Understanding how to express “this” in Italian is crucial for effective communication. The Italian language uses different forms of “this” depending on gender, number, and proximity to the speaker.
This guide provides a detailed explanation of the demonstrative adjectives and pronouns used to convey “this” in various contexts, ensuring you can accurately and confidently express yourself in Italian. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, this article will help you grasp the nuances of Italian demonstratives and improve your overall language proficiency.
This article is designed to benefit a wide range of learners, from those just starting their Italian journey to more advanced students looking to refine their grammar skills. By understanding the rules and nuances of demonstrative adjectives and pronouns, you will be able to construct more accurate and natural-sounding sentences, enhancing your ability to communicate effectively in Italian.
Let’s dive into the world of Italian demonstratives and unlock the secrets to mastering “this.”
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of Demonstrative Adjectives and Pronouns
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of “This” in Italian
- Examples of “This” in Italian
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of Demonstrative Adjectives and Pronouns
In Italian, expressing “this” involves the use of demonstrative adjectives and demonstrative pronouns. These words indicate which person or thing is being referred to, specifying its proximity to the speaker. Understanding the difference between adjectives and pronouns is crucial for correct usage. Demonstrative adjectives modify nouns, while demonstrative pronouns replace them.
Demonstrative adjectives always precede the noun they modify, agreeing in gender and number. They point out a specific noun, indicating that it is “this” noun and not another. For example, in the phrase “questo libro” (this book), “questo” is the demonstrative adjective modifying the noun “libro” (book).
Demonstrative pronouns, on the other hand, stand alone and replace the noun they refer to. They still agree in gender and number with the noun they are replacing. For example, instead of saying “Questo libro è interessante” (This book is interesting), you could say “Questo è interessante” (This is interesting), where “questo” is the demonstrative pronoun replacing “questo libro.”
The main forms of “this” in Italian are derived from the word “questo,” which changes depending on the gender and number of the noun it refers to. The forms are: questo (masculine singular), questa (feminine singular), questi (masculine plural), and queste (feminine plural). Mastering these forms is essential for accurate and fluent Italian.
Structural Breakdown
The structure of “this” in Italian involves understanding how demonstrative adjectives and pronouns are formed and used in sentences. Let’s break down the structural elements:
- Base Form: The base form is “questo,” meaning “this.”
- Gender Agreement: The form changes based on the gender of the noun:
- Masculine: questo (singular), questi (plural)
- Feminine: questa (singular), queste (plural)
- Number Agreement: The form also changes based on the number of the noun:
- Singular: questo (masculine), questa (feminine)
- Plural: questi (masculine), queste (feminine)
- Adjective vs. Pronoun: As an adjective, it precedes the noun. As a pronoun, it replaces the noun.
Understanding these structural elements is crucial for constructing grammatically correct sentences. The following sections will provide detailed examples and usage rules to help you master these concepts.
Types and Categories of “This” in Italian
The Italian language uses four primary forms to express “this,” each varying based on gender and number. These forms are essential for constructing grammatically correct and meaningful sentences.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of each form:
Questo (This – Masculine Singular)
Questo is used to refer to a masculine singular noun that is close to the speaker. As a demonstrative adjective, it precedes the noun. As a demonstrative pronoun, it stands alone, replacing the noun.
Examples:
- Questo libro è interessante. (This book is interesting.) [Adjective]
- Questo è interessante. (This is interesting.) [Pronoun]
- Questo ragazzo è mio fratello. (This boy is my brother.) [Adjective]
- Questo è mio fratello. (This is my brother.) [Pronoun]
Questa (This – Feminine Singular)
Questa is used to refer to a feminine singular noun that is close to the speaker. Like questo, it acts as both a demonstrative adjective and a pronoun.
