Italian · Greetings & Essentials

"They" in Italian: loro

loro

Say it: LOH-rohpronoun/ˈlɔ.ro/

They in Italian is loro (LOH-roh). Verb endings often make loro optional: parlano already means they speak. Use loro for contrast or clarity.

Group contrast

Loro restano, noi partiamo.
They're staying, we're leaving.
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How to pronounce loro

Say it

LOH-roh

/ˈlɔ.ro/

Loro stresses LOH: LOH-roh. Soft single r.

"They" in Italian: quick reference

ItalianEnglish
lorothey

Subject pronoun.

loro sì / loro nothey do / they don't

Contrast.

anche lorothey too

Agreement.

loro invecethey, on the other hand

Contrast.

How to use loro in real life

  1. 1Group contrast

    Loro restano, noi partiamo.

    They're staying, we're leaving.

    Loro for contrast.

  2. 2About friends

    Loro abitano vicino al mare.

    They live near the sea.

    Loro + verb.

  3. 3Clarifying

    No, loro non hanno biglietti.

    No, they don't have tickets.

    Loro for clarity.

Mistakes English speakers make with loro

Incorrect: Loro è stanchi.

Correct: Loro sono stanchi.

Use sono with loro.

Incorrect: They arrivano tardi.

Correct: Loro arrivano tardi. / Arrivano tardi.

Use loro, not English they.

Good to know

Loro also means their/them in other roles—subject loro is what beginners need first. Drop it when the -ano / -ono ending is clear.

Try it in a ChatPal conversation

Figuring out who has the reservation

  1. ChatPal

    Loro hanno già prenotato?

    Have they already booked?

  2. You

    Sì, loro hanno il tavolo alle otto.

    Yes, they have the table at eight.

  3. ChatPal

    Allora aspettiamo loro fuori.

    Then let's wait for them outside.

  4. You

    Ok.

    Ok.

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"They" in other languages

FAQ

Common questions about "They" in Italian

Do I always say loro?

No—plural verb endings often make it optional.

When should I use loro?

For emphasis or when it's unclear who you mean.

They too?

Anche loro.

Pronunciation?

LOH-roh.

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