At the A1 level, you should focus on 'stesso' as a way to say 'the same'. It is an adjective, so it changes its ending to match the noun it describes. There are four versions: 'stesso' (masculine singular), 'stessa' (feminine singular), 'stessi' (masculine plural), and 'stesse' (feminine plural). You will mostly use it before a noun. For example, if you and a friend both have a blue car, you can say 'Abbiamo la stessa macchina' (We have the same car). Another important use for beginners is the phrase 'lo stesso', which means 'the same thing' or 'it doesn't matter'. If someone asks if you want tea or coffee and you don't care, you can say 'Per me è lo stesso'. This is a very helpful phrase for daily life. Always remember to use the article (il, lo, la, i, gli, le) before 'stesso' when you are using it as an adjective. You cannot say 'stesso giorno', you must say 'lo stesso giorno'. This level is about building the foundation of identity and simple comparisons.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'stesso' for emphasis. This is when you put the word *after* the noun or pronoun to mean '-self'. For example, 'Io stesso l'ho visto' means 'I myself saw it'. This adds weight to your sentence. You also start using 'stesso' in more complex phrases like 'nello stesso momento' (at the same moment) or 'dallo stesso posto' (from the same place). You should practice the agreement of the plural forms more consistently. For example, 'Gli stessi problemi' (the same problems) or 'Le stesse persone' (the same people). You will also encounter 'lo stesso' used as an adverb meaning 'anyway'. Even if it's raining, you might say 'Esco lo stesso' (I'm going out anyway). This is a crucial step in moving beyond simple descriptions to expressing intentions and reactions to circumstances. You are learning that 'stesso' is not just about objects being identical, but about people taking action themselves.
By B1, you should be comfortable with 'stesso' in all its basic forms and positions. You will now start using it in more idiomatic expressions and comparative structures. For instance, 'essere la stessa cosa' (to be the same thing) or 'fare lo stesso' (to do the same / to not matter). You will also use 'stesso' to link ideas in a narrative. 'Nello stesso tempo, succedeva un'altra cosa...' (At the same time, another thing was happening...). This helps your storytelling become more fluid. You should also be aware of how 'stesso' interacts with prepositions. Instead of just 'lo stesso', you will use 'allo stesso', 'dallo stesso', 'nello stesso', which requires knowledge of combined prepositions. You are also expected to distinguish between 'stesso' and 'simile' more clearly. 'Stesso' is for identity (the very one), while 'simile' is for resemblance. At this level, your use of 'stesso' should feel integrated into your grammar, allowing you to emphasize subjects and compare objects with precision and variety.
At the B2 level, you explore the nuances of 'stesso' in formal and written Italian. You might start seeing its synonym 'medesimo' in literature or news reports. While 'stesso' is perfect for conversation, 'medesimo' adds a touch of sophistication or formal precision. You will also use 'stesso' in more abstract ways, such as 'lo stesso vale per...' (the same goes for...). This is useful for debates and academic discussions. You should be able to use 'stesso' to avoid repeating long phrases, acting as a pronoun. Furthermore, you will encounter 'stesso' in philosophical or psychological contexts, such as 'l'immagine di se stesso' (the image of oneself). The reflexive use becomes more prominent here. You are also expected to handle the plural feminine 'stesse' without hesitation in complex sentences like 'Le stesse conclusioni a cui siamo arrivati l'anno scorso' (The same conclusions we reached last year). Your mastery of 'stesso' now allows you to handle abstract identity and formal comparisons with ease.
At the C1 level, your use of 'stesso' should be indistinguishable from a native speaker's. You understand the subtle rhythmic and stylistic reasons for placing 'stesso' after a noun even when it's not strictly for 'self' emphasis, but for rhetorical effect. You can use it in legal or highly technical contexts where 'il suddetto' (the aforementioned) and 'lo stesso' are used to maintain strict referential identity. You will also master complex idioms like 'tornare sempre allo stesso punto' (to always come back to the same point/issue) or 'non essere più lo stesso' (to no longer be the same person/thing). You can analyze the use of 'stesso' in classical Italian literature, where its placement was sometimes more flexible. Your understanding of the word includes its role in defining the 'io' (the self) in philosophical discourse. You are able to use 'stesso' to create subtle irony or to reinforce a point in a sophisticated argument, moving beyond mere grammar into the realm of style and rhetoric.
At the C2 level, 'stesso' is a tool for total linguistic precision and stylistic flair. You understand its deep historical roots from the Latin 'iste' and 'ipse' and how that informs its modern dual usage of identity and emphasis. You can use 'stesso' in the most formal bureaucratic Italian, where it often replaces pronouns to ensure there is no possible misinterpretation of a subject in a contract or law. You are also aware of regional variations or rare archaic uses that might appear in dialect-influenced literature. You can play with the word's placement to change the focus of a sentence in subtle ways that only a near-native or native speaker would grasp. Whether you are writing a doctoral thesis in Italian or engaging in a high-level diplomatic negotiation, your use of 'stesso' is flawless, nuanced, and perfectly adapted to the register and context. You treat the word not just as a vocabulary item, but as a fundamental building block of Italian logic and identity.

