Italian indefinite articles (un, uno, una)
Exercises
Lesson Outline
HideItalian indefinite articles chart (a/an)
Italian indefinite articles (Gli articoli indeterminativi) are used to indicate:
- an element mentioned for the first time
- something mentioned as unit of a class or a group.
| Masculine | Feminine |
|---|---|
Uno psicologo (A psychologist) |
Una psicologa (A psychologist) |
| Un computer (A computer) | Un'emozione (An emotion) |
The plural form of indefinite articles doesn't exist: partitive articles are used instead.
Masculine indefinite articles (uno, un)
The article depends on the initial letter of the word it refers to:
| Article | Rule |
|---|---|
| Uno | + gn, sp, st, ps, pn, z, x, y, s + consonant |
| Un | + all other consonant and vowels |
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| Uno studio | A study |
| Uno psicologo | A psychologist |
| Uno gnomo | A gnome |
| Un universo | A universe |
| Un gatto | A cat |
| Un uomo | A man |
Feminine indefinite articles (una, un')
The articles varies basing on the initial letter of the word it precedes:
| Article | Rule |
|---|---|
| Una | + any consonant |
| Un' | + any vowel |
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| Una macchina | A car |
| Una zia | An aunt |
| Una porta | A door |
| Un'amica | A girl friend |
| Un'aquila | An eagle |
| Un'amante | A lover |
Difference between Italian indefinite articles Un and Un'
It's important to keep in mind the difference between un and un'.
| UN | masculine indefinite article - without apostrophe | + any vowel |
|---|---|---|
| UN' | feminine indefinite article - with apostrophe | + any vowel |
| Un (masculine) | Un' (feminine) |
|---|---|
| Un insegnante (a male teacher) | Un'insegnante (a female teacher) |
| Un artista (a male artist) | Un'artista (a female artist) |
The apostrophe never precedes masculine nouns.
Italian indefinite articles in time expressions (once, ago, ...)
Indefinite articles could also be used to form some useful time expressions.
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| Un'ora fa | One hour ago |
| Un giorno | Some day |
| C'era una volta | Once upon a time |
Practise with a private teacher on Skype!
- Private Skype lessons
- Learn any topic
- Flexible appointments
Italian teacher and translator
I teach: Italian
Hello EverybodyMy name is Luisa and I teach Italian for foreign students, English, French and German for Italian students Since... 1994, I have dedicated myself to translating and teaching thanks to my travels, abroad studies, foreign reading and writing. I provide fun and customized lessons based on the student's goals. I also triy to minimize English speaking during the lessons. I give homework exercises, and my lessons are intermixed with grammar, conversation, customs and traditions. My goal is to make certain that each student finds learning Italian exciting.I am available for any explanations also via e mail Read more
Italian and German as a foreign language
I teach: German, Italian
Hi! I am Donatella, I'm Italian and I have been living in Vienna since 2009. I teach Italian and German as a foreign language. I really... like teaching and I enjoy it! Every day I have the great chance to work together with people with different ages, backgroung and learning goals. Thanks to my job I can broaden and deepen my knowledge and skills and of course meet people from all over the world.Foreign languages represent my first interest, as a learner too. After having experienced a distance learning course I find the e-learning a personal, specific and practical method to learn, improve or polish up a foreign language! I would be glad to hear from you! Read more
Italian class and cils exam preparation with Alessia
I teach: Italian
Hello guys I am Alessia, I am Italian and I am an italian teacher for foreigners, since 2012. I love my work and that is why I prefer to say... that I am a linguistic and cultural ambassador and not just a teacher. I have lots of experience with young people as well as with adults of all levels (from the basic to the superior level (initial, intermediate, advanced and superior: C2). Classes are generally OTO (one to one) and focus on the conversation and the needs of the students. I usually teach online and in presence because I also work in a language school. Read more
