Using articles

Here are some important differences:

  • Italian has a definite article before names of substances and abstract nouns:
    Sugar is white Lo zucchero è bianco.
    Patience is a virtue La pazienza è una virtù.

  • Italian has a definite article before plural nouns even when they refer to a whole class of people or things:
    Italians are usually friendly people Gli italiani di solito sono persone amichevoli.
    Dogs have four legs I cani hanno quattro zampe.

  • Italian has a definite article before geographical names of countries, regions, mountains etc.: Lake Maggiore is between Piedmont and Lombardy Il Lago Maggiore è tra il Piemonte e la Lombardia.

  • Italian has a definite article before languages: She speaks Italian and French Parla l'italiano e il francese.

  • Italian has a definite article before ailments: He has a sore throat Ha il mal di gola.
    They're in bed with flu Sono a letto con l'influenza.

  • Italian has a definite article before colours: Our favourite colour is yellow Il nostro colore preferito è il giallo.

  • To describe jobs in Eng. you use "to be" and the indefinite article; It. uses "fare" ( do, make) and the articolo determinativo: He's a shopkeeper Fa il bottegaio.

  • Italian has a definite article before sports and games: He likes tennis very much Gli piace moltissimo il tennis.
    Golf is not very popular in Italy Il golf non è molto diffuso in Italia.

There are a few more cases, so be on the alert!