stesso در ۳۰ ثانیه

  • Stesso primarily means 'the same' or 'identical' in Italian.
  • It changes endings to match the noun: stesso, stessa, stessi, stesse.
  • Placed before a noun, it means 'same'; placed after, it means '-self'.
  • The phrase 'lo stesso' is a common way to say 'anyway'.

The Italian word stesso is a versatile powerhouse in the Italian language, functioning primarily as an adjective and a pronoun. At its core, it translates to "same" or "identical" in English, but its utility extends far beyond simple comparison. Understanding stesso requires a grasp of its dual nature: it can denote identity (the very same thing) or emphasis (the person themselves). This distinction is often governed by its position relative to the noun it modifies. When placed before a noun, it typically indicates identity. When placed after a noun or a pronoun, it adds an emphatic layer, similar to the English suffixes -self or -selves.

Identity Usage
When used to mean 'the same', it precedes the noun. For example, 'lo stesso giorno' means 'the same day'. It requires agreement in gender and number with the noun it accompanies: stesso (masculine singular), stessa (feminine singular), stessi (masculine plural), and stesse (feminine plural).

Abbiamo comprato lo stesso vestito per la festa di stasera.

Emphatic Usage
When used for emphasis, it follows the noun or pronoun. 'Il re stesso' translates to 'the king himself'. This usage highlights that the action was performed by the subject specifically, without intermediaries or by surprise.

L'ha detto il direttore stesso durante la riunione.

In everyday conversation, Italians use stesso to find common ground or to express indifference. For instance, 'Per me è lo stesso' (It's the same for me / I don't mind) is a ubiquitous phrase used when making choices, such as picking a restaurant or a movie. It conveys a sense of flexibility and ease. Furthermore, in more formal or philosophical contexts, stesso delves into the concept of the 'self'. Phrases like 'conoscere se stesso' (to know oneself) utilize the word to explore identity and introspection. This multifaceted nature makes it one of the top 100 most useful adjectives for any learner aiming for fluency.

Nonostante la pioggia, siamo usciti lo stesso.

Pronominal Function
As a pronoun, it replaces a noun previously mentioned to avoid repetition while maintaining the link to identity. 'Vuoi questo libro o quello?' 'È lo stesso' (Do you want this book or that one? It's the same/It doesn't matter).

Le due risposte portano allo stesso risultato finale.

Mastering the placement and agreement of stesso is key to sounding natural. Because it is an adjective, it must match the gender and number of the noun it describes. This leads to four primary forms: stesso (m.s.), stessa (f.s.), stessi (m.p.), and stesse (f.p.). However, the meaning shifts subtly based on whether it stands before or after the noun.

Rule 1: Pre-nominal Position (Identity)
When 'stesso' comes before the noun, it means 'the same'. It identifies a specific entity as being identical to another. Example: 'Viviamo nella stessa strada' (We live in the same street).

Abbiamo le stesse idee sulla politica.

Rule 2: Post-nominal/Pronominal Position (Emphasis)
When 'stesso' follows a noun or a personal pronoun, it emphasizes that subject. Example: 'Io stesso non lo sapevo' (I myself didn't know it). This is used to underline the direct involvement or the surprising nature of the subject's action.

La regina stessa ha firmato il documento ufficiale.

