A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Tonight" in Italian
Use 'stasera' for 'tonight' to talk about plans, events, or the evening ahead in Italy.
stasera
stas-EH-rahneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
This is your go-to for any mention of the current evening. Use it when making plans with friends, discussing dinner, or referring to an event happening tonight.
Alternatives
- questa seraSlightly more formal or emphatic, but 'stasera' is more common.
- stanotteThis means 'tonight' but specifically referring to the *late* night or the time after midnight.
Ways to get it wrong
Stasera vs Stanotte
'Stasera' is for the evening, 'stanotte' is for the late night or after midnight.
Stress on 'stasera'
Make sure to stress the second syllable: sta-SE-ra, not STA-se-ra.
A small cultural note
Italians often make plans for the evening relatively late in the day, so 'stasera' can be used even in the afternoon.
Frequently asked
When do Italians say stasera?
Italians use 'stasera' to refer to the current evening, from sunset until midnight. It's used for making plans or discussing evening events.
What's the difference between stasera and stanotte?
'Stasera' covers the entire evening period. 'Stanotte' specifically refers to the late hours of the night, after midnight.
Is stasera formal or informal?
'Stasera' is a neutral term suitable for most situations. You can use it with friends, family, or in more formal contexts when discussing evening plans.
What is the Italian word for tonight?
The Italian word for tonight is "stanotte".
How to use the word "tonight" in Italian?
You can use "stanotte" in sentences like "Ci vediamo stanotte" (See you tonight) or "Cosa fai stanotte?" (What are you doing tonight?).
What is the difference between 'stanotte' and 'questa sera'?
'Stanotte' specifically refers to the night, from evening until morning, while 'questa sera' refers to this evening, typically before midnight.