Examples:
- Questa casa è grande. (This house is big.) [Adjective]
- Questa è grande. (This is big.) [Pronoun]
- Questa macchina è nuova. (This car is new.) [Adjective]
- Questa è nuova. (This is new.) [Pronoun]
Questi (These – Masculine Plural)
Questi refers to masculine plural nouns close to the speaker. It is the plural form of questo and follows the same rules for adjective and pronoun usage.
Examples:
- Questi libri sono interessanti. (These books are interesting.) [Adjective]
- Questi sono interessanti. (These are interesting.) [Pronoun]
- Questi ragazzi sono miei amici. (These boys are my friends.) [Adjective]
- Questi sono miei amici. (These are my friends.) [Pronoun]
Queste (These – Feminine Plural)
Queste is used to refer to feminine plural nouns close to the speaker. It is the plural form of questa and functions as both a demonstrative adjective and a pronoun.
Examples:
- Queste case sono grandi. (These houses are big.) [Adjective]
- Queste sono grandi. (These are big.) [Pronoun]
- Queste macchine sono nuove. (These cars are new.) [Adjective]
- Queste sono nuove. (These are new.) [Pronoun]
Examples of “This” in Italian
To solidify your understanding of “this” in Italian, let’s explore a variety of examples categorized by form. These examples will demonstrate how each form is used in different contexts, both as adjectives and pronouns.
Questo Examples
The following table provides examples of questo used in various contexts, illustrating its role as both an adjective and a pronoun.
| Sentence | Translation | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Questo tavolo è di legno. | This table is made of wood. | Adjective |
| Questo è mio. | This is mine. | Pronoun |
| Questo film è molto bello. | This movie is very beautiful. | Adjective |
| Questo non mi piace. | I don’t like this. | Pronoun |
| Questo libro è interessante. | This book is interesting. | Adjective |
| Questo è il mio libro. | This is my book. | Pronoun |
| Questo caffè è caldo. | This coffee is hot. | Adjective |
| Questo è troppo caldo. | This is too hot. | Pronoun |
| Questo problema è difficile. | This problem is difficult. | Adjective |
| Questo è difficile da risolvere. | This is difficult to solve. | Pronoun |
| Questo computer è nuovo. | This computer is new. | Adjective |
| Questo è il mio nuovo computer. | This is my new computer. | Pronoun |
| Questo treno è in ritardo. | This train is late. | Adjective |
| Questo è il treno per Roma. | This is the train to Rome. | Pronoun |
| Questo vino è delizioso. | This wine is delicious. | Adjective |
| Questo è il miglior vino. | This is the best wine. | Pronoun |
| Questo regalo è per te. | This gift is for you. | Adjective |
| Questo è un regalo per te. | This is a gift for you. | Pronoun |
| Questo orologio è costoso. | This watch is expensive. | Adjective |
| Questo è l’orologio di mio padre. | This is my father’s watch. | Pronoun |
| Questo albero è alto. | This tree is tall. | Adjective |
| Questo è l’albero più alto del giardino. | This is the tallest tree in the garden. | Pronoun |
| Questo telefono è moderno. | This phone is modern. | Adjective |
| Questo è il mio nuovo telefono. | This is my new phone. | Pronoun |
| Questo posto è bellissimo. | This place is beautiful. | Adjective |
| Questo è il posto più bello che abbia mai visto. | This is the most beautiful place I have ever seen. | Pronoun |
The table above showcases the versatility of “questo” in Italian. Whether you are describing a physical object like a table or expressing a more abstract concept like a problem, “questo” allows you to point out a specific masculine singular noun.