A common grammatical pattern involves the use of 'lo stesso' as an adverbial phrase. In this context, it remains masculine singular regardless of the gender of the speaker or the objects discussed. It functions as a synonym for 'comunque' or 'tuttavia' (anyway/nevertheless). For example: 'È tardi, ma vado lo stesso' (It's late, but I'm going anyway). Notice how 'lo stesso' doesn't modify a noun here; it modifies the entire action.

Non ho fame, ma mangerò lo stesso un po' di frutta.

Rule 3: Comparative Structures
When comparing two things, 'stesso' is often followed by 'di' or 'che'. Example: 'Ho fatto lo stesso errore di ieri' (I made the same mistake as yesterday). When followed by a verb, use 'che': 'È lo stesso che abbiamo visto ieri' (It's the same one that we saw yesterday).

Lui indossa gli stessi occhiali di suo padre.

Finally, in plural forms, stessi and stesse are frequently used to group people by common traits. 'Siamo tutti nella stessa barca' (We are all in the same boat) is a common idiomatic expression where 'stessa' provides the foundation for the metaphor of shared destiny. In academic or technical writing, 'stesso' serves to reinforce logical identity between two variables or concepts, ensuring there is no ambiguity about which subject is being referenced.

The word stesso is ubiquitous in Italy, from the bustling streets of Milan to the quiet cafes of Sicily. You will hear it in various registers, from highly formal legal proceedings to the most casual slang. Its frequency makes it a linguistic 'glue' that holds comparisons together. If you are ordering coffee in a bar with a friend, and they order a 'caffè macchiato', you might simply say to the barista, 'Lo stesso per me, grazie' (The same for me, thanks). This is perhaps the most practical use of the word for a traveler.

In the Media
News anchors frequently use 'lo stesso' to link related stories or to indicate that a situation remains unchanged. 'La situazione rimane la stessa' (The situation remains the same) is a standard phrase in reporting on weather, strikes, or political negotiations.

Non importa cosa dicono, io farò di testa mia lo stesso.

In Italian cinema and literature, stesso often takes on a more psychological or existential tone. Think of the famous line from many films where a character realizes they are their own worst enemy: 'Il mio peggior nemico sono io stesso' (My worst enemy is myself). Here, the word provides the necessary weight to the realization of self-identity. It's also found in song lyrics, often used to describe the monotony of life or the consistency of love, such as 'Sei sempre la stessa' (You are always the same [woman]).

Daily Social Interactions
When Italians agree with someone, they might say 'Appunto, è quello che dico io stesso!' (Exactly, it's what I'm saying myself!). It adds a layer of personal validation to the statement. You'll also hear it in frustrations: 'Sempre la stessa storia!' (Always the same story!), used when something repetitive and annoying happens again.

Ci vediamo domani alla stessa ora?

In the workplace, stesso is vital for precision. 'Dobbiamo usare lo stesso fornitore' (We must use the same supplier) or 'Il cliente è lo stesso dell'anno scorso' (The client is the same as last year). It ensures clarity in business operations. Even in the digital world, you'll see it on websites: 'Usa la stessa password' (Use the same password) or 'Il contenuto è lo stesso' (The content is the same). No matter where you go in Italy, from a high-tech office in Turin to a traditional market in Naples, stesso will be there, helping people define their world through identity and emphasis.

For English speakers, the word stesso presents a few subtle traps. Because English uses different words for 'same' and '-self' (myself, yourself), learners often forget that 'stesso' covers both meanings. Another major hurdle is the correct use of articles and the agreement in gender and number, which is a constant challenge in Romance languages.

Mistake 1: Omitting the Article
In English, we say 'same thing'. In Italian, you cannot say 'stessa cosa' without an article. It must be 'la stessa cosa'. Omitting 'la', 'il', 'lo', etc., is a very common beginner error that makes the sentence sound incomplete.

Incorrect: Stesso ragazzo è tornato. Correct: Lo stesso ragazzo è tornato.

Mistake 2: Position for Emphasis
Learners often put 'stesso' before the noun when they mean '-self'. If you say 'lo stesso medico', you mean 'the same doctor'. If you want to say 'the doctor himself', you must say 'il medico stesso'. Switching these changes the meaning entirely.

