Meaning · adjective
social
In a sentence
La vita sociale è importante.
Social life is important.
È una persona molto sociale.
He is a very social person.
Abbiamo una vita sociale attiva.
We have an active social life.
Word forms (4)
| Word | Word forms |
|---|
| sociale | masculine · singular |
| sociale | feminine · singular |
| sociali | masculine · plural |
| sociali | feminine · plural |
Usage notes
- Use 'sociale' for societal issues (e.g., 'problema sociale'). 'Social' in English often translates to 'social' in Italian, but 'sociale' is more common.
- Avoid confusing 'sociale' (adjective) with 'società' (noun for 'society' or 'company'). 'Sociale' never stands alone as a noun.
- Agrees in gender/number: 'sociale' (m/f singular), 'sociali' (plural). No contractions or irregular forms.
Meaning · noun
social sector, social work
In a sentence
Il sociale qui ha bisogno di più aiuto.
Social issues here need more help.
Lavori ancora nel sociale con i ragazzi?
Do you still work in social work with kids?
L'associazione investe molte risorse nel sociale.
The association invests many resources in the social sector.
Word forms (2)
| Word | Word forms |
|---|
| sociale | masculine · singular |
| sociali | masculine · plural |
Usage notes
- As a noun, sociale is mostly used in fixed expressions like il sociale or nel sociale, not usually alone in everyday speech.
- Do not confuse noun sociale with the adjective sociale: lavoro sociale can mean social work, but problema sociale uses it adjectivally.
- Nel sociale means in the social sector/welfare field, especially in professional or institutional contexts.
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