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B1 adjective 11 min read

mensile

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips mensile in 30 Seconds

Explanation mensile in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn about time. You likely know the word 'mese' (month). 'Mensile' is a bit more advanced, but you might see it on signs for bus tickets or at a newsstand. Think of it as 'every month.' If you see 'Abbonamento Mensile' at a train station, it means a ticket that lasts for one month. You don't need to use it in complex sentences yet, but recognizing it will help you understand how often something happens. It's an adjective, so it describes a thing. For example, 'una rivista mensile' is a magazine that comes out every month. At this stage, focus on the connection between 'mese' and 'mensile.' Remember that it ends in -e, so it stays the same for boys and girls (masculine and feminine). It's a very useful word for basic survival in Italy, especially for travel and buying things.

By A2, you should start using 'mensile' to describe your routine and your expenses. You can use it to talk about your 'abbonamento' (subscription) for the gym or the bus. You should also know that the plural is 'mensili.' For example, 'Ho due abbonamenti mensili.' This is the level where you distinguish between 'ogni mese' (every month) and 'mensile' (monthly). Use 'ogni mese' for actions ('Vado in palestra ogni mese') and 'mensile' for things ('Ho un abbonamento mensile'). You might also hear it when talking about money, like 'paga mensile' (monthly pay). It's a great word to make your Italian sound more organized. You'll encounter it in simple advertisements and forms. When you fill out a form in Italy, look for 'frequenza mensile' to indicate you want something to happen once a month. This word helps you move from basic time expressions to more specific descriptions of services.

At the B1 level, 'mensile' becomes a key part of your vocabulary for work and administration. You are expected to use it correctly as both an adjective and a noun. As a noun, you can use it to talk about magazines: 'Il mio mensile preferito è Focus.' As an adjective, you will use it in professional contexts like 'riunione mensile' (monthly meeting) or 'resoconto mensile' (monthly report). You should be comfortable using it in financial discussions, such as talking about 'rate mensili' (monthly installments) or 'canone mensile' (monthly rent). At this level, you should also be careful not to confuse it with the adverb 'mensilmente.' You understand that 'mensile' modifies a noun, while 'mensilmente' modifies a verb. This distinction is crucial for reaching intermediate fluency. You can now describe complex schedules and financial commitments using this word confidently.

At the B2 level, you use 'mensile' with nuance. You understand its role in compound terms and more formal settings. You might discuss 'la tredicesima mensilità' (the 13th-month bonus) in the context of Italian labor laws. You can read articles in a 'mensile di economia' and summarize them. You are also aware of the register; you know that using 'mensile' as a noun for 'salary' is a bit more colloquial than 'stipendio.' Your agreement of the adjective in complex sentences is perfect, even when the noun is far away. For example, 'Le varie scadenze amministrative e fiscali mensili sono state rispettate.' You can also use it to describe trends, such as 'la crescita mensile' (monthly growth) in a business report. At this stage, 'mensile' is not just a vocabulary word but a tool for precise communication in professional and academic environments.

For C1 learners, 'mensile' is used in sophisticated ways within legal, economic, and literary texts. You recognize it in high-level journalism where it might describe 'l'andamento mensile dei mercati' (the monthly trend of the markets). You can use it to discuss the history of Italian 'mensili' (periodicals) and their cultural impact. You are also proficient in using related terms like 'mensilità,' 'mensilmente,' and 'bimestrale' without hesitation. You might encounter it in legal contracts where 'canone mensile' is defined with specific clauses. Your use of the word is natural and fits the tone of the conversation perfectly, whether it's a casual chat about a magazine or a formal presentation on monthly statistics. You understand the subtle difference between 'mensile' and 'ogni mese' in terms of stylistic choice and emphasis.

At the C2 level, 'mensile' is a word you use with total mastery, often in idiomatic or highly specialized contexts. You can appreciate the stylistic rhythm it brings to a sentence. You might use it in a literary analysis of a 'mensile' that shaped Italian political thought in the 20th century. You understand the fiscal implications of 'mensilità' in complex tax law. You can navigate any conversation involving this word, from the most technical financial audit to a philosophical discussion about the 'ritmo mensile' of human life. You are also aware of regional variations or archaic uses that might appear in older literature. At this level, the word is a small but essential part of a vast linguistic repertoire that you use with effortless precision and cultural depth.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

mensile in 30 Seconds

Mensile is the Italian word for 'monthly'.
It works as both an adjective and a noun.
As a noun, it specifically means a monthly magazine.
It is gender-neutral in the singular (ends in -e).

