A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Second" in Italian
Italian for 'second', used for ordinal numbers, rankings, and time.
secondo
seh-KON-dohneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use 'secondo' when referring to the second item in a sequence, like the second course at dinner ('il secondo piatto') or the second place in a competition ('il secondo posto'). It's also used for the second minute or second of a time measurement.
Alternatives
- secondaUse when referring to a feminine noun, like 'la seconda volta' (the second time).
- secondo postoSpecifically means 'second place' in a competition or ranking.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'secondo' like English 'second'
Ensure the 'o' at the end is a clear, short 'oh' sound, not a diphthong like in English.
Confusing 'secondo' with 'secondi'
'Secondo' is singular; 'secondi' is plural, used for multiple second items.
A small cultural note
In Italy, the 'secondo piatto' is traditionally the main meat or fish course of a meal, often following the pasta or rice course ('primo piatto').
Frequently asked
How do I say 'the second time' in Italian?
You would say 'la seconda volta'. 'Seconda' is used because 'volta' (time) is a feminine noun.
What's the difference between 'secondo' and 'seconda'?
'Secondo' is used for masculine nouns, and 'seconda' is used for feminine nouns. Both mean 'second'.
How do I say 'I came in second'?
You would say 'Sono arrivato secondo' if you are male, or 'Sono arrivata seconda' if you are female. This uses the specific phrase 'secondo posto' implicitly.
