Meaning
about, approximately
In a sentence
Ci vediamo tra circa dieci minuti.
See you in about ten minutes.
Hai speso circa venti euro oggi?
Did you spend about twenty euros today?
Sono arrivati circa alle otto di sera.
They arrived at about eight in the evening.
Usage notes
- Use 'circa' for numbers, times, or ages—never for vague quantities like 'some' or 'a few'.
- More formal than 'più o meno' or 'all’incirca'; avoid in casual speech unless precise.
- No contraction or agreement; always stands alone before the number or time.