Questa Examples
The following table provides examples of questa used in various contexts, illustrating its role as both an adjective and a pronoun.
| Sentence | Translation | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Questa sedia è comoda. | This chair is comfortable. | Adjective |
| Questa è la mia sedia. | This is my chair. | Pronoun |
| Questa canzone è bellissima. | This song is beautiful. | Adjective |
| Questa è la mia canzone preferita. | This is my favorite song. | Pronoun |
| Questa casa è molto grande. | This house is very big. | Adjective |
| Questa è la mia casa. | This is my house. | Pronoun |
| Questa macchina è veloce. | This car is fast. | Adjective |
| Questa è la macchina di mio padre. | This is my father’s car. | Pronoun |
| Questa domanda è difficile. | This question is difficult. | Adjective |
| Questa è una domanda difficile. | This is a difficult question. | Pronoun |
| Questa città è affascinante. | This city is fascinating. | Adjective |
| Questa è la città dove sono nato. | This is the city where I was born. | Pronoun |
| Questa idea è geniale. | This idea is brilliant. | Adjective |
| Questa è un’idea geniale. | This is a brilliant idea. | Pronoun |
| Questa pizza è deliziosa. | This pizza is delicious. | Adjective |
| Questa è la pizza migliore del ristorante. | This is the best pizza in the restaurant. | Pronoun |
| Questa penna scrive bene. | This pen writes well. | Adjective |
| Questa è la mia penna preferita. | This is my favorite pen. | Pronoun |
| Questa lezione è utile. | This lesson is useful. | Adjective |
| Questa è una lezione utile. | This is a useful lesson. | Pronoun |
| Questa borsa è elegante. | This bag is elegant. | Adjective |
| Questa è la borsa che ho comprato ieri. | This is the bag I bought yesterday. | Pronoun |
| Questa storia è interessante. | This story is interesting. | Adjective |
| Questa è la storia che ti volevo raccontare. | This is the story I wanted to tell you. | Pronoun |
| Questa opportunità è unica. | This opportunity is unique. | Adjective |
| Questa è un’opportunità unica. | This is a unique opportunity. | Pronoun |
The examples in the table above illustrate the use of “questa” to refer to feminine singular nouns. From describing a house to talking about an idea, “questa” allows you to specify a particular feminine noun.
Questi Examples
The following table provides examples of questi used in various contexts, illustrating its role as both an adjective and a pronoun.
| Sentence | Translation | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Questi libri sono miei. | These books are mine. | Adjective |
| Questi sono miei. | These are mine. | Pronoun |
| Questi ragazzi sono simpatici. | These boys are nice. | Adjective |
| Questi sono simpatici. | These are nice. | Pronoun |
| Questi alberi sono alti. | These trees are tall. | Adjective |
| Questi sono molto alti. | These are very tall. | Pronoun |
| Questi computer sono nuovi. | These computers are new. | Adjective |
| Questi sono nuovi. | These are new. | Pronoun |
| Questi problemi sono difficili. | These problems are difficult. | Adjective |
| Questi sono difficili da risolvere. | These are difficult to solve. | Pronoun |
| Questi treni sono in ritardo. | These trains are late. | Adjective |
| Questi sono in ritardo. | These are late. | Pronoun |
| Questi vini sono deliziosi. | These wines are delicious. | Adjective |
| Questi sono i migliori vini. | These are the best wines. | Pronoun |
| Questi regali sono per te. | These gifts are for you. | Adjective |
| Questi sono i regali per te. | These are the gifts for you. | Pronoun |
| Questi orologi sono costosi. | These watches are expensive. | Adjective |
| Questi sono gli orologi di mio padre. | These are my father’s watches. | Pronoun |
| Questi telefoni sono moderni. | These phones are modern. | Adjective |
| Questi sono i miei nuovi telefoni. | These are my new phones. | Pronoun |
| Questi posti sono bellissimi. | These places are beautiful. | Adjective |
| Questi sono i posti più belli che abbia mai visto. | These are the most beautiful places I have ever seen. | Pronoun |
| Questi fiori sono profumati. | These flowers are fragrant. | Adjective |
| Questi sono i fiori del mio giardino. | These are the flowers from my garden. | Pronoun |
| Questi biscotti sono squisiti. | These cookies are delicious. | Adjective |
| Questi sono i biscotti che ha fatto mia nonna. | These are the cookies my grandmother made. | Pronoun |
The table above illustrates the use of “questi” to refer to masculine plural nouns. Whether you’re describing books, boys, or computers, “questi” helps you specify multiple masculine nouns.