The Italian word mensile is a versatile adjective and noun that every intermediate learner must master to navigate daily life in Italy effectively. At its core, it translates to 'monthly' in English. Etymologically, it is derived from the Italian noun mese (month), which in turn comes from the Latin mensis. In Italian, adjectives ending in -e belong to the second class of adjectives, meaning they are gender-neutral in the singular (both masculine and feminine nouns use mensile) and change to -i in the plural (mensili). This simplicity in agreement makes it a friendly word for learners, though its usage spans across highly formal and very casual contexts.

The Adjectival Function: As an adjective, mensile describes the frequency of an event or the nature of an object. You will most commonly encounter it in financial and administrative settings. For example, uno stipendio mensile (a monthly salary) is a standard term in employment contracts. Similarly, un abbonamento mensile (a monthly subscription or pass) is what you would ask for at a train station or a gym. It defines the temporal boundary of a service or obligation, making it essential for logistics.

Ho rinnovato il mio abbonamento mensile per il treno questa mattina.

The Substantive Function (Noun): Interestingly, mensile also functions as a noun. In this context, it specifically refers to a magazine or periodical that is published once a month. If you are in a library or a bookstore, you might ask, 'Quali sono i migliori mensili di architettura?' (What are the best monthly architecture magazines?). This usage is very common in the publishing industry. It saves the speaker from saying rivista mensile, as the noun form carries the full meaning of a monthly publication.

Economic and Social Importance: In Italy, the concept of 'mensilità' (monthly installments) is deeply ingrained in the economy. Workers often discuss their tredicesima mensilità (thirteenth month salary), which is a bonus paid in December. While mensile itself refers to the standard month, it is the root for understanding how Italians view time and compensation. Whether you are renting an apartment and discussing the canone mensile (monthly rent) or subscribing to a streaming service, this word is your primary tool for expressing recurring monthly commitments.

Il canone mensile dell'affitto include le spese condominiali.

In summary, mensile is more than just a calendar term; it is a functional descriptor used to categorize magazines, salaries, bills, and transportation passes. Its consistent form across genders makes it accessible, while its dual role as an adjective and noun provides linguistic flexibility. Whether you are reading a mensile di moda or paying your rata mensile for a car loan, you are engaging with a core aspect of Italian life organization.

Using mensile correctly requires understanding its placement and its agreement with nouns. In Italian, adjectives typically follow the noun they modify, and mensile is no exception. Because it ends in -e, it is part of the class of adjectives that change to -i in the plural, regardless of gender. This makes it slightly easier than adjectives like rosso/rossa, but you must still be vigilant about the plural form.

Placement and Agreement: When modifying a noun, place mensile immediately after it. For example: una rivista mensile (a monthly magazine) or un pagamento mensile (a monthly payment). If you are talking about multiple items, the ending changes: le riviste mensili or i pagamenti mensili. Notice how the adjective adapts to the plural noun but doesn't care about the gender of that noun. This is a key grammatical feature of second-class Italian adjectives.

Abbiamo ricevuto diverse bollette mensili questo pomeriggio.

Financial Contexts: In finance, mensile is often paired with words like stipendio (salary), rata (installment), or canone (fee/rent). For instance, 'Qual è il tuo stipendio mensile?' is a direct way to ask about someone's monthly earnings, though in Italy, discussing salary can be sensitive. If you are buying something on credit, the salesperson might say, 'La rata mensile è di soli cinquanta euro.' This structure is vital for understanding contracts and financial obligations.

Media and Literature: When used as a noun, mensile refers to a magazine. You might hear someone say, 'Compro sempre quel mensile di cucina.' Here, it stands in for periodico mensile. This is common in everyday speech and journalism. It allows for more concise sentences. You can also use it to describe the frequency of reports or meetings: la riunione mensile (the monthly meeting), which is a staple of corporate Italian vocabulary.

