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A2 noun 8 min read

argomento

Examples argomento in 30 Seconds
Explanation argomento in your Level:
At the A1 level, you use 'argomento' to talk about very simple things you are interested in or studying. You might hear it in a classroom when a teacher introduces what you will learn today. It is important to know that it is a masculine word and usually appears as 'l'argomento' because it starts with a vowel. You can use it to ask 'Di che cosa parla questo libro?' (What is this book about?) or 'Qual è l'argomento?' (What is the topic?). At this stage, just remember that it means 'the subject' you are talking about. You don't need to worry about complex logical meanings yet. Just think of it as the 'label' for your conversation.
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At the A2 level, you can start using 'argomento' in more complete sentences to describe your school subjects or hobbies. You should be able to say things like 'Il mio argomento preferito è la musica' (My favorite topic is music). You also learn the common phrase 'cambiare argomento' which is very useful when you want to talk about something else. You will begin to notice it in short readings or news snippets. You should also be careful not to confuse it with 'materia' (a school subject like Math). 'Argomento' is more specific—it's the specific thing inside the 'materia' that you are studying right now.
At the B1 level, you use 'argomento' to engage in more detailed discussions. You can express opinions about a 'topic of current events' (un argomento di attualità). You are expected to use adjectives to describe the topic, such as 'interessante' (interesting), 'noioso' (boring), or 'complesso' (complex). You also start to understand that 'argomento' can mean a reason you give to support an idea. In a debate, you might say 'Ho un buon argomento per questo' (I have a good argument/reason for this). You are becoming more aware of the 'false friend' trap and you know that 'argomento' is not a fight.
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At the B2 level, 'argomento' becomes a tool for structured reasoning. You use it in academic or professional contexts to outline the 'thesis' or 'points' of a presentation. You can handle abstract topics and use 'argomento' to refer to the 'logical evidence' provided in a text. You might say 'L'autore porta diversi argomenti a sostegno della sua tesi' (The author brings several arguments in support of his thesis). You also use more sophisticated collocations like 'argomento scottante' (hot topic) or 'approfondire un argomento' (to go deeper into a topic). Your understanding of the word is now both practical and rhetorical.
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At the C1 level, you use 'argomento' with precision in high-level discourse. You understand its nuances in legal, philosophical, and literary contexts. You can distinguish between the 'argomento' (the subject matter) and the 'tematica' (the broader set of themes). You can analyze the 'argomenti probatori' (evidentiary arguments) in a legal text or the 'argomento' (summary) of a classical poem. You use the word to navigate complex social and professional hierarchies, knowing exactly when to 'esaurire un argomento' (exhaust a topic) or when an 'argomento è fuori luogo' (a topic is out of place/inappropriate).
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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'argomento' is near-native. You can use it in its most abstract and metaphorical senses. You are familiar with its historical usage in literature and can appreciate the subtle difference between 'argomento' and 'soggetto' in film theory or art criticism. You can effortlessly switch between using it as 'topic' and 'logical proof' within the same sentence. You might engage in 'argomentazione' (the act of arguing/reasoning) using 'argomenti' that are logically sound and linguistically sophisticated. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item but a fundamental building block of your intellectual expression in Italian.
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Examples

argomento in 30 Seconds

  • Argomento primarily means 'topic' or 'subject' in Italian conversations and writing.
  • It is a 'false friend' because it does not mean a verbal fight or disagreement.
  • In logic and rhetoric, it refers to a reason or proof used to support an idea.
  • It is a masculine noun beginning with a vowel, so it uses the article 'l' in the singular.
The Italian noun argomento is a cornerstone of daily communication, functioning primarily to identify the subject matter of a conversation, book, film, or lesson. For an English speaker, the most direct translation is 'topic' or 'subject.' However, its utility extends into the realm of logic and rhetoric, where it signifies an 'argument' in the sense of a reason or a piece of evidence used to support a point of view. It is essential to distinguish this from the English 'argument' meaning a verbal fight, which in Italian is usually expressed as litigio or discussione. When you are sitting in an Italian classroom, the teacher might ask, 'Qual è l'argomento della lezione di oggi?' (What is the topic of today's lesson?). In a business meeting, a colleague might suggest, 'Dobbiamo cambiare argomento' (We need to change the subject) if the discussion has veered off track.
Primary Definition
The specific matter or theme being discussed, written about, or studied. It represents the 'what' of a communication.