Queste Examples
The following table provides examples of queste used in various contexts, illustrating its role as both an adjective and a pronoun.
| Sentence | Translation | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Queste sedie sono comode. | These chairs are comfortable. | Adjective |
| Queste sono le mie sedie. | These are my chairs. | Pronoun |
| Queste canzoni sono bellissime. | These songs are beautiful. | Adjective |
| Queste sono le mie canzoni preferite. | These are my favorite songs. | Pronoun |
| Queste case sono molto grandi. | These houses are very big. | Adjective |
| Queste sono le mie case. | These are my houses. | Pronoun |
| Queste macchine sono veloci. | These cars are fast. | Adjective |
| Queste sono le macchine di mio padre. | These are my father’s cars. | Pronoun |
| Queste domande sono difficili. | These questions are difficult. | Adjective |
| Queste sono domande difficili. | These are difficult questions. | Pronoun |
| Queste città sono affascinanti. | These cities are fascinating. | Adjective |
| Queste sono le città dove sono nato. | These are the cities where I was born. | Pronoun |
| Queste idee sono geniali. | These ideas are brilliant. | Adjective |
| Queste sono idee geniali. | These are brilliant ideas. | Pronoun |
| Queste pizze sono deliziose. | These pizzas are delicious. | Adjective |
| Queste sono le pizze migliori del ristorante. | These are the best pizzas in the restaurant. | Pronoun |
| Queste penne scrivono bene. | These pens write well. | Adjective |
| Queste sono le mie penne preferite. | These are my favorite pens. | Pronoun |
| Queste lezioni sono utili. | These lessons are useful. | Adjective |
| Queste sono lezioni utili. | These are useful lessons. | Pronoun |
| Queste borse sono eleganti. | These bags are elegant. | Adjective |
| Queste sono le borse che ho comprato ieri. | These are the bags I bought yesterday. | Pronoun |
| Queste storie sono interessanti. | These stories are interesting. | Adjective |
| Queste sono le storie che ti volevo raccontare. | These are the stories I wanted to tell you. | Pronoun |
| Queste opportunità sono uniche. | These opportunities are unique. | Adjective |
| Queste sono opportunità uniche. | These are unique opportunities. | Pronoun |
The table above demonstrates the use of “queste” to refer to feminine plural nouns. Whether you’re describing chairs, songs, or cities, “queste” helps you specify multiple feminine nouns with ease.
Usage Rules
Using “this” correctly in Italian involves understanding several key rules. These rules govern agreement, position, and special cases.
Let’s explore each of these in detail.
Agreement with Nouns
The most critical rule is that demonstrative adjectives and pronouns must agree in gender and number with the nouns they refer to. This means that if you are referring to a masculine singular noun, you must use questo. If you are referring to a feminine plural noun, you must use queste. Failure to agree can lead to confusion and grammatical errors.
For example:
- Correct: Questo libro è interessante. (This book is interesting.)
- Incorrect: Questa libro è interessante. (This book is interesting.)
- Correct: Queste case sono grandi. (These houses are big.)
- Incorrect: Questi case sono grandi. (These houses are big.)
Position in the Sentence
As a demonstrative adjective, “questo,” “questa,” “questi,” and “queste” always precede the noun they modify. The order is usually: demonstrative adjective + noun.
For example:
- Questo tavolo (This table)
- Questa sedia (This chair)
- Questi libri (These books)
- Queste case (These houses)
As a demonstrative pronoun, it replaces the noun and stands alone in the sentence.
For example:
- Questo è mio. (This is mine.)
- Questa è la mia. (This is mine.)
- Questi sono i miei. (These are mine.)
- Queste sono le mie. (These are mine.)
