o
either
The Italian word 'o' is used as a conjunction to mean 'either'. This word is often used to present two or more possibilities or choices. For example, 'Vuoi tè o caffè?' translates to 'Do you want tea or coffee?'
Example sentences using: o
Ho una mela rossa.
I have a red apple.
In this sentence, 'Ho' is the first person singular present tense of the verb 'Avere' (to have). The word 'una' is an indefinite article meaning 'a', and 'mela rossa' means 'red apple'. The entire sentence is in present tense.
O mangio ora o mai più.
Either I eat now or never again.
This sentence is an example of how 'o' is used to present options or alternatives in Italian, similar to 'either...or' in English. The phrase 'ora o mai più' is an idiom meaning 'now or never'. It emphasizes the urgency or finality of the decision to eat.
Marco o Carlo può venire al cinema stasera.
Either Marco or Carlo can come to the cinema tonight.
In this example, 'o' is used again to present alternatives - in this case, between 'Marco' or 'Carlo'. The verb 'può' means 'can' and 'venire al cinema stasera' means 'come to the cinema tonight'. The entire sentence is implying that either Marco or Carlo (but not both) can come to the cinema.