Definite articles in Italian — Italian grammar A1

Definite articles

In Italian, a definite article almost always stands in front of the noun: a small word that must be chosen carefully. It has as many as six forms: il, lo, la, i, gli, le. The choice is not random: it depends on gender, number AND the first letter of the next word. On this sheet we break it down step by step: when «il» and when «lo», when «gli» and when «i», and what to do when the next word starts with a vowel (l’amico). Golden rule: ALWAYS learn a noun with its article (not «libro», but «il libro»).

‹ Italian grammar

Level: A1 · 18 min of study

Guarda questa frase: «Dov’è la chiave? È sul tavolo, vicino allo zaino e agli occhiali.» Hai notato? Davanti a «chiave» c’è la, davanti a «tavolo» c’è il, davanti a «zaino» c’è lo, davanti a «occhiali» c’è gli. Sempre un articolo — ma cambia forma. Perché?

A che cosa serve l’articolo determinativo?

First look at the examples (the article is in BOLD) and try to guess the rule yourself. The definite article (il, la, lo...) is used when we talk about something SPECIFIC and known: a thing pointed out, unique of its kind (il sole — the sun, la luna — the moon) or already mentioned. We also use it when we talk about a WHOLE category in a general sense (Mi piace il caffè — I like coffee in general; Gli italiani parlano molto). In Italian the article is almost obligatory.

Il sole è caldo oggi.
Dov’è la chiave? — È sul tavolo.
Mi piace il caffè.
Gli studenti sono in classe.

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