ILGUR: Italian Language, Grammar and Usage Resource

The definite article, while in English is often omitted, is rarely in Italian. Here are some additional rules (see back post for more information) and guidelines for the definite article (l’articolo definito):

1. Use the definite article before a specific person or object that is known to the speaker in both the singular and the plural:
   I cani abbaiano sempre.
   The dogs always bark.
   
   La mela è rossa.
   The apple is red.
2. In English, the definite article is often omitted when discussing abstract nouns or nouns describing categories or types:Patience is a virtue.
   Countries in Africa are poor.
   Love is blind.
   Dogs are friendlier than cats.

   In these English examples, the definite article is not used. But in Italian, they must be used:

   La pazienza è una virtù.
   I paesi nell’Africa sono poveri.
   L’amore è cieco.
   I cani sono più amichevoli dei gatti.

3. The definite article is used when talking about specific people with titles (signora, signor, dottor, dottore, ecc.):Il professore Johnson è molto intelligente.
   Professor Johnson is very intelligent.

   La signora Smith è simpatica.
   Mrs. Smith is nice.

   Il dottor Rinaldi va in ufficio.
   Dr. Rinaldi is going to the office.

4. Use the definite article before parts of the body:Lei ha il grande naso.
   She has a big nose.

   My eyes hurt.
   Mi fa male gli occhi.

5. Use the definite article for personal possessions.
6. The definite article is also used before geographical names.
7. Using the definite article before the days of the week indicates a repeat or habitual action.
8. Use the definite article before languages, although the definite article is often omitted with the verbs, parlare, insegnare and studiare. The definite article is also omitted with the the preposition, in + language: in tedesco, in spagnolo, ecc.
9. The definite article is used to indicate specific days of the month:Lo spettacolo comincia il 8 novembre.
   The show begins November 8th.
10. The definite article is used with countries, provinces, mountains, rivers, etc.
11. The definite article is used before possessive adjectives (exception: with family members in the singular, the definite article is not used):
12. The definite article is used when telling time (see post on Telling Time for execeptions).

In the following situations, the definite article is not used:

1. When addressing people directly:’Signor Rossi, ha dimenticato il Suo passaporto?’ disse l’albergatore.
   ‘Mr. Rossi, you forget your passport?’ said the hotelier.
2. Before unmodified (that is, no adjectives are being used) names of cities and small islands.
3. After essere, diventare and eleggere followed by an unmodified profession.Sono medico.
   I am a doctor.

   Bush è diventato presidente nel 2000 e 2004.
   Bush became president in 2000 and 2004.

   BUT…

   Faccio l’avvocato.
   I am a lawyer.

   Fa un’attrice.
   She is an actress.

   Remember, fare + profession = I am [profession]
   The definite article must always be used.

4. The definite article is not used before the proper names of people (as in English).

5. The definite article is not used before questo or quello (or its variants).

6. The definite article is not used before numbers (except when they are days of the month):Tre cani corrono in giro.
   Three dogs are running around.