A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "At noon" in Italian
Learn how to say 'at noon' in Italian to accurately schedule meetings, lunch plans, or appointments during your trip to Italy.
A mezzogiorno.
ah med-dzoh-JOR-nohneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this when someone asks what time you want to meet for lunch or when an event is scheduled to begin. It is the standard way to pinpoint the exact middle of the day in any social or professional setting.
Alternatives
- Alle dodiciMore common when referring to the clock time specifically.
- Verso mezzogiornoUse this if you mean 'around noon' rather than exactly at twelve.
Ways to get it wrong
Adding an article
Do not say 'al mezzogiorno'; the preposition 'a' merges with the word directly without an article.
Mispronouncing the 'zz'
The 'zz' should sound like a buzzing 'dz' sound, not a sharp 'ts' sound.
A small cultural note
In Italy, lunch is traditionally eaten between 12:30 and 1:30 PM, so 'mezzogiorno' is often the starting point for the midday break.
Frequently asked
How do I say at noon sharp?
You can add the word 'preciso' at the end of the phrase. Say 'A mezzogiorno preciso' to emphasize that you will be there exactly on time.
Is mezzogiorno the same as midnight?
No, midnight is 'mezzanotte'. They are opposites, with 'giorno' meaning day and 'notte' meaning night.
Do Italians use the 24-hour clock?
Yes, Italians frequently use the 24-hour clock for train schedules and official business. However, in casual conversation, 'mezzogiorno' is used universally.