Questo mensile pubblica articoli molto interessanti sulla storia locale.

To master this word, practice pairing it with different nouns. Think about your life: la mia spesa mensile (my monthly grocery spending), il mio obiettivo mensile (my monthly goal), or la mia bolletta mensile (my monthly bill). By attaching it to personal contexts, you solidify the grammatical rule that it follows the noun and agrees in number.

If you were to walk through a typical Italian city, you would encounter the word mensile in a variety of specific, high-frequency locations. It is not just a 'book word'; it is a 'street word' that governs how people move, pay, and consume information. Understanding these contexts will help you transition from textbook Italian to real-world fluency.

At the Newsstand (L'Edicola): The edicola is the home of the mensile. While newspapers (quotidiani) are sold daily, a large portion of the display is dedicated to mensili. You will see magazines like Focus, Vogue Italia, or Quattroruote described as such. The vendor might ask, 'Cerchi un quotidiano o un mensile?' This is where the word acts most purely as a noun, categorizing an entire industry of glossy, monthly publications.

Ho comprato l'ultimo numero del mensile scientifico in edicola.

Public Transport and Commuting: In any major Italian city like Rome, Milan, or Naples, the abbonamento mensile is a lifeline. Whether for the metro, the autobus, or the treno, commuters are constantly checking the validity of their monthly passes. At the ticket counter (biglietteria), you will hear: 'Vorrei fare l'abbonamento mensile, per favore.' This phrase is essential for anyone living or staying long-term in Italy, as it is often much cheaper than buying daily tickets.

The Workplace (Il Posto di Lavoro): In an office setting, mensile appears in reports and payroll discussions. The resoconto mensile (monthly report) is a document that summarizes the previous month's activities. Employees look forward to their busta paga mensile (monthly payslip). During meetings, you might hear a manager say, 'Dobbiamo analizzare i dati mensili per capire l'andamento del mercato.' Here, the word provides a standard unit of time for professional evaluation.

La riunione mensile dei soci si terrà venerdì prossimo in ufficio.

Finally, you will hear it in the gym (palestra) or for other clubs. The quota mensile is the membership fee. Because Italian culture values regularity and 'abbonamenti', mensile becomes a frequent guest in conversations about hobbies, commitments, and financial planning. Pay attention to how often it appears in advertisements on the radio or TV, especially for phone plans and car financing.

Even though mensile is a relatively straightforward word, English speakers and even intermediate Italian learners often trip over a few common linguistic hurdles. Mastering these nuances will distinguish you as a more sophisticated speaker and help you avoid sounding like a direct translator from English.

Confusion with 'Mensilmente': The most frequent error is using the adjective mensile when an adverb is required. In English, 'monthly' can be both an adjective ('a monthly fee') and an adverb ('I pay monthly'). In Italian, these roles are strictly divided. Mensile is the adjective; mensilmente is the adverb. You cannot say 'Pago mensile'; you must say 'Pago mensilmente' or 'Effettuo un pagamento mensile'. Using the adjective as an adverb is a classic 'foreigner' mistake.

Sbagliato: Vado in palestra mensile.
Corretto: Vado in palestra mensilmente (oppure: ogni mese).

Gender Agreement Confusion: Because many Italian adjectives end in -o or -a, learners sometimes try to force mensile into those patterns. You might hear a beginner say 'una rivista mensila' or 'un abbonamento mensilo'. Remember that mensile is an 'e-adjective' (second class). It is invariable for gender. Whether the noun is masculine (l'abbonamento) or feminine (la rivista), the adjective remains mensile. The only change is for the plural: mensili.

Misusing it as a Noun for Time: Another mistake is using mensile to mean 'a month' in a general sense. If you want to say 'I spent a month in Rome,' you must use mese: 'Ho trascorso un mese a Roma.' You cannot say 'Ho trascorso un mensile a Roma.' Mensile as a noun specifically means a 'monthly magazine' or occasionally a 'monthly salary' in very specific contexts, but it never refers to the unit of time itself.

Sbagliato: Questo mensile è stato molto caldo.
Corretto: Questo mese è stato molto caldo.

