A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "This is my uncle" in Italian
Learn how to introduce your uncle in Italian with this simple, standard phrase used for family introductions in any social setting.
Lui è mio zio.
LWEE eh MEE-oh DZEE-ohneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this when introducing your uncle to friends or colleagues during a dinner or a casual meeting. It is the perfect way to establish the relationship clearly when you are presenting family members to your Italian hosts.
Alternatives
- Ti presento mio zio.Use this when you want to be more polite and formal.
- Questo è mio zio.Use this when pointing to him in a group setting.
- Lui è lo zio di [Name].Use this if you are clarifying whose uncle he is.
Ways to get it wrong
Adding an article
Do not say 'il mio zio'; in Italian, you drop the definite article when talking about singular family members.
Mispronouncing the Z
The 'z' in 'zio' is a voiced 'dz' sound, like the 'ds' in 'kids', not a buzzing 'z' sound.
A small cultural note
Italians are very family-oriented, so introducing your uncle by name or profession immediately after this phrase is a great way to build rapport.
Frequently asked
Do I need to say the uncle's name after this?
It is very common to follow this phrase with his name, such as 'Lui è mio zio, Marco.' This helps the person you are talking to feel more connected to your family.
Can I use this for my uncle-in-law?
Yes, Italians use the word 'zio' for both blood relatives and uncles by marriage. You do not need to specify the difference unless someone asks for more detail.
How do I say this if I have two uncles?
You would change the phrase to 'Loro sono i miei zii.' This uses the plural form for both the verb and the noun.
