Days of the Week in Italian
Learning the days of the week in Italian (i giorni della settimana) is essential for making plans, booking trains, or simply chatting about your schedule in Italy. The Italian days are melodic and deeply connected to their Latin roots.
Quick Answer Table
| English | Italian | Pronunciation | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | lunedì | loo-neh-dee | |
| Tuesday | martedì | mahr-teh-dee | |
| Wednesday | mercoledì | mair-coh-leh-dee | |
| Thursday | giovedì | joh-veh-dee | |
| Friday | venerdì | veh-nair-dee | |
| Saturday | sabato | sah-bah-doh | |
| Sunday | domenica | doh-meh-nee-cah |
Pronunciation Guide & Usage
Notice that Monday through Friday all end in -dì with a grave accent. This accent is crucial because it tells you to stress the final syllable. For example, lunedì is pronounced loo-neh-DEE.
In Italian, you do not use a preposition like "on" before the day of the week. To say "I'll see you on Tuesday," you simply say "Ci vediamo martedì." If you want to express a recurring event, like "I go to the gym on Tuesdays," you use the definite article: "Il martedì vado in palestra."
Cultural Notes & Origins
The Italian days of the week are a direct inheritance from the Roman Empire, named after the planets and gods:
- Lunedì: Day of the Moon (Luna).
- Martedì: Day of Mars (Marte).
- Mercoledì: Day of Mercury (Mercurio).
- Giovedì: Day of Jupiter (Giove).
- Venerdì: Day of Venus (Venere).
- Sabato: From the Hebrew Shabbat (Sabbath).
- Domenica: From Latin Dominica, meaning "Day of the Lord".
In Italy, the week officially begins on Monday. The weekend (il fine settimana) is sacred, especially Sunday, which is traditionally reserved for a large family lunch (il pranzo della domenica). If you want to know how many days in a week Italians work, it is typically five, though some shops may close on Monday mornings or Thursday afternoons depending on the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are days of the week capitalized in Italian?
No, days of the week are not capitalized in Italian unless they are at the beginning of a sentence.
Why do Italian days end with an accent?
Monday through Friday end in "dì" (meaning day) with a grave accent, indicating the stress falls on the final syllable.
Are Italian days masculine or feminine?
Monday through Saturday are masculine (il lunedì, il sabato). Sunday (la domenica) is the only feminine day.
How do you say "on Monday" in Italian?
If it is a specific Monday, you just say "lunedì" (e.g., "Lunedì vado a Roma"). If it is every Monday, you use the article "il lunedì".
Related Pages
Days of the Week in French
Learn lundi, mardi, and more.
Days of the Week in Spanish
Discover lunes, martes, and more.
Days of the Week in German
Master Montag, Dienstag, and more.
How Many Days in a Week?
Explore the origins of the 7-day week.