How to Say “Some” in Italian: Partitive Articles Explained

Expressing the English word “some” in Italian requires understanding partitive articles, which combine the preposition di (of) with definite articles to indicate an indefinite quantity. These forms—such as del, della, dello, dell’, dei, degli, and delle—adapt to the gender, number, and initial sound of the noun they accompany. This guide explores their formation, usage rules, practical examples, and alternatives like un po’, qualche, and alcuni/alcune, helping learners navigate shopping, dining, and casual talks confidently.

Understanding Partitive Articles: The Foundation of ‘Some’

Partitive articles in Italian serve to quantify uncountable or plural nouns vaguely, much like “some” or “any” in English. Unlike English, where “some” is invariable, Italian versions fuse di with definite articles (il, la, lo, l’, i, gli, le), creating specific forms based on grammar rules. This structure is crucial for natural speech, especially in requests like ordering food or asking for ingredients.

For instance, when requesting a portion, Italians use these to imply “a bit of” without specifying amount. Mastery avoids common pitfalls, such as using plain di alone, which sounds overly literal or incorrect in context.

Forming Partitive Articles: A Clear Breakdown

The chart below illustrates how di contracts with definite articles:

This fusion ensures smooth pronunciation and grammatical harmony. Note that partitives are omitted in negatives (e.g., Non voglio vino – I don’t want wine), unlike affirmatives.

Key Partitive Forms in Action: Detailed Examples

Masculine Singular: Del, Dello, Dell’

• Del: Use before masculine singular nouns starting with common consonants. Example: Prendo del pane (I’ll take some bread).
• Dello: For words with s+consonant, z, etc. Example: Posso avere dello zucchero? (Can I have some sugar?)
• Dell’: Before vowels. Example: Vorrei dell’ olio (I’d like some oil).

Feminine Singular: Della and Dell’

• Della: Feminine singular with consonants. Example: Metti della musica (Put on some music).
• Dell’: Feminine singular with vowels. Example: Dell’acqua, per favore (Some water, please).

Plural Forms: Dei, Degli, Delle

• Dei: Masculine plural, simple starts. Example: Ho comprato dei libri (I bought some books).
• Degli: Masculine plural with vowels or special sounds. Example: Degli amici vengono (Some friends are coming).
• Delle: Feminine plural. Example: Delle mele, grazie (Some apples, thanks).

These examples highlight adaptability in real scenarios like markets or restaurants.

Beyond Partitives: Alternatives for ‘Some’

While partitives dominate uncountable and mass nouns, other expressions suit countable plurals or vague quantities.

Un Po’ Di: For Small, Indefinite Amounts

Un po’ di (a little bit of) works with uncountables, often interchangeably with partitives but softer. Examples:

• Un po’ di sale (Some salt).
• Bevi un po’ d’acqua (Drink some water).

It’s casual and common in offers or suggestions.

Qualche: Vague ‘Some’ for Countables

Qualche means “some/a few” for countable singular nouns (plural sense), always followed by the noun. Example: Qualche giorno (Some days); Qualche amica (Some friend – fem.). Avoid with uncountables.

Alcuni/Alcuna: Explicit ‘Some/A Few’

Alcuni (masc. pl.) / alcune (fem. pl.) act as pronouns or adjectives for countables. Examples:

• Alcuni studenti arrivano (Some students are arriving).
• Ne ho alcune (I have some – fem.).

Use for clearer plurality versus qualche‘s vagueness.

Practical Scenarios: Using ‘Some’ in Everyday Italian

At the Restaurant or Market

Dining demands precision: Vorrei del vino rosso (I’d like some red wine); Delle patatine? (Some fries?). Servers might suggest Degli asparagi (Some asparagus).

Shopping and Cooking

• Dello zucchero per la torta (Some sugar for the cake).
• Della farina (Some flour).

Casual Conversations

Esco con degli amici (I’m going out with some friends); Qualche idea? (Some ideas?).

Common Mistakes and Pro Tips

• Mistake: Using partitives in negatives—correct: Non c’è del pane? No, non ne voglio (No bread? No, I don’t want any).
• Tip: For emphasis, add un po’ di after partitives: Del pane, un po’ di formaggio.
• Practice with gender: Nouns dictate form—vino (masc.) uses del, acqua (fem.) dell’.

Listen to native dialogues; partitives appear frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the difference between partitive articles and ‘un po’ di’?

Partitives (del, etc.) are standard for quantities; un po’ di specifies “a little,” ideal for small amounts or politeness.

When do I use ‘qualche’ vs. ‘alcuni’?

Qualche is vaguer, with singular nouns; alcuni/e is more definite, plural, and pronominal.

Do partitives change in questions?

No, same forms: Vuoi della pizza? (Want some pizza?).

Can I omit partitives entirely?

Yes in negatives or informals, but include for affirmatives to sound natural.

How do vowels affect partitive choice?

They trigger dell’ (singular) or degli (masc. pl.) for elision.

Written by

Medha Deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. Medha specializes in the areas of beauty, health, sports, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is…