Lastly, be careful with the word mensilità. While related, mensilità refers to the 'monthly payment' or 'installment' as a concept or a specific count (e.g., 'tre mensilità di anticipo' - three months' rent in advance). Mensile is the descriptor. By keeping these distinctions clear—adjective vs. adverb, fixed gender, and descriptor vs. unit of time—you will use mensile with the precision of a native speaker.

To truly expand your Italian vocabulary, it is helpful to look at mensile alongside its synonyms and related terms. Depending on the context—whether you are talking about time, publications, or frequency—there might be a more precise word to use. This section explores the nuances between mensile and its linguistic neighbors.

Mensile vs. Ogni Mese: The most common alternative to the adjective mensile is the phrase ogni mese (every month). While mensile is more formal and often used as a technical descriptor (abbonamento mensile), ogni mese is more common in casual conversation. For example, 'Vado a trovare mia nonna ogni mese' sounds more natural than using an adjectival construction. Ogni mese functions as an adverbial phrase, making it a direct competitor to mensilmente.

La rivista esce ogni mese, quindi è un mensile.

Periodico and Rivista: When mensile is used as a noun, its closest synonyms are periodico and rivista. However, periodico is a broader term that includes anything published at regular intervals (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.). Rivista is the general word for magazine. Mensile is the most specific, as it immediately tells the reader the frequency of publication. If you want to be precise about a magazine's schedule, mensile is your best choice.

Rate and Canone: In financial contexts, you often hear mensile paired with rata or canone. A rata is an installment of a loan or purchase. A canone is a fixed recurring fee, like rent or a TV license. While you could just say 'il pagamento di questo mese', using la rata mensile or il canone mensile is much more professional and clear in a business or legal setting.

Il canone mensile per il software è aumentato di cinque euro.

Finally, consider the word stipendio. While mensile can sometimes be used as a noun to mean 'monthly salary' (e.g., 'Ho già speso tutto il mio mensile'), stipendio is the standard and more common term. Using mensile in this way is slightly more informal or colloquial. By understanding these alternatives, you can choose the word that best fits the formality and specific meaning of your conversation.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"La spettabile clientela è pregata di saldare il canone mensile entro la data stabilita."

Neutral

"Ho comprato un mensile di fotografia in stazione."

Informal

"Ho già finito tutto il mensile, mi presti dieci euro?"

Child friendly

"Ogni mese arriva il tuo giornalino mensile preferito!"

Slang

"Quel tipo ha un mensile da paura!"

Fun Fact

The root 'mensis' is also related to the moon (luna), as ancient calendars were often lunar. The English word 'month' and 'moon' share a similar Indo-European root.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /menˈsi.le/

US /menˈsi.le/

The stress is on the second syllable: men-SI-le.

Rhymes With

gentile (kind) aprile (April) cortile (courtyard) stile (style) sottile (thin) fucile (rifle) civile (civil) fossile (fossil)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'e' as an 'i' (mensili).
Putting the stress on the first syllable (MEN-sile).
Making the 's' sound like a 'z'. In Italian, it's a sharp 's' sound.
Nasalizing the 'en' too much like in French.
Confusing the pronunciation with the English 'monthly'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'mese'.

Writing 3/5

Must remember the -e to -i plural and avoid the adverb confusion.

Speaking 2/5

Simple pronunciation, stress is predictable.

Listening 2/5

Clear sounds, often used in predictable contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

mese giorno settimana anno abbonamento

Learn Next

mensilmente settimanale bimestrale trimestrale annuale

Advanced

mensilità periodicità scadenza rateizzazione

Grammar to Know

Adjectives ending in -e

Mensile (sing) -> Mensili (plur). Same for masc/fem.

Adjective placement

Usually follows the noun: 'abbonamento mensile'.

Adverb formation with -mente

Mensile -> Mensilmente.

Pluralization of -e nouns

Il mensile -> I mensili.

Article agreement

La rivista mensile, il pagamento mensile.

Examples by Level

Ho un abbonamento mensile per l'autobus.

I have a monthly pass for the bus.

Mensile follows the noun 'abbonamento'.

Questa è una rivista mensile.

This is a monthly magazine.

Mensile describes 'rivista' (feminine), but the ending is still -e.

Il mio stipendio mensile è buono.

