italiano

Italian

adjective noun ee-tah-LYAH-noh Common

Usage Note

Italiano functions as both adjective (la cocina italiana) and noun for a person (un italiano) or the language (habla italiano). Like all nationality adjectives in Spanish, it is not capitalized. The feminine form is italiana. Note that when used as a noun referring to the language, no article is needed after hablar: habla italiano, not habla el italiano.

Examples

"Mi vecino es italiano y habla tres idiomas."

Natural Translation

My neighbor is Italian and speaks three languages.

Related Words

Explore Spanish by topic

SpanishNow

The Spanish Cheek Kiss: Greeting Etiquette by Country

Two kisses in Spain, one in most of Latin America. Master the Spanish cheek kiss greeting — which cheek first, the air-kiss mechanics, and when to shake hands.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

How to Memorize Spanish Vocabulary Fast (That Sticks)

Memorize Spanish vocabulary fast with a 15-minute daily loop: spaced repetition, frequency-first words, and example-sentence cards that actually stick.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

How to Introduce Yourself in Spanish: 12 Real Phrases

Introduce yourself in Spanish with 12 ready-to-speak phrases — name, origin, age, and job — in both tú and usted, with the verb traps that trip up beginners.

June 9, 2026 5 min read

SpanishNow

How to Say "You" in Spanish: Tú, Usted, Vos & Vosotros

Spanish has five words for "you": tú, usted, vos, vosotros, and ustedes. Learn which to use by who you're talking to and where — plus the verb endings.

June 3, 2026 6 min read