Measurements · 38f48ff45698fd2865097336d1d889a5
The Metric System
Did you know that Italy uses the metric system? That means that instead of inches and miles, people use centimeters, meters, and kilometers to measure length.
L'insetto è lungo un centimetro.
The insect is a centimeter long.
Quanti metri di lana compriamo?
How many meters of wool do we buy?
Similarly, Italians use grams and kilograms instead of pounds to measure weight. They also use liters rather than cups or gallons for liquids.
Quanti chilogrammi di carne prendiamo?
How many kilograms of meat do we get?
Hai un litro di birra?
Do you have a liter of beer?
Un Po'
Have you ever heard the Italian expression un po’? Un po’ means a little or a bit, and it’s the short version of un poco.
Prendo un po' della tua bistecca.
I am taking a little of your steak.
In most cases, after un po’ you’ll need to use di or the combination of di with another short word (del, della, etc.).
Ho un po' di cioccolato bianco.
I have a bit of white chocolate.
Sometimes Italians use also un pochino, that means a bit or a little bit.
Lei ha un pochino di pane.
She has a little bit of bread.
Un po’ and un pochino have essentially the same meaning, so you can use whichever one you like better!
Niente
The Italian word niente means nothing or anything.
Non ho niente in cucina.I have nothing in the kitchen.
In English, we can say I have nothing or I don’t have anything. In Italian, though, you have only one option. You’ll always include non before the verb and niente after it.
Non ho niente nella mia borsa.
I don’t have anything in my bag.