How to Say Is in Italian - Master the Verb È
Updated for 2026, the word “is” in English translates to è in Italian. Pronounced [ɛ] in IPA notation, this versatile verb is crucial for describing states and relationships.
This article delves into how to use 'è' with different tenses, common phrases using 'is', its various applications in everyday conversation, and the negative form of 'è'. Mastering the usage of 'è' is essential for anyone learning Italian. Additionally, understanding how it works can significantly enhance your communication skills.
If you’re interested in learning other frequently used Italian words, check out the Italian Frequency Dictionary series. These books contain 10,000 of the most common Italian words listed by frequency.
2,500 most common Italian words with IPA pronunciation & bilingual example sentences
Describing People and Their States
The verb è is used to describe people in various contexts. For instance:
- Lui è alto. – He is tall.
- Giovanni è innamorato di me. – John is in love with me.
- Marco è felice qui. – Mark is happy here.
The phrase Lui è mio ragazzo. (He’s my boyfriend) and Lei è mia amica. (She is my friend) are also commonly used to describe relationships.
Negative Form of 'è'
Want to improve your Italian?
The Italian Frequency Dictionary series covers the 10,000 most common Italian words — ranked by how often native speakers actually use them, with IPA pronunciation, English translations, and bilingual example sentences at every level.
Browse all 4 volumes →To express negation, use the verb 'non' before 'è'. For example:
- Lui non è alto. – He is not tall.
- Giovanni non è innamorato di me. – John is not in love with me.
Usage of 'è' with Possessive Adjectives
The verb 'è' can be used with possessive adjectives to describe ownership or relationships:
- Lui è mio ragazzo. - He’s my boyfriend.
- Lei è mia amica. - She is my friend.
Describing Things and Their States
The verb è can also be used to describe the state of objects:
- Questo vino è buono. - This wine is good.
- Hanno buon vino e cibo. - They have good food and wine.
Common Phrases Using 'Is'
The verb è can be used in many common phrases, such as:
- Dov'è Roma? - Where is Rome?
- Dov’è il bagno? - Where is the toilet?
How to Say “What Is” in Italian
The phrase Qual è il tuo numero di telefono? (What’s your telephone number?) is essential when you need someone's contact information.
A more polite way to ask for a phone number would be: Posso ottenere il tuo numero di telefono?Common Mistakes When Using 'è'
The fastest way to grow your Italian vocabulary is to start with the words you'll actually encounter every day. The Italian Frequency Dictionary covers the 2,500 most common Italian words, each with IPA pronunciation, an English translation, and bilingual example sentences. Browse the full range of Italian frequency dictionaries to find the volume that matches your level.
Build Your Italian Vocabulary Systematically