Italy?). The Italian nouns within the following chart will enable you talk about every part associated to geography and touring.

ItalianPronunciationEnglish
capitalekah-pee-TAH-lehcapital metropolis
cittàchee-TAHmetropolis
continentekon-tee-NEN-tehcontinent
fiumeFEE-oo-mehriver
isolaEE-soh-lahisland
lagoLAH-gohlake
mareMAH-rehsea
montagnamohn-TAHN-yahmountain
monteMON-tehmount/mountain
nazionenah-TSYOH-nehnation
parcoPAHR-kohpark
penisolapeh-NEE-soh-lahpeninsula
piazzaPEE-aht-tsahsq.
paesePAH-eh-sehnation, city
provinciaproh-VEEHN-chahprovince
regionereh-JOH-neharea
stradaSTRAH-dahroad
throughVEE-ahavenue

Take note of these widespread errors when utilizing the Italian nouns stato (state), regione (area), nazione (nation), and paese (nation), as their meanings don’t all the time align with their English equivalents.

Italy is a nazione (nation), however it’s also a stato (state) and a paese (nation). In Italian, nazione refers back to the collective idea of territory and other people. Stato has a barely extra political which means and may consult with Italy’s political borders, in addition to the ability/authorities.

Paese is usually used to consult with the nation in a extra basic sense, however it might additionally describe a city or village, relying on the context. A typical affectionate and casual means of referring to Italy can be as il bel paese (the gorgeous nation) or lo stivale (the boot, referring to its geographical form).

Lastly, the phrase regione (area) refers back to the 20 areas into which Italy is internally and politically organized.

>> Crusing to the Faraglioni rocks pictured above are simply one in all many issues to do in Capri!

Italian nouns for hobbies and sports activities

The perfect factor about talking a brand new language is connecting with new individuals. Sharing pursuits is crucial to fortify these new connections, and your pursuits and hobbies are key to opening up on this studying journey.

From a passeggiata (a leisurely stroll) to feeling like a Giro d’Italia bike owner: Cosa ti piace fare nel tempo libero? (What do you love to do in your leisure time?)

ItalianPronunciationEnglish
basketBAH-sketbasketball
calcioKAL-chohsoccer
ciclismochee-KLEES-mohbiking
danzaDAHN-tsahdance
fotografiafot-oh-GRAH-fee-ahpictures
soccer americanoFOOT-bohl ah-mehr-ee-KAH-nohAmerican soccer
corsaKOR-sahworking
nuotoNWOH-tohswimming
pallavolopah-LAH-voh-lohvolleyball
passeggiatapahs-sehj-JAH-tahstroll/stroll
rugbyROO-gbeerugby
scisheesnowboarding
sportsportsport
tennisTEH-neestennis
yogaYOH-gahyoga

Enjoyable reality: All European nations use “soccer” or the same phrase to explain soccer. Nevertheless, within the early 1900s, the Italian soccer participant Luigi Bosisio criticized utilizing a international phrase to explain the sport. As a substitute, he prompt the phrase calcio, which accurately means “kick.” From that second, “soccer” formally grew to become calcio for Italians.

Phrases to specific feelings and emotions

Once you be taught Italian, it’s essential to take it step-by-step. You’ll begin with primary conversations about easy, concrete matters. However as you advance and grasp all ranges of Italian as much as proficiency, you’ll have the ability to describe more and more summary and sophisticated ideas. That is one in all your studying journey’s most enjoyable and rewarding phases: beginning to categorical how you’re feeling.

Right here’s a glimpse of all of the Italian nouns that may enable you share your emotions. Che felicità! (Such pleasure!)

ItalianPronunciationEnglish
allegriaah-leh-GREE-ahcheerfulness
amoreah-MOH-rehlove
affettoah-FEH-tohaffection
ansiaAHN-syahnervousness
calmaKAL-mahcalm
confusionekon-foo-ZYOH-nehconfusion
coraggiokoh-RAH-johbraveness
delusionedeh-loo-ZYOH-nehdisappointment
entusiasmoen-too-zee-AH-zmohenthusiasm
felicitàfeh-lee-CHEE-tahhappiness
gelosiajeh-loh-ZEE-ahjealousy
gioiaJOH-yahpleasure
invidiaeen-VEE-dyahenvy
rabbiaRAHB-byahanger
nostalgiano-stahl-JEE-ahnostalgia
orgoglioor-GOH-lyohdelight
paurapah-OO-rahconcern
solitudineso-lee-TOO-dee-nehloneliness
serenitàseh-reh-NEE-tahserenity
sorpresasor-PREH-sahshock
speranzaspeh-RAHN-tsahhope
stuporestoo-POH-rehamazement
tristezzatree-STET-zahunhappiness

Italian nouns for animals

Journey is an expertise that may actually encourage you to rediscover the enjoyment of being stunned, declaring all of the animals and novelties you see from the automotive window or encounter on the road. In a rustic as wealthy in various landscapes inside a comparatively small territory, like Italy, you possibly can play the sport of naming every kind of animals.