My monthly salary is good.

Stipendio is masculine; mensile is gender-neutral here.

Compro un mensile di cucina.

I buy a monthly cooking magazine.

Here, 'mensile' is used as a noun.

La rata mensile è di 20 euro.

The monthly installment is 20 euros.

Rata means installment.

Ho una riunione mensile lunedì.

I have a monthly meeting on Monday.

Riunione is feminine; mensile doesn't change.

Il canone mensile è basso.

The monthly fee is low.

Canone often refers to rent or fixed fees.

Leggo due mensili ogni mese.

I read two monthlies every month.

Mensili is the plural of the noun mensile.

Quanto costa l'abbonamento mensile in questa palestra?

How much does the monthly subscription cost in this gym?

Common question for services.

Il giornale pubblica un inserto mensile.

The newspaper publishes a monthly insert.

Inserto is masculine; mensile modifies it.

Abbiamo pagato le bollette mensili.

We paid the monthly bills.

Plural agreement: bollette (f. pl.) + mensili.

Il mio obiettivo mensile è leggere un libro.

My monthly goal is to read a book.

Obiettivo means goal or objective.

Ricevo una newsletter mensile via email.

I receive a monthly newsletter via email.

Newsletter is treated as feminine in Italian.

La spesa mensile per il cibo è alta.

The monthly expenditure for food is high.

Spesa means expenditure or shopping.

Ci sono molti mensili interessanti in edicola.

There are many interesting monthlies at the newsstand.

Mensili used as a plural noun.

Il controllo mensile dal medico è importante.

The monthly check-up at the doctor is important.

Controllo means check-up or control.

Dobbiamo preparare il resoconto mensile per il capo.

We need to prepare the monthly report for the boss.

Resoconto is a formal word for report.

L'affitto mensile include tutte le utenze.

The monthly rent includes all utilities.

Affitto mensile is a very common phrase.

Ho sottoscritto un abbonamento mensile a una rivista d'arte.

I subscribed to a monthly art magazine.

Sottoscrivere means to sign or subscribe.

Le rate mensili del mutuo sono piuttosto pesanti.

The monthly mortgage payments are quite heavy.

Mutuo means mortgage.

Questo mensile di attualità ha un'ampia diffusione.

This current affairs monthly has a wide circulation.

Diffusione refers to circulation or spread.

Ogni dipendente riceve un premio mensile basato sulle vendite.

Every employee receives a monthly bonus based on sales.

Premio means prize or bonus.

La manutenzione mensile della caldaia è obbligatoria.

Monthly maintenance of the boiler is mandatory.

Manutenzione means maintenance.

Analizziamo la variazione mensile dei prezzi al consumo.

We are analyzing the monthly variation in consumer prices.

Variazione means variation or change.

Il canone mensile di locazione deve essere versato entro il cinque del mese.

The monthly rental fee must be paid by the fifth of the month.

Locazione is a formal term for rental.

Il contratto prevede una retribuzione mensile lorda di tremila euro.

The contract provides for a gross monthly salary of three thousand euros.

Lorda means gross (before taxes).

Questo mensile letterario pubblica spesso racconti inediti.

This literary monthly often publishes unpublished short stories.

Inedito means unpublished.

Le statistiche mensili indicano un calo della disoccupazione.

Monthly statistics indicate a drop in unemployment.

Statistiche is feminine plural.

L'azienda ha registrato un incremento mensile del fatturato.

The company recorded a monthly increase in turnover.

Fatturato means turnover or revenue.

Il piano tariffario offre un traffico dati mensile illimitato.

The rate plan offers unlimited monthly data traffic.

Traffico dati refers to data usage.

La pubblicazione mensile è stata sospesa per motivi tecnici.

The monthly publication was suspended for technical reasons.

Sospesa means suspended.

Valutiamo l'impatto mensile delle nuove tasse sulle famiglie.

We are evaluating the monthly impact of new taxes on families.

Impatto means impact.

La periodicità mensile della rivista garantisce approfondimenti di alta qualità.

The monthly frequency of the magazine guarantees high-quality in-depth analysis.

Periodicità refers to frequency.

Le fluttuazioni mensili del mercato azionario preoccupano gli investitori.