L'ho visto io stesso (I saw it myself), not Io lo stesso visto.

Mistake 3: Confusing 'Lo Stesso' with 'Il Medesimo'
While 'medesimo' is a synonym for 'stesso', it is much more formal. Using 'medesimo' in a casual conversation with friends can sound overly stiff or archaic. Stick to 'stesso' for 95% of your interactions.

Another error involves the phrase 'fa lo stesso'. Some learners try to translate 'it doesn't matter' literally and end up with awkward phrasing. 'Fa lo stesso' or 'è lo stesso' are the idiomatic ways to say 'it's all the same to me'. Also, be careful with the preposition 'di'. In English, we say 'the same as'. In Italian, it's often 'lo stesso di' or 'lo stesso che'. Example: 'È lo stesso colore di prima' (It's the same color as before). Using 'come' (like) here is a common anglicism that sounds slightly off to native ears.

Non è lo stesso che pensavo (It's not the same as what I thought).

While stesso is the go-to word for identity, Italian offers several synonyms and related terms that can add nuance to your speech. Knowing when to use 'medesimo', 'identico', or 'pari' will elevate your Italian from basic to sophisticated.

Medesimo
This is the closest synonym to 'stesso'. It also means 'same'. However, it is more formal and literary. You might find it in a legal contract or a classic novel. In speech, it's used for extra emphasis: 'Abbiamo parlato della medesima cosa' (We talked about the very same thing).

Il risultato è il medesimo, nonostante i diversi metodi.

Identico
Meaning 'identical', this word is stronger than 'stesso'. Use it when there is absolutely no difference between two things. 'Due gemelli identici' (Two identical twins). It implies a visual or structural perfect match.

Le due chiavi sono identiche.

Tale e quale
This is an idiomatic expression meaning 'spitting image' or 'exactly the same'. It's very common in informal speech when comparing people. 'È tale e quale a suo padre' (He's just like his father / the spitting image of his father).

Questo quadro è tale e quale all'originale.

Lastly, consider the word 'pari'. While it often means 'even' (as in numbers), it can also mean 'equal' or 'same' in certain contexts like 'di pari passo' (side by side / at the same pace). However, 'stesso' remains the most versatile. If you are ever in doubt, 'stesso' is usually the safest and most natural choice. It covers the majority of contexts where you want to express identity, emphasis, or indifference. By learning its synonyms, you don't replace 'stesso' but rather supplement it for those moments when you need a specific stylistic flavor.

نکته جالب

The transition from 'iste ipse' to 'stesso' shows how Italian often compressed multi-word Latin phrases into single, powerful adjectives.

راهنمای تلفظ

UK /ˈstɛs.so/
US /ˈstɛs.so/
Stress is on the first syllable: STES-so.
هم‌قافیه با
messo spesso plesso fesso lesso gesso recesso processo
خطاهای رایج
  • Pronouncing the final 'o' like 'oh' in English; it should be a pure 'o'.
  • Not doubling the 'ss' sound.
  • Pronouncing the 'e' too closed like 'ay' in 'stay'.
  • Failing to change the ending for feminine or plural nouns.
  • Pronouncing the 's' like a 'z' (it should be sharp).

مثال‌ها بر اساس سطح

1

Abbiamo lo stesso libro.

We have the same book.

'stesso' comes before the masculine noun 'libro'.

2

È la stessa cosa.

It's the same thing.

'stessa' is feminine to match 'cosa'.

3

Porto gli stessi pantaloni.

I am wearing the same pants.

'stessi' is masculine plural.

4

Viviamo nella stessa casa.

We live in the same house.

'stessa' matches the feminine noun 'casa'.

5

Lui mangia lo stesso gelato.

He eats the same ice cream.

Uses the article 'lo' because 'stesso' starts with s+consonant.

6

Per me è lo stesso.

It's the same for me / I don't mind.

Idiomatic use of 'lo stesso' as a pronoun.

7

Abbiamo le stesse scarpe.

We have the same shoes.

'stesse' is feminine plural.

8

Arrivano allo stesso tempo.

They arrive at the same time.

Contraction of 'a + lo' becomes 'allo'.

1

L'ho fatto io stesso.

I did it myself.

'stesso' follows the pronoun 'io' for emphasis.

