Signification
Free.
Contexte culturel
The 'Riforma a costo zero' is a famous political trope. It refers to the government's attempt to change laws without spending money, often criticized as being unrealistic. In the world of Italian startups, 'a costo zero' is the goal for customer acquisition (CAC), meaning getting users through word-of-mouth. Italy has many 'online-only' banks that market themselves exclusively with the 'a costo zero' slogan to compete with traditional banks. When someone does you a big favor, saying 'è a costo zero' is a way to humbly decline payment or a return favor.
Sound like a pro
Use 'a costo zero' in business emails instead of 'gratis' to sound more professional.
The 'A' is key
Don't forget the 'a'. Saying just 'costo zero' sounds like a broken telegram.
Signification
Free.
Sound like a pro
Use 'a costo zero' in business emails instead of 'gratis' to sound more professional.
The 'A' is key
Don't forget the 'a'. Saying just 'costo zero' sounds like a broken telegram.
Political Sarcasm
Be aware that in politics, this phrase is often used sarcastically to mean 'it's impossible'.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct phrase.
Ho scaricato un'enciclopedia online ___ ___ ___.
We use 'a costo zero' to indicate that the download did not cost any money.
Which sentence is correct for 'I am free tomorrow'?
Come si dice 'I am free tomorrow'?
'Libero' refers to personal time, while 'a costo zero' refers to money.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Where would you most likely see 'A Costo Zero'?
Banks use this phrase to promote accounts without monthly fees.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: 'Quanto costa il corso?' B: 'Nulla, è ___ ___ ___.'
The context 'Nulla' (nothing) requires a phrase meaning free.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to use 'A Costo Zero'
Money
- • Apps
- • Bank accounts
- • Shipping
Not for...
- • Free time
- • Freedom
- • Empty seats
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesHo scaricato un'enciclopedia online ___ ___ ___.
We use 'a costo zero' to indicate that the download did not cost any money.
Come si dice 'I am free tomorrow'?
'Libero' refers to personal time, while 'a costo zero' refers to money.
Where would you most likely see 'A Costo Zero'?
Banks use this phrase to promote accounts without monthly fees.
A: 'Quanto costa il corso?' B: 'Nulla, è ___ ___ ___.'
The context 'Nulla' (nothing) requires a phrase meaning free.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but 'a costo zero' is more formal and common in business or news.
No, use 'libero' if a person is free.
Yes, 'a', 'costo', and 'zero' must stay together.
Because it sounds like they are improving things without raising taxes.
No, the phrase is fixed in the singular.
Yes, it is standard Italian used from North to South.
The opposite would be 'a caro prezzo' (at a high price) or 'molto costoso'.
No, for free time use 'tempo libero'.
Not at all. It's very neutral and safe for work.
Extremely common, especially for banks and phone companies.
Expressions liées
Gratis
synonymFree of charge
In omaggio
similarAs a gift
Senza impegno
builds onNo obligation
A sbafo
specialized formTo eat/get for free at someone else's expense