The monthly fluctuations of the stock market worry investors.

Fluttuazioni means fluctuations.

Il calcolo della rata mensile deve tener conto degli interessi composti.

The calculation of the monthly installment must take compound interest into account.

Interessi composti means compound interest.

Il mensile storico ha dedicato un numero speciale al Risorgimento.

The history monthly dedicated a special issue to the Risorgimento.

Numero speciale means special issue.

L'osservatorio ha rilevato un'anomalia mensile nei dati climatici.

The observatory detected a monthly anomaly in climate data.

Rilevare means to detect or measure.

La tredicesima mensilità è un diritto sancito dal contratto collettivo.

The thirteenth monthly payment is a right established by the collective agreement.

Sancito means established or ratified.

L'abbonamento mensile integrato permette di usare bus e treni regionali.

The integrated monthly pass allows the use of buses and regional trains.

Integrato means integrated.

Il monitoraggio mensile dei livelli di inquinamento è fondamentale.

Monthly monitoring of pollution levels is fundamental.

Monitoraggio means monitoring.

L'erogazione mensile dei fondi è soggetta a rigidi controlli burocratici.

The monthly disbursement of funds is subject to strict bureaucratic controls.

Erogazione means disbursement or supply.

Il mensile satirico ha suscitato accese polemiche nel panorama mediatico.

The satirical monthly sparked heated controversy in the media landscape.

Suscitare means to spark or arouse.

Si nota una correlazione tra la spesa mensile pro capite e l'indice di felicità.

A correlation is noted between monthly per capita spending and the happiness index.

Pro capite means per person (Latinism).

La quota mensile di ammortamento è stata ricalcolata secondo i nuovi criteri.

The monthly depreciation quota has been recalculated according to the new criteria.

Ammortamento means depreciation or amortization.

Il periodico, nato come mensile, è diventato successivamente un trimestrale.

The periodical, born as a monthly, subsequently became a quarterly.

Successivamente means subsequently.

L'analisi mensile disaggregata rivela disparità regionali significative.

The disaggregated monthly analysis reveals significant regional disparities.

Disaggregata means broken down into parts.

Il mensile di design ha celebrato il centenario della nascita dell'architetto.

The design monthly celebrated the centenary of the architect's birth.

Centenario means centenary.

La varianza mensile dei rendimenti obbligazionari è rimasta contenuta.

The monthly variance of bond yields remained contained.

Rendimenti obbligazionari means bond yields.

Common Collocations

abbonamento mensile

stipendio mensile

rivista mensile

rata mensile

canone mensile

riunione mensile

resoconto mensile

obiettivo mensile

bolletta mensile

spesa mensile

Common Phrases

su base mensile

— On a monthly basis. Used in formal or technical contexts.

Valutiamo i progressi su base mensile.

mensile di attualità

— A current affairs monthly magazine.

È il miglior mensile di attualità in commercio.

pagamento mensile posticipato

— Deferred monthly payment.

Il contratto prevede un pagamento mensile posticipato.

abbonamento mensile studenti

— Monthly pass for students.

L'abbonamento mensile studenti costa meno.

quota mensile associativa

— Monthly membership fee.

La quota mensile associativa è di 10 euro.

controllo mensile

— Monthly check or inspection.

Facciamo un controllo mensile dei macchinari.

scadenza mensile

— Monthly deadline.

Dobbiamo rispettare la scadenza mensile.

rendiconto mensile

— Monthly financial statement or report.

L'amministratore ha presentato il rendiconto mensile.

tredicesima mensilità

— The 13th-month salary bonus common in Italy.

A dicembre ricevo la tredicesima mensilità.

periodico mensile

— A monthly periodical.

Questo periodico mensile è molto famoso.

Often Confused With

mensile vs mensilmente

Mensile is an adjective (monthly fee), mensilmente is an adverb (I pay monthly).

mensile vs mese

Mese is the noun 'month'. You can't say 'Ho passato un mensile a Roma'.

mensile vs mensilità

Mensilità refers to the payment itself or the number of months of salary (e.g., 13th month).

Idioms & Expressions

"arrivare a fine mese"

— To make it to the end of the month (financially). While not using 'mensile', it's the most related cultural idiom.