2

Maria stessa ha cucinato la cena.

Maria herself cooked the dinner.

'stessa' follows the noun 'Maria' for emphasis.

3

Vado al cinema lo stesso.

I'm going to the cinema anyway.

'lo stesso' acts as an adverb meaning 'anyway'.

4

Gli studenti stessi hanno scelto il libro.

The students themselves chose the book.

'stessi' follows 'studenti' for plural emphasis.

5

Usciamo alla stessa ora di ieri.

We are going out at the same time as yesterday.

Prepositional phrase 'alla stessa ora'.

6

È lo stesso ragazzo di prima.

It's the same boy as before.

Using 'di' for comparison.

7

Le ragazze stesse hanno organizzato la festa.

The girls themselves organized the party.

Feminine plural emphasis.

8

Nonostante il freddo, corre lo stesso.

Despite the cold, he runs anyway.

Adverbial 'lo stesso'.

1

Non è lo stesso che mi avevi detto.

It's not the same as what you told me.

Using 'che' after 'stesso' to link to a clause.

2

Siamo tutti nella stessa barca.

We are all in the same boat.

Famous idiom using 'stessa'.

3

Ha risposto allo stesso modo.

He answered in the same way.

'allo stesso modo' is a common phrase for 'likewise'.

4

Lei lavora nella stessa azienda di mio fratello.

She works in the same company as my brother.

Comparison using 'di'.

5

I risultati sono gli stessi dell'anno scorso.

The results are the same as last year's.

Plural agreement and comparison.

6

Puoi fare lo stesso per me?

Can you do the same for me?

'lo stesso' as a direct object.

7

Ci siamo visti nello stesso posto.

We saw each other in the same place.

Prepositional agreement 'nello stesso'.

8

Fa lo stesso se non vieni.

It doesn't matter if you don't come.

Idiom 'fa lo stesso'.

1

Il problema è lo stesso di cui parlavamo.

The problem is the same one we were talking about.

Relative clause following 'stesso'.

2

Il successo dipende da se stessi.

Success depends on oneself.

Reflexive use 'se stessi'.

3

Hanno commesso lo stesso identico errore.

They made the exact same mistake.

Adding 'identico' for reinforcement.

4

La stessa legge si applica a tutti.

The same law applies to everyone.

Formal/legal context.

5

Non è più lo stesso uomo di una volta.

He is no longer the same man he once was.

Existential identity.

6

Lo stesso vale per le altre città.

The same applies to the other cities.

Abstract comparison in discourse.

7

L'autore stesso ha corretto le bozze.

The author himself corrected the proofs.

Post-nominal emphasis.

8

Siamo arrivati alle stesse conclusioni.

We reached the same conclusions.

Feminine plural agreement.

1

Egli stesso non saprebbe spiegare il motivo.

He himself wouldn't know how to explain the reason.

Formal pronoun 'egli' with 'stesso'.

2

Il medesimo concetto è espresso più avanti.

The same concept is expressed further on.

Using synonym 'medesimo' for formal register.

3

Si è trattato di un atto di fiducia in se stessa.

It was an act of confidence in herself.

Reflexive feminine 'se stessa'.

4

La questione rimane sostanzialmente la stessa.

The issue remains substantially the same.

Formal adverbial modification.

5

Nonostante le critiche, ha proseguito lo stesso.

Despite the criticism, he continued anyway.

Adverbial 'lo stesso' in a concessive clause.

6

Gli stessi principi che regolano la natura.

The very principles that govern nature.

Abstract identity.

7

Il destinatario stesso deve firmare la ricevuta.

The recipient himself must sign the receipt.

Legal/Bureaucratic emphasis.

8

Torniamo sempre allo stesso punto di partenza.

We always come back to the same starting point.

Metaphorical use.

1

L'ontologia si occupa dell'essere in quanto stesso.

Ontology deals with being as such/itself.

Philosophical usage.

2

Tale provvedimento è lo stesso citato nel comma 4.

This measure is the same one cited in paragraph 4.

Highly formal referential identity.

3

La ricerca della verità su se stessi è un percorso arduo.

The search for truth about oneself is an arduous journey.

Reflexive plural 'se stessi' for general humanity.

4

Il medesimo individuo è stato avvistato due volte.

