Bedeutung
Asking for a word.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Italians are very helpful with language learners. Asking 'come si dice' is seen as a sign of respect for the culture. In many parts of Italy, people speak a local dialect. If you ask 'come si dice', they might give you the Italian word and then the dialect version. The phrase is often accompanied by the 'hand purse' gesture if the speaker is struggling to remember a word. It is perfectly polite to interrupt yourself with 'come si dice' if you forget a word. It shows you care about using the right term.
The Point-and-Say
If you don't know the English word either, just point at the object and say 'Come si dice questo?'. It works every time!
Don't forget the 'si'
Without 'si', the phrase 'Come dice?' sounds like you are asking 'What is he/she saying?' about a third person.
Bedeutung
Asking for a word.
The Point-and-Say
If you don't know the English word either, just point at the object and say 'Come si dice questo?'. It works every time!
Don't forget the 'si'
Without 'si', the phrase 'Come dice?' sounds like you are asking 'What is he/she saying?' about a third person.
Be ready for a lesson
When you ask this, Italians might give you three different words for the same thing. Just nod and say 'Grazie!'
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the missing word to ask how to say 'water'.
Come ___ dice 'water'?
The impersonal 'si' is required for this expression.
Which is the correct way to ask for a translation?
How do you say 'bread' in Italian?
Italian uses 'come' (how) and the impersonal 'si dice'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Scusa, ___ 'book' in italiano? B: Si dice 'libro'.
The context shows someone asking for a translation.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a bakery and don't know the name of a cake.
You use 'come si dice questo' to ask for the name of an object you are pointing at.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenCome ___ dice 'water'?
The impersonal 'si' is required for this expression.
How do you say 'bread' in Italian?
Italian uses 'come' (how) and the impersonal 'si dice'.
A: Scusa, ___ 'book' in italiano? B: Si dice 'libro'.
The context shows someone asking for a translation.
You are at a bakery and don't know the name of a cake.
You use 'come si dice questo' to ask for the name of an object you are pointing at.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
6 FragenNo, for people's names use 'Come ti chiami?' (informal) or 'Come si chiama?' (formal).
Use 'Come si dice' for single words or the general concept. Use 'Come si dicono' only if you are specifically asking about a list of plural items.
Yes, it is perfectly neutral and polite for all situations.
Say 'Come si scrive?' right after they tell you the word.
You can say 'Come si chiama questo?' and people will understand you perfectly.
Only if it's not obvious. If you are in Italy, it's usually assumed.
Verwandte Redewendungen
come si chiama?
similarWhat is it called?
come si scrive?
builds onHow do you spell/write it?
come si pronuncia?
builds onHow do you pronounce it?
come si dice in inglese?
specialized formHow do you say it in English?
cosa significa?
contrastWhat does it mean?