Con questo stipendio è difficile arrivare a fine mese.

informal

"mensile da fame"

— A starvation monthly salary (very low pay).

Lavora sodo per un mensile da fame.

informal

"fare il mensile"

— To buy the monthly pass (usually for transport).

Domani devo andare in stazione a fare il mensile.

colloquial

"mensile d'oro"

— A very high monthly salary.

Quel calciatore ha un mensile d'oro.

informal

"saltare un mensile"

— To miss a monthly issue (of a magazine).

La rivista ha dovuto saltare un mensile per problemi tecnici.

neutral

"pagare il mensile"

— To pay the monthly fee/rent.

Hai già pagato il mensile al padrone di casa?

colloquial

"mensile di prova"

— A monthly trial period.

Offriamo un mensile di prova gratuito.

neutral

"stipendio mensile netto"

— Net monthly salary (take-home pay).

Qual è il tuo stipendio mensile netto?

formal

"abbonamento mensile integrato"

— Integrated monthly pass for multiple modes of transport.

L'abbonamento mensile integrato è molto comodo.

neutral

"mensile tematico"

— A themed monthly magazine.

Questo è un mensile tematico sulla montagna.

neutral

Easily Confused

mensile vs Mensile vs. Ogni mese

Both translate to 'monthly' in English.

Mensile is an adjective modifying a noun. Ogni mese is an adverbial phrase modifying a verb.

Abbonamento mensile vs. Vado ogni mese.

mensile vs Mensile vs. Periodico

Both refer to magazines.

Mensile is specific to once a month. Periodico is generic for any regular interval.

Questo mensile è un ottimo periodico.

mensile vs Mensile vs. Stipendio

Sometimes people use 'mensile' to mean 'pay'.

Stipendio is the formal noun for salary. Mensile is more colloquial when used as a noun for salary.

Ho speso tutto lo stipendio / il mensile.

mensile vs Mensile vs. Mensilità

They look very similar.

Mensile is the descriptor. Mensilità is the abstract noun for the monthly unit of pay.

La rata mensile vs. Due mensilità di caparra.

mensile vs Mensile vs. Bimestrale

Both describe frequency.

Mensile is once a month. Bimestrale is once every two months.

La bolletta è mensile o bimestrale?

Sentence Patterns

Ho [Noun] mensile.

Ho l'abbonamento mensile.

Quanto costa il/la [Noun] mensile?

Quanto costa l'affitto mensile?

Dobbiamo fare il/la [Noun] mensile.

Dobbiamo fare la riunione mensile.

Il contratto prevede un/una [Noun] mensile.

Il contratto prevede una retribuzione mensile.

La periodicità mensile di [Noun] permette...

La periodicità mensile della rivista permette approfondimenti.

Su base mensile, [Sentence].

Su base mensile, controlliamo i conti.

L'erogazione mensile di [Noun] è...

L'erogazione mensile dei fondi è bloccata.

Il mensile [Adjective] ha suscitato...

Il mensile satirico ha suscitato polemiche.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in daily life, administration, and media.

Common Mistakes

Using 'mensile' as an adverb. → Pago mensilmente.
Mensile is an adjective. You need the -mente ending for the adverb.
Saying 'un mensile di tempo'. → Un mese di tempo.
Mensile is a descriptor, not the unit of time itself.
Writing 'la rivista mensila'. → La rivista mensile.
Mensile does not change to -a for feminine nouns.
Confusing 'mensile' with 'mensilità'. → Ho pagato la rata mensile.
Mensilità is usually used for the count of months or the concept of monthly pay units.
Pluralizing as 'mensila' or 'mensile'. → Gli abbonamenti mensili.
The plural of -e adjectives is always -i.

Tips

The -e Rule

Remember that adjectives ending in -e like 'mensile' are easier because you don't have to worry about the gender of the noun. Just change -e to -i for plural.

Magazine Shortcut

When you are at an 'edicola', you can just say 'un mensile' and everyone will know you mean a monthly magazine.

Salary Talk

If someone asks about your 'mensile', they are asking about your monthly take-home pay. It's a common way to discuss earnings informally.

Save Money

Always check for the 'abbonamento mensile' in Italian cities. It's almost always cheaper than buying 'biglietti singoli' if you stay for more than a few days.

