Italian grammar · Beginner · Lesson 4
Italian Subject Pronouns: Io, Tu, Lei, Noi, Voi and Loro
Choose Italian subject pronouns, distinguish lei from polite Lei, and learn when the pronoun can be left out.
Updated October 10, 2026 · Free lesson and exercises
Identify who acts
The everyday Italian subject pronouns are io, tu, lui, lei, noi, voi, and loro. They tell you who the verb refers to. Verb endings already provide much of that information, so a sentence can often begin directly with a verb.
Omit a clear subject, keep emphasis
Sono italiano and io sono italiano both mean I am Italian for a male speaker. The version with io may emphasize or contrast the speaker. With ambiguous forms, such as sono for I am and they are, an explicit subject can make the meaning clearer.
Use Lei politely
Lei is the formal singular you and takes a third-person singular verb: Lei parla italiano? The gender of the person addressed does not change the choice of the pronoun Lei. In contemporary everyday speech, voi addresses several people.
Common subjects
| Pronoun | Meaning | Essere present |
|---|---|---|
| io | I | sono |
| tu | you, familiar singular | sei |
| lui / lei | he / she | è |
| Lei | you, polite singular | è |
| noi | we | siamo |
| voi | you, plural | siete |
| loro | they | sono |
The capital in Lei helps show polite address in learning materials; conventions vary in ordinary writing.
See the pattern in a sentence
Parlo un po’ di italiano.
I speak a little Italian.
The verb identifies io without an explicit pronoun.
Tu studi, io lavoro.
You study; I work.
The pronouns contrast two people.
Lei parla inglese?
Do you speak English?
Here Lei addresses someone politely.
Common mistakes to notice
To fix: Lei sei pronto?
Use: Lei è pronto?
Polite Lei uses third-person singular è, even when addressing a man.
To fix: Voi siamo amici.
Use: Voi siete amici.
Voi requires the second-person plural verb.
Try it yourself
Say or write an answer before opening the explanation.
1. Replace Marco with a subject pronoun.
Show answer and explanation
Lui.
Lui refers to a male singular subject.
2. Choose the polite singular you.
Show answer and explanation
Lei.
Pair it with a third-person singular verb.
3. Shorten io parlo italiano naturally.
Show answer and explanation
Parlo italiano.
The clear subject can be omitted.
Use it in a conversation
Introduce yourself and a friend. Ask one question using tu, then repeat it politely with Lei.
Read the examples aloud, then try your own sentences. In ChatPal, practice a real scenario and get personalized feedback on what you say.
Practice Italian out loudFAQ
Questions about this pattern
Must I always say io?
No. Italian often omits a subject pronoun when the verb and context make the subject clear.
Does Lei address only women?
No. As polite you, Lei addresses any one person, with third-person singular verb forms.
What is the plural you in Italian?
Voi is the ordinary modern plural you and uses second-person plural verbs.
Keep building your sentences
- Essere Conjugation: Italian To Be in the Present
- Italian Present Tense: Regular -Are, -Ere and -Ire Verbs
Words to practice with
References and corrections
Original explanations and practice examples for beginners. References help check the grammar; this page covers the patterns shown rather than every exception.