So, begin practising now, and also you’ll be prepared while you lastly go to the finest cities in Italy—whether or not it’s recognizing the lovable canine of stylish girls in Turin, the herds of cows within the Po Valley, or the swallows which can be stated to announce the arrival of spring.

ItalianPronunciationEnglish
animaleah-nee-MAH-lehanimal
apeAH-pehbee
aquilaAH-kwee-laheagle
asinoAH-zee-nohdonkey
bestiamebehs-TYAH-mehlivestock
caneKAH-nehcanine
cavallokah-VAH-lohhorse
cuccioloCOOCH-choh-lohpet (or cub)
delfinodehl-FEE-nohdolphin
elefanteeh-leh-FAHN-tehelephant
farfallafahr-FAHL-lahbutterfly
formicafohr-MEE-kahant
gamberoGAHM-beh-rohshrimp
gattoGAH-tohcat
leoneleh-OH-nehlion
maialemah-YAH-lehpig
moscaMOHS-kahfly
muccaMOO-kahcow
muloMOO-lohmule
orsoOHR-sohbear
pecoraPEH-koh-rahsheep
pescePEH-shehfish
porcospinopor-koh-SPEE-nohporcupine
riccio di mareREE-choh dee MAH-rehsea urchin
rondineROHN-dee-nehswallow (fowl)
serpentesehr-PEHN-tehsnake
tigreTEE-grehtiger
topoTOH-pohmouse
uccelloooh-CHEH-lohfowl
vespaVEHS-pahwasp
zanzaratsahn-TSAH-rahmosquito

Italian nouns for vegetation and nature

panorama of val d'orcia landscape in tuscany with house and cypress trees, all italian nouns

From telling somebody how lovely Tuscany’s rolling hills and vineyards are to describing the finest Venice islands to go to, constructing a small vocabulary of Italian nouns associated to nature is crucial.

ItalianPronunciationEnglish
alberoAHL-beh-rohtree
aranciaah-RAHN-chahorange
arbustoahr-BOOS-tohbush
boscoBOHS-kohforest
cieloCHEH-lohsky
erbaEHR-bahgrass
fioreFEE-oh-rehflower
fogliaFOHL-yahleaf
fragolaFRAH-goh-lahstrawberry
fruttoFROOT-tohfruit
geraniojeh-RAH-nyohgeranium
giardinojahr-DEE-nohbackyard
granoGRAH-nohwheat
mandarinomahn-dah-REE-nohmandarin
margheritamahr-geh-REE-tahdaisy
melaMEH-lahapple
ondaOHN-dahwave 
paesaggiopah-eh-ZAHJ-johpanorama
pinoPEE-nohpine tree
pratoPRAH-tohmeadow
primulaPREE-moo-lahprimrose
rosaROH-zahrose
sassoSAHS-sohstone/rock
uvaOO-vahgrape
vignaVEEN-yahwinery
viteVEE-tehvine

Nouns that describe summary concepts

Summary concepts and ideas generally is a bit tough to specific in any language, however you’ll discover you possibly can keep on extra wealthy discussions with coworkers, associates, and household.

ItalianPronunciationEnglish
amiciziaah-mee-CHEE-tsyahfriendship
bellezzabeh-LEHT-tzahmagnificence
conoscenzakoh-noh-SHEN-zahdata
coraggiokoh-RAH-johbraveness
determinazionedeh-ter-mee-nah-TSYOH-nehwillpower
fedeFEH-dehreligion
fiduciafee-DOO-chahbelief
forzaFOR-tsahenergy
giustiziajoo-STEE-tzahjustice
ingiustiziaeen-joo-STEE-tzahinjustice
libertàlee-ber-TAHfreedom
tempoPAH-chehpeace
perseveranzaper-seh-veh-RAHN-tsahperseverance
saggezzasahd-JET-tsahknowledge
sognoSOH-nyohdream
veritàveh-ree-TAHfact

All these Italian nouns are the foundations for constructing your vocabulary in Italian. However ensure that to observe a confirmed technique that guides you in understanding grammar, bettering pronunciation, and enhancing your listening abilities.
Rosetta Stone can accompany you on this journey with its immersive Dynamic Immersion technique, which instantly connects you with all these fascinating features of the Italian language. With determinazione (willpower) and bite-sized classes good for even the busiest schedules, l’italiano non avrà più segreti (Italian will now not maintain any secrets and techniques).

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