Adjective vs Adverb

Double-check your writing: if it's describing a thing, use 'mensile'. If it's describing how you do something, use 'mensilmente'.

The 13th Month

If you work in Italy, the 'tredicesima mensilità' is your best friend. It usually arrives just in time for Christmas shopping!

Asking Prices

Use 'Qual è la rata mensile?' when shopping for expensive items to find out the monthly installment plan.

Reporting

The 'resoconto mensile' is a standard corporate document. Mastering this term will help you in any Italian office environment.

Scanning Texts

When reading Italian news, look for 'mensile' to find data about monthly trends or new magazine releases.

Smooth Sounds

Practice the transition from 'n' to 's' in 'mensile'. It should be smooth, not like a 'z' sound.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Mensile' as 'Month-ly'. Both start with 'M' and refer to the same cycle. 'Mese' is the month, 'Mensile' is the monthly thing.

Visual Association

Imagine a calendar with a big 'M' on the first day of every month, representing your 'Mensile' payment or magazine arrival.

Word Web

Mese Rivista Abbonamento Stipendio Rata Canone Mensilmente Mensilità

Challenge

Try to find three things in your house that you pay for or receive 'mensilmente' and label them with the adjective 'mensile'.

Word Origin

From the Latin word 'mensualis', which is an adjective derived from 'mensis' (month).

Original meaning: Pertaining to a month or occurring every month.

Romance (Latin-derived).

Cultural Context

Discussing one's 'stipendio mensile' is considered private in many parts of Italy, similar to other Western cultures.

In English, we often use 'monthly' as both adjective and adverb. In Italian, you must distinguish between 'mensile' and 'mensilmente'.

Focus (a famous Italian scientific mensile) Quattroruote (the most famous car mensile in Italy) Linus (a historic cultural/comic mensile)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Transport

Abbonamento mensile
Rinnovare il mensile
Costo del mensile
Mensile integrato

Finance/Work

Stipendio mensile
Rata mensile
Canone mensile
Premio mensile

Media

Rivista mensile
Il numero mensile
Abbonarsi a un mensile
Mensile d'informazione

Housing

Affitto mensile
Spese mensili
Bolletta mensile
Rendiconto mensile

Routine

Riunione mensile
Controllo mensile
Obiettivo mensile
Impegno mensile

Conversation Starters

"Qual è il tuo mensile preferito da leggere?"

"Quanto costa l'abbonamento mensile per i mezzi pubblici nella tua città?"

"Hai una riunione mensile fissa al lavoro?"

"Preferisci pagare le bollette su base mensile o annuale?"

"C'è un mensile di cucina che mi consiglieresti?"

Journal Prompts

Descrivi la tua spesa mensile tipica: per cosa spendi di più?

Qual è il tuo obiettivo mensile per imparare l'italiano?

Se potessi creare un nuovo mensile, di cosa parlerebbe?

Parla di un abbonamento mensile che hai e perché è utile.

Rifletti sulla tua routine mensile: cosa fai sempre una volta al mese?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is an adjective ending in -e, so it is gender-neutral. It agrees with the noun it modifies (e.g., 'il canone mensile' is masculine, 'la rivista mensile' is feminine). As a noun meaning magazine, it is masculine ('il mensile').

You should say 'Pago mensilmente' or 'Pago ogni mese'. Don't say 'Pago mensile' because 'mensile' is an adjective, not an adverb.

It is a 13th-month salary bonus that most Italian employees receive in December. It's a key part of Italian labor culture.

No. To say 'a month', use the noun 'mese'. 'Mensile' is only used as an adjective (monthly) or as a noun meaning a monthly magazine.

The plural is 'mensili' for both masculine and feminine uses.

Usually after the noun. For example: 'abbonamento mensile', 'stipendio mensile', 'riunione mensile'.

Yes, you can say 'affitto mensile' or 'canone mensile'. Both are very common.

Yes, it is 'bimestrale'. Similarly, 'trimestrale' is every three months.

Absolutely. You would ask for an 'abbonamento mensile' or talk about the 'quota mensile'.

It is a standard, neutral word. It is used in both everyday conversation and formal business contracts.