Non mi piace questo argomento di conversazione, parliamo di altro.

Logical Application
A reason or chain of reasoning used to demonstrate the truth or falsehood of a proposition. In this sense, it is synonymous with 'prova' or 'ragionamento'.

Il tuo argomento non mi convince affatto.

Cultural Nuance
Italians often use 'argomento' to politely pivot a conversation. It is a very neutral and useful word for managing social interactions without causing offense.

Passiamo ad un argomento più allegro, per favore.

L'insegnante ha introdotto un nuovo argomento di storia oggi.

Qual è l' argomento della tua tesi di laurea?

In summary, whether you are analyzing a philosophical treatise or just trying to change the subject at a dinner party, 'argomento' is your go-to word for defining the focus of thought and speech. It bridges the gap between simple 'topics' and complex 'logical proofs,' making it indispensable for learners aiming for fluency.
Using argomento correctly requires understanding its role as a noun that usually follows verbs of communication, study, or change. One of the most common verbs paired with it is trattare (to treat/deal with). For example, 'Il film tratta l'argomento della solitudine' (The film deals with the topic of loneliness). Another frequent companion is cambiare (to change), as in 'Cambiamo argomento' (Let's change the subject). When you want to specify what the topic is about, you use the preposition di (of/about).
The Preposition 'DI'
To link the word 'argomento' to its specific content, use 'di'. Example: 'Un argomento di attualità' (A current topic).

Non ho ancora scelto l' argomento per la mia ricerca.

Logical Usage
When used to mean 'argument' (reasoning), it often appears with verbs like 'portare' (to bring/provide) or 'usare' (to use).

Ha portato molti argomenti a favore della sua tesi.

Abstract Contexts
It can also refer to the 'plot summary' of a literary work in a more formal or archaic sense, though 'trama' is more common today.

L' argomento del poema è la guerra di Troia.

Questo è un argomento molto delicato da affrontare.

Ho esaurito tutti gli argomenti per convincerlo.

In academic writing, you will see 'argomento' used to introduce the scope of a paper. Phrases like 'In questo saggio, l'argomento centrale è...' (In this essay, the central topic is...) are standard. In everyday speech, it is often modified by adjectives like interessante (interesting), noioso (boring), or complesso (complex). Understanding the surrounding adjectives helps clarify the speaker's attitude toward the subject matter. For example, 'un argomento scottante' refers to a 'hot' or controversial topic that might cause strong reactions.
You will encounter argomento in almost every sphere of Italian life, from the formal to the casual. In schools and universities, it is ubiquitous. Teachers use it to define the curriculum: 'Oggi inizieremo un nuovo argomento di geometria' (Today we will start a new topic in geometry). Students use it when discussing their exams: 'Speriamo che non chieda quell'argomento difficile' (Let's hope he doesn't ask about 그 difficult topic). In the world of journalism and media, news anchors often introduce segments by saying, 'Passiamo ora a un altro argomento' (Let's move now to another topic), signaling a transition from politics to sports or culture.
News & Media
Used to categorize stories or segments. 'Argomenti del giorno' means 'Topics of the day'.

Il telegiornale ha trattato vari argomenti di politica estera.

Social Life
Used to navigate conversations. If a discussion becomes too heated or personal, an Italian might say 'Cambiamo argomento' to preserve the social harmony.

Non voglio parlare di lavoro, cambiamo argomento.

Legal & Academic
In these settings, it refers to the logical proofs or points of a case. 'Argomento probatorio' refers to evidentiary reasoning.

