uno
Lemma: uno
Translation: one; a; an (numeral)
Etymology: From Latin 'ūnus' meaning 'one'. This is related to English 'one' through Proto-Indo-European *óynos. The Italian 'uno' serves both as the number one and as the indefinite article (a/an) in Italian, similar to how 'ein' functions in German.
Example Usage
Ho comprato uno zaino.
I bought a backpack.
Dammi solo uno dei tuoi biscotti.
Give me just one of your cookies.
Un uomo è entrato nel negozio.
A man entered the shop.
Una donna parla con il dottore.
A woman is talking to the doctor.
Ho un'amica che vive a Roma.
I have a friend (female) who lives in Rome.
Mnemonics
- Think of the Spanish 'uno' which is identical and means the same thing
- Remember that 'uno' is like English 'one' with an Italian ending
- For the article usage, think of 'uno' as the Italian version of English 'a one'
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In Italian, 'uno' changes form based on the gender and initial sound of the following noun. It becomes 'un' before masculine nouns starting with a consonant, remains 'uno' before masculine nouns starting with z, s+consonant, gn, ps, or pn, becomes 'una' before feminine nouns starting with a consonant, and 'un'' before feminine nouns starting with a vowel.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Uno' is the cardinal number (1), while 'primo' is the ordinal number (1st)
Confused word:
È il primo giorno di scuola.
It's the first day of school.
Notes: When counting, use 'uno'; when indicating order or sequence, use 'primo'
Mnemonic: 'Primo' ends with 'o' like 'first-o', while 'uno' is just the number
Explanation: 'Uno' means 'one' or 'a/an', while 'unico' means 'unique' or 'only'
This word:
Ho uno fratello.
I have one brother.
Confused word:
È il mio unico fratello.
He is my only brother.
Notes: 'Unico' emphasizes uniqueness or exclusivity, while 'uno' is simply a number or article
Mnemonic: 'Unico' sounds like 'unique' which is what it means