Exceptions and Special Cases
While the rules for agreement and position are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions and special cases to be aware of. One common situation involves the use of elision.
Elision: When questa or questo comes before a word that begins with a vowel, it is common to drop the final vowel and add an apostrophe. For example:
- Quest’uomo (This man) – instead of Questo uomo
- Quest’isola (This island) – instead of Questa isola
However, this is not always necessary, and in modern Italian, it’s becoming less common, especially in formal writing. The elision is more frequently used in spoken language to ease pronunciation.
Common Mistakes
Even experienced learners of Italian can make mistakes when using “this.” Here are some common errors to avoid:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Questa libro è interessante. | Questo libro è interessante. | “Libro” is masculine, so “questo” should be used. |
| Questi casa è grande. | Questa casa è grande. | “Casa” is singular, so “questa” should be used. |
| Questo tavoli sono di legno. | Questi tavoli sono di legno. | “Tavoli” is plural, so “questi” should be used. |
| Queste ragazzo è mio fratello. | Questo ragazzo è mio fratello. | “Ragazzo” is masculine and singular, so “questo” should be used. |
| Questi macchina è nuova. | Questa macchina è nuova. | “Macchina” is feminine and singular, so “questa” should be used. |
| Questa libri sono interessanti. | Questi libri sono interessanti. | “Libri” is masculine and plural, so “questi” should be used. |
| Questi sedia è comoda. | Questa sedia è comoda. | “Sedia” is feminine and singular, so “questa” should be used. |
| Queste canzone è bellissima. | Questa canzone è bellissima. | “Canzone” is feminine and singular, so “questa” should be used. |
| Questo case sono molto grandi. | Queste case sono molto grandi. | “Case” is feminine and plural, so “queste” should be used. |
| Questi macchina sono veloci. | Queste macchine sono veloci. | “Macchine” is feminine and plural, so “queste” should be used. |
By being aware of these common mistakes, you can improve the accuracy of your Italian and avoid potential misunderstandings.
Practice Exercises
To test your understanding of “this” in Italian, complete the following exercises. These exercises will help you reinforce the rules and usage patterns discussed in this article.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “this” (questo, questa, questi, queste).
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. ______ è il mio libro. | Questo |
| 2. ______ casa è molto bella. | Questa |
| 3. ______ libri sono interessanti. | Questi |
| 4. ______ sedie sono comode. | Queste |
| 5. ______ ragazzo è mio amico. | Questo |
| 6. ______ macchina è nuova. | Questa |
| 7. ______ alberi sono alti. | Questi |
| 8. ______ città sono affascinanti. | Queste |
| 9. ______ problema è difficile. | Questo |
| 10. ______ penne scrivono bene. | Queste |
Exercise 2: Translation
Translate the following sentences into Italian using the correct form of “this.”
| English | Italian | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. This is my car. | Questa è la mia macchina. | |
| 2. These are my friends. | Questi sono i miei amici. | |
| 3. | This is my new phone. | Questo è il mio nuovo telefono. |
| 4. These are my favorite songs. | Queste sono le mie canzoni preferite. | |
| 5. This book is very interesting. | Questo libro è molto interessante. | |
| 6. These houses are very big. | Queste case sono molto grandi. | |
| 7. This chair is comfortable. | Questa sedia è comoda. | |
| 8. These gifts are for you. | Questi regali sono per te. | |
| 9. This city is beautiful. | Questa città è bellissima. | |
| 10. These cookies are delicious. | Questi biscotti sono deliziosi. |
Exercise 3: Error Correction
Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.
