Italian · Nature, Animals & Weather
"Bee" in Italian: ape
l'ape
Bee in Italian is l'ape (LAH-peh), feminine: un'ape, due api. Apicoltori keep bees; a sting is una puntura d'ape.
At a picnic
Attento: l'ape è sul panino.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce ape
Say it
LAH-peh
/ˈa.pe/
Ape is two short syllables: AH-peh, stress on AH. Plural api is AH-pee.
"Bee" in Italian: quick reference
| Italian | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| l'ape | the bee Singular with the article. | Singular with the article. |
| un'ape | a bee Spotting one outdoors. | Spotting one outdoors. |
| le api | the bees Talking about a swarm or hive. | Talking about a swarm or hive. |
| miele d'api | bee honey Labels and market stalls. | Labels and market stalls. |
How to use ape in real life
- 1At a picnic
Attento: l'ape è sul panino.
Careful: the bee is on the sandwich.
L'ape for one insect nearby.
- 2Garden talk
Le api girano intorno ai fiori gialli.
The bees are circling the yellow flowers.
Le api for several.
- 3Kids at a park
Non spaventare l'ape: non ti fa niente.
Don't scare the bee: it won't hurt you.
L'ape when you point to that one.
Mistakes English speakers make with ape
Incorrect: Il ape è sul tavolo.
Correct: L'ape è sul tavolo.
Ape is feminine and takes l' before the vowel.
Incorrect: Ho visto due ape.
Correct: Ho visto due api.
Plural of ape is api, not ape.
Good to know
Italians often treat bees as hardworking helpers of the garden, not pests. Regional honey (miele) is a pride product, so ape talk easily slides into food talk.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
A bee lands near lunch outdoors
ChatPal
Vedi quell'ape vicino al succo?
Do you see that bee near the juice?
You
Sì… mi alzo piano piano, così l'ape se ne va.
Yes… I'll get up slowly so the bee leaves.
ChatPal
Bravo. Le api di solito non cercano guai.
Good. Bees usually aren't looking for trouble.
You
Meglio non lasciare niente di dolce scoperto.
Better not leave anything sweet uncovered.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Bee" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Bee" in Italian
Is ape masculine or feminine?
Feminine: l'ape, un'ape, le api.
How do I say bees?
Le api. The plural drops the final e sound pattern to api.
What is a bee sting called?
Una puntura d'ape, or simply una puntura.
Does ape mean monkey?
No. Monkey is scimmia. Ape is only the insect bee.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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