Italian has six subject pronouns covering three persons (1st, 2nd, 3rd) in singular and plural. Because the verb ending tells you who's doing the action, the pronoun is often omitted — use it mainly for emphasis or contrast.
The six subject pronouns
io (I), tu (you sing.), lui / lei (he / she), noi (we), voi (you pl.), loro (they).
- Io parlo italiano.I speak Italian.
- Tu hai ragione.You are right.
- Lei abita a Roma.She lives in Rome.
- Noi siamo amici.We are friends.
Formal 'you' — Lei
To address someone formally (a stranger, elder, professional context), use Lei (capitalized) with the she/he verb form — even for a man.
- Lei è italiano?Are you Italian? (formal)
- Come sta, signora?How are you, ma'am?
Pronoun drop
Italian is a pro-drop language — you can and usually do omit the pronoun. The verb ending makes the subject clear. Include the pronoun for emphasis, contrast, or clarity.
- Parlo italiano.I speak Italian.
- Io parlo italiano, lui no.I speak Italian, he doesn't.
Subject pronouns
| Person | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | io (I) | noi (we) |
| 2nd informal | tu (you) | voi (you all) |
| 3rd | lui / lei (he / she) | loro (they) |
| 2nd formal | Lei (you) | Loro / voi (you all) |