L'avvocato ha presentato un argomento molto convincente davanti al giudice.

Qual è l' argomento del tuo prossimo articolo?

Abbiamo approfondito l' argomento durante il seminario.

In literature, the 'argomento' is often a short summary placed at the beginning of a chapter or a canto (like in Dante's Divine Comedy) to tell the reader what will happen. While this is a more classical use, you might still see it in older editions of books or in academic analysis of classical texts. In modern digital life, 'argomento' is often the word used for 'trending topics' or 'hashtags' on social media platforms in their Italian interfaces.
The most frequent pitfall for English speakers is the 'False Friend' trap. In English, 'argument' often implies a conflict, a disagreement, or a shouting match. In Italian, if you say 'Ho avuto un argomento con mio fratello,' an Italian speaker will be confused, as they will hear 'I had a topic with my brother.' To express a disagreement, you must use discussione or litigio. Use argomento only when you mean the 'subject' or a 'logical point.' Another common mistake involves the gender and article. Since 'argomento' begins with a vowel, the singular definite article is always l' (l'argomento), never lo argomento or il argomento.
False Friend: Argument vs. Argomento
English 'Argument' (fight) = Italian 'Litigio'. Italian 'Argomento' = English 'Topic' or 'Logical Reason'.

Errato: Abbiamo avuto un argomento ieri sera. (Meaning: We had a topic last night - confusing!)

Article Usage
Because it starts with 'a', remember the elision: l'argomento. In the plural, it's 'gli argomenti'.

Corretto: L' argomento è interessante. Errato: Il argomento è interessante.

Confusion with 'Materia'
While 'materia' refers to a broad subject like 'Mathematics' or 'History', 'argomento' refers to a specific topic within that subject, like 'fractions' or 'the French Revolution'.

La mia materia preferita è la storia, e l' argomento che preferisco è il Rinascimento.

Non confondere l' argomento con il titolo del libro.

Hanno discusso di vari argomenti senza mai litigare.

Learners also sometimes use 'soggetto' when they mean 'argomento'. While 'soggetto' can mean subject, it is often used in grammar (the subject of a sentence) or in art (the subject of a painting). For a general 'topic of discussion,' 'argomento' is almost always the better choice. Finally, remember that 'argomento' is a countable noun. You can have 'molti argomenti' (many topics) or 'un solo argomento' (one single topic).
To enrich your Italian vocabulary, it is helpful to look at words that occupy the same semantic space as argomento. Depending on the context, you might choose a more specific term. Tema is a very common alternative, often used for 'themes' in literature or for 'essays' written in school. Soggetto is used when referring to the person or thing being described, especially in art or grammar. Materia refers to a field of study or physical matter. Punto is used when you want to focus on a specific 'point' within a larger discussion.
Argomento vs. Tema
'Argomento' is the general topic. 'Tema' is often the underlying message or a specific school assignment. Example: 'Il tema del saggio è la libertà'.

L' argomento del libro è la cucina, ma il tema profondo è l'amore familiare.

Argomento vs. Soggetto
'Soggetto' is more technical. In a film, the 'soggetto' is the original story idea. In grammar, it's the 'subject' that performs the action.

Il soggetto della frase è 'Maria', ma l' argomento della frase è il suo viaggio.

Argomento vs. Questione
'Questione' implies a problem or a matter that needs to be resolved. 'Argomento' is more neutral.

Questa è una questione di principio, non è solo un argomento di discussione.

Dobbiamo toccare un punto importante dell' argomento.

Esistono vari topoi (temi ricorrenti) in questo argomento letterario.

If you want to sound more sophisticated, you can use tematica to refer to a set of related topics. For example, 'La tematica ambientale' (Environmental themes/topics). In a very casual setting, you might just say cosa (thing), as in 'Quella cosa di cui parlavamo' (That thing we were talking about), but 'argomento' remains the most precise and versatile term for any learner to master.
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Examples by Level

1

Qual è l'argomento del libro?