The same individual was spotted twice.

Formal synonym 'medesimo' in investigative context.

5

Le stesse fondamenta della democrazia sono in pericolo.

The very foundations of democracy are in danger.

Rhetorical emphasis.

6

Si è verificata la stessa identica dinamica dei fatti.

The exact same dynamics of events occurred.

Technical precision.

7

L'identità dello stesso non è stata ancora accertata.

The identity of the same (person) has not yet been established.

Bureaucratic pronominal use.

8

Non si può discendere due volte nello stesso fiume.

One cannot step twice into the same river.

Classical philosophical quotation (Heraclitus).

ترکیب‌های رایج

lo stesso giorno
la stessa cosa
allo stesso modo
nello stesso momento
lo stesso posto
se stesso
gli stessi problemi
alla stessa ora
lo stesso prezzo
stesso livello

عبارات رایج

Per me è lo stesso.

— It's all the same to me / I don't care.

Pizza o pasta? Per me è lo stesso.

Fa lo stesso.

— It doesn't matter / Never mind.

Hai dimenticato le chiavi? Fa lo stesso, ho le mie.

Sempre la stessa storia.

— Always the same old story (annoyance).

Sei in ritardo! Sempre la stessa storia!

Tornare allo stesso punto.

— To come back to the same point/issue.

Dopo un'ora di discussione, siamo tornati allo stesso punto.

Lo stesso vale per te.

— The same goes for you.

Io sono stanco, e lo stesso vale per te.

Dalla stessa parte.

— On the same side.

Siamo tutti dalla stessa parte.

Nello stesso istante.

— At the same instant.

La luce si è spenta nello stesso istante.

Fare lo stesso.

— To do the same.

Lui ha ordinato un caffè e io ho fatto lo stesso.

Sulla stessa lunghezza d'onda.

— On the same wavelength.

Noi due siamo sulla stessa lunghezza d'onda.

Allo stesso tempo.

— At the same time / Simultaneously.

Non puoi parlare e mangiare allo stesso tempo.

اصطلاحات و عبارات

"Essere nella stessa barca"

— To be in the same situation, usually a difficult one.

Non preoccuparti, siamo tutti nella stessa barca.

informal/neutral
"Sempre la stessa solfa"

— Always the same old story/music (very repetitive and boring).

Basta con questa solfa, dici sempre le stesse cose!

informal
"Della stessa pasta"

— Made of the same stuff (sharing the same character).

Quei due sono della stessa pasta, sono entrambi testardi.

informal
"Mettere sullo stesso piano"

— To treat two different things as equal.

Non puoi mettere il calcio e la politica sullo stesso piano.

neutral
"Pestare sempre nello stesso mortaio"

— To keep repeating the same thing without progress.

È inutile continuare a pestare nello stesso mortaio.

literary/old
"Non essere più lo stesso"

— To have changed significantly.

Dopo il viaggio, Marco non è più lo stesso.

neutral
"Fare lo stesso"

— Used to say something is irrelevant.

Se non vuoi venire, fa lo stesso.

neutral
"Tirare l'acqua allo stesso mulino"

— To act for one's own advantage (often shared).

Stanno tutti tirando l'acqua allo stesso mulino.

informal
"Andare di pari passo"

— To go hand in hand / at the same pace.

Economia e ambiente devono andare di pari passo.

neutral
"Sulla stessa scia"

— Following the same path or example.

Il nuovo film è sulla stessa scia del precedente.

neutral

خانواده کلمه

اسم‌ها

stessezza (rarely used, refers to sameness)

فعل‌ها

identificare (to identify)

صفت‌ها

identico (identical)
medesimo (same)

مرتبط

identità
uguale
pari
simile
medesimo

حفظ کنید

روش یادسپاری

STESSO sounds like 'STET-SO' (Stay So). If something stays so, it remains the SAME.

تداعی تصویری

Imagine two identical twins wearing the SAME shirt with a big 'S' for Stesso on it.

شبکه واژگان

identità ugual

ریشه کلمه

Derived from the Vulgar Latin *iste ipse, a combination of the demonstrative 'iste' (that) and the intensive 'ipse' (himself/itself).

معنای اصلی: The very that one / that very person.

Romance (Italic).
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