| Incorrect Sentence | Corrected Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Questi casa è grande. | Questa casa è grande. | “Casa” is singular and feminine, so “questa” should be used. |
| 2. Questa libro è interessante. | Questo libro è interessante. | “Libro” is singular and masculine, so “questo” should be used. |
| 3. Questo sedie sono comode. | Queste sedie sono comode. | “Sedie” is plural and feminine, so “queste” should be used. |
| 4. Queste ragazzo è simpatico. | Questo ragazzo è simpatico. | “Ragazzo” is singular and masculine, so “questo” should be used. |
| 5. Questi macchina è veloce. | Questa macchina è veloce. | “Macchina” is singular and feminine, so “questa” should be used. |
| 6. Questa libri sono miei. | Questi libri sono miei. | “Libri” is plural and masculine, so “questi” should be used. |
| 7. Questo canzone è bellissima. | Questa canzone è bellissima. | “Canzone” is singular and feminine, so “questa” should be used. |
| 8. Queste alberi sono alti. | Questi alberi sono alti. | “Alberi” is plural and masculine, so “questi” should be used. |
| 9. Questo città è affascinante. | Questa città è affascinante. | “Città” is singular and feminine, so “questa” should be used. |
| 10. Questi penne scrivono bene. | Queste penne scrivono bene. | “Penne” is plural and feminine, so “queste” should be used. |
Advanced Topics
Beyond the basics, there are more nuanced aspects of using “this” in Italian. Let’s explore some advanced topics that can further refine your understanding.
“Questo” vs. “Codesto”
In addition to “questo,” Italian also has “codesto,” which refers to something near the person being addressed. However, “codesto” is rarely used in modern Italian, especially in everyday conversation. It is more common in central and southern Italy and is often replaced by “questo.”
Traditionally:
- Questo: Refers to something near the speaker.
- Codesto: Refers to something near the person being addressed.
- Quello: Refers to something far from both the speaker and the person being addressed.
In modern usage, “questo” is generally used for both near the speaker and near the listener, simplifying the usage of demonstratives. However, it’s useful to recognize “codesto” when you encounter it in older texts or specific regional dialects.
Figurative Usage
Like many words, “this” can also be used figuratively in Italian. It can refer to a concept, idea, or situation, rather than a physical object.
For example:
- Questo è un problema. (This is a problem.) – Referring to a situation.
- Questa è un’opportunità da non perdere. (This is an opportunity not to be missed.) – Referring to a chance.
- Questi sono tempi difficili. (These are difficult times.) – Referring to a period of time.
Understanding the figurative usage of “this” can add depth to your comprehension and expression in Italian.
FAQ
When should I use “questo” instead of “questa”?
Use “questo” when referring to a masculine singular noun and “questa” when referring to a feminine singular noun. The gender of the noun determines which form of “this” you should use.
Is it wrong to use “questo” for everything?
While it might be understood, using “questo” for everything is grammatically incorrect and can lead to confusion. Always ensure that the demonstrative adjective or pronoun agrees in gender and number with the noun it refers to.
How can I remember which form to use?
Practice using “questo,” “questa,” “questi,” and “queste” in sentences regularly. Pay attention to the gender and number of the nouns you are referring to, and quiz yourself frequently to reinforce your knowledge.
Is “codesto” still used in Italian?
“Codesto” is rarely used in modern Italian, especially in everyday conversation. It is more common in central and southern Italy and is often replaced by “questo.” While it’s good to recognize it, focus on mastering “questo,” “questa,” “questi,” and “queste.”
Can “questo” be used to refer to people?
Yes, “questo,” “questa,” “questi,” and “queste” can be used to refer to people, as long as you ensure that the gender and number agree. For example, “Questo ragazzo è mio fratello” (This boy is my brother) and “Queste ragazze sono mie amiche” (These girls are my friends).
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “this” in Italian is a significant step towards achieving fluency and accuracy in the language. By understanding the different forms—questo, questa, questi, and queste—and their respective usage rules, you can effectively communicate and express yourself in various contexts. Remember to focus on agreement with nouns, correct positioning in sentences, and awareness of exceptions, such as elision. With consistent practice and attention to detail, you’ll be able to confidently and accurately use “this” in Italian, enhancing your overall language proficiency.