What is the subject of the book?

L' is the elided form of 'lo' because 'argomento' starts with a vowel.

2

L'argomento di oggi è facile.

Today's topic is easy.

'Di oggi' acts as an adjective phrase modifying 'argomento'.

3

Mi piace questo argomento.

I like this topic.

'Questo' is a masculine singular demonstrative adjective.

4

Non capisco l'argomento.

I don't understand the topic.

'Capisco' is the first person singular of 'capire'.

5

Un argomento nuovo per noi.

A new topic for us.

'Nuovo' follows the noun it modifies.

6

Parliamo di un altro argomento.

Let's talk about another topic.

'Parliamo' is the imperative/present 'we' form of 'parlare'.

7

L'argomento è la musica.

The topic is music.

'La musica' is the subject complement.

8

Scrivi l'argomento qui.

Write the topic here.

'Scrivi' is the informal 'you' imperative.

1

Dobbiamo cambiare argomento subito.

We must change the subject immediately.

'Cambiare argomento' is a fixed verbal phrase.

2

Qual è il tuo argomento preferito a scuola?

What is your favorite topic at school?

'Preferito' must agree in gender and number with 'argomento'.

3

Ho studiato l'argomento per due ore.

I studied the topic for two hours.

'Passato prossimo' tense with 'avere'.

4

Questo argomento non è interessante.

This topic is not interesting.

'Interessante' is an adjective ending in -e, used for both genders.

5

L'insegnante spiega l'argomento chiaramente.

The teacher explains the topic clearly.

Adverbs like 'chiaramente' usually follow the verb.

6

Ci sono molti argomenti nel libro.

There are many topics in the book.

'Ci sono' is used for plural 'there are'.

7

Non voglio parlare di questo argomento.

I don't want to talk about this topic.

'Di' is the preposition used after 'parlare' to indicate the subject.

8

L'argomento della lezione è la storia.

The topic of the lesson is history.

'Della' is the contracted preposition 'di + la'.

1

È un argomento molto dibattuto oggi.

It is a much-debated topic today.

'Dibattuto' is the past participle used as an adjective.

2

Ho trovato un argomento valido per convincerlo.

I found a valid argument to convince him.

'Valido' means effective or sound in this context.

3

Cerchiamo di approfondire l'argomento.

Let's try to go deeper into the topic.

'Approfondire' is a common verb used with 'argomento'.

4

L'argomento della conferenza era la tecnologia.

The topic of the conference was technology.

'Era' is the imperfect tense of 'essere'.

5

Non uscire fuori argomento durante l'esame.

Don't go off-topic during the exam.

'Fuori argomento' means 'off-topic'.

6

L'argomento mi sembra molto complesso.

The topic seems very complex to me.

'Mi sembra' uses the indirect object pronoun 'mi'.

7

Hai degli argomenti a tuo favore?

Do you have any arguments in your favor?

'Degli' is the partitive article for plural masculine nouns.

8

Trattiamo l'argomento con la dovuta cautela.

Let's treat the topic with due caution.

'Trattare' means to handle or deal with a subject.

1

L'argomento principale della tesi è l'economia.

The main topic of the thesis is economics.

'Principale' emphasizes the core focus.

2

Ha esaurito tutti gli argomenti a sua disposizione.

He has exhausted all the arguments at his disposal.

'Esaurire' means to use up completely.

3

Questo è un argomento scottante per il governo.

This is a hot topic for the government.

'Scottante' literally means 'burning'.

4

L'argomento richiede un'analisi più dettagliata.

The topic requires a more detailed analysis.

'Richiedere' is a formal verb for 'to require'.

5

Possiamo passare all'argomento successivo?

Can we move on to the next topic?

'Successivo' means following or next.

6

L'argomento è stato ampiamente discusso dai media.

The topic has been widely discussed by the media.

