9 It may be useful to compare the use of the definite and indefinite article in
table form:
Use of the articles
10 The use of the articles is often the same in Italian as in English, but there
are cases (mostly concerning the definite article) where the two languages
differ. Here are the most common instances:
- In Italian, the definite article is used before a noun used in a general
sense: - Italian uses the definite article before a title followed by a surname,
except when addressing the person directly:
- Note that some masculine titles, notably Signore, Professore and Dottore,
drop the final vowel when used before the name of the person, becoming
Signor, Professor, Dottor, etc.
- The Italian definite article is always used with years, e.g. il 1990, il 2000.
- The definite article is normally used in Italian with names of countries
and regions, e.g. l’Inghilterra (England), la Toscana (Tuscany), il Porto-
gallo (Portugal), l’Europa (Europe). But the rule may be different when
using a preposition, e.g. in Italia (in Italy) (see Unit 8, paragraph 14).
Masculine
un is used when il and l’ are used
uno is used when lo is usedFeminine
un’ is used when l’ is used
una is used when la is usedAmo la musica rock/le vacanze.
La musica rock è popolare.
Le vacanze sono sempre troppo corte.
Il tempo vola.
Le auto inquinano l’ambiente.
La disoccupazione è diffusa.I love rock music/holidays.
Rock music is popular.
Holidays are always too short.
Time flies.
Cars pollute the environment.
Unemployment is widespread.La Signora Urbani è gentile.
La Dottoressa Vanni non c’è.
Il Dottor* Marchi è occupato.
Buongiorno, Signor* Carli!
Buongiorno, Dottore.
Scusi, Signore.Mrs/Ms Urbani is kind.
Doctor Vanni isn’t here.
Doctor Marchi is busy.
Good morning, Mr Carli!
Good morning, Doctor.
Excuse me(, Sir).