A guide to saying it like a local

How to Say "Ten" in Italian

Learn 'dieci,' the Italian word for 'ten,' for counting, prices, and more.

dieci

dee-EH-cheeneutral

A single phrase, broken down

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Use 'dieci' when counting items, stating a quantity, or discussing prices. For example, you might say you want 'dieci' apples or that something costs 'dieci' euros.

Alternatives

  • una decinaUse this for 'about ten' or 'a dozen' when the number isn't exact.

Ways to get it wrong

Confusing 'dieci' with 'dieci anni'

Remember that 'dieci' means 'ten' itself; you add 'anni' to specify 'ten years'.

Pronouncing 'ci' like 'k'

The 'ci' in 'dieci' sounds like 'chee' in 'cheese,' not like 'k'.

Frequently asked

How do you say ten in Italian?

The Italian word for ten is 'dieci'. It's pronounced roughly as 'dee-EH-chee'.

When do Italians use the word for ten?

Italians use 'dieci' for counting, stating quantities, or discussing prices, just like in English.

Is 'dieci' formal or informal?

'Dieci' is a standard number word and can be used in both formal and informal situations without issue.