Passive voice construction 'è stato discusso'.

7

Non vedo il nesso tra i due argomenti.

I don't see the link between the two topics.

'Nesso' means connection or link.

8

L'argomento del saggio deve essere originale.

The topic of the essay must be original.

'Deve' expresses necessity.

1

L'argomento probatorio non regge in tribunale.

The evidentiary argument does not hold up in court.

'Probatorio' is a legal adjective relating to evidence.

2

L'argomento del poema epico è la fondazione di Roma.

The subject of the epic poem is the founding of Rome.

'Argomento' here refers to the 'argument' or summary of a work.

3

Si tratta di un argomento di nicchia.

It is a niche topic.

'Di nicchia' refers to something specialized.

4

L'autore svaria su diversi argomenti filosofici.

The author ranges over several philosophical topics.

'Svariare' means to range or wander across themes.

5

L'argomento è di competenza del ministero.

The matter falls under the jurisdiction of the ministry.

'Di competenza' means within one's authority.

6

Abbiamo sviscerato l'argomento in ogni suo aspetto.

We have examined the topic in every aspect.

'Sviscerare' literally means to gut, figuratively to analyze deeply.

7

L'argomento è troppo vasto per un solo articolo.

The topic is too vast for a single article.

'Troppo' indicates excess.

8

Il relatore ha introdotto l'argomento con maestria.

The speaker introduced the topic with mastery.

'Maestria' denotes great skill.

1

L'argomento ontologico è stato ripreso da molti filosofi.

The ontological argument has been taken up by many philosophers.

'Ontologico' relates to the branch of metaphysics dealing with being.

2

La fluidità dell'argomento permette diverse interpretazioni.

The fluidity of the topic allows for various interpretations.

'Permettere' is used with the direct object 'interpretazioni'.

3

L'argomento si dipana attraverso una serie di metafore.

The subject unfolds through a series of metaphors.

'Dipanarsi' means to unwind or unfold.

4

Sussiste un argomento logico inoppugnabile.

There exists an irrefutable logical argument.

'Inoppugnabile' means undeniable or irrefutable.

5

L'argomento sotteso alla narrazione è la perdita dell'innocenza.

The underlying topic of the narrative is the loss of innocence.

'Sotteso' means underlying or implied.

6

L'argomento è scevro da ogni implicazione politica.

The topic is free from any political implication.

'Scevro' means devoid of or free from.

7

L'esegesi dell'argomento richiede anni di studio.

The exegesis of the subject requires years of study.

'Esegesi' is a critical explanation or interpretation of a text.

8

L'argomento funge da fil rouge dell'intera opera.

The topic acts as the common thread of the entire work.

'Fil rouge' is a French loanword used in Italian for 'common thread'.

Common Collocations

cambiare argomento
trattare un argomento
argomento di attualità
argomento scottante
argomento a piacere
approfondire l'argomento
esaurire l'argomento
fuori argomento
argomento principale
portare argomenti

Common Phrases

Torniamo all'argomento.

— Let's get back to the topic. Used when someone gets distracted.

Basta scherzare, torniamo all'argomento.

L'argomento non mi tange.

— The topic doesn't affect me. Used to show indifference.

Puoi parlare di quello che vuoi, l'argomento non mi tange.

Restare in argomento.

— To stay on topic. Used to keep focus.

Cerchiamo di restare in argomento.

Argomento chiuso.

— Subject closed. Used to end a discussion firmly.

Non ne voglio più parlare. Argomento chiuso.

L'argomento del giorno.

— The topic of the day. Used for trending news.

L'argomento del giorno è lo sciopero.

Un argomento trito e ritrito.

— A hackneyed or overused topic.

È un argomento trito e ritrito, non c'è nulla di nuovo.

Sviscerare un argomento.

— To analyze a topic in great depth.

Abbiamo sviscerato l'argomento per ore.

Sfiorare un argomento.

— To touch upon a topic briefly.

H

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