Ordinal numbers
Numeri ordinali
- Learn the ordinal numbers.
- ordinal numbers
Learn how to use Italian ordinal numbers like il primo (the first), il secondo (the second), and il quinto (the fifth) to describe positions and order. This lesson also introduces the verb ricordare (to remember) in the present tense for everyday conversations.
Listening & reading materials
Practice vocabulary in context with real materials.
Vocabulary (13) Share Copied!
Exercises Share Copied!
These exercises can be done together during conversation lessons or as homework.
Exercise 1: Reorder sentences
Instruction: Make correct sentences and translate.
Exercise 2: Match a word
Instruction: Match the translations
Exercise 3: Cluster the words
Instruction: Classify the words into two categories based on whether they indicate ordinal numbers or general positions.
Numeri ordinali (dalla prima all'ottava posizione)
Posizioni e riferimenti generali
Exercise 4: Translate and use in a sentence
Instruction: Pick a word, translated and use the word in a sentence or dialogue.
1
Il nono
The ninth
2
Il sesto
The sixth
3
Il terzo
The third
4
L'ottavo
The eighth
5
Il quinto
The fifth
Esercizio 5: Conversation exercise
Istruzione:
- On which floor does each person live? (On which floor does each person live?)
- Do you live in an apartment? On which floor do you live? (Do you live in an apartment? On which floor do you live?)
Teaching guidelines +/- 10 minutes
Example phrases:
|
Stevan vive al nono piano. Stevan lives on the ninth floor. |
|
Catherine vive al decimo piano. Catherine lives on the tenth floor. |
|
Giulia vive al primo piano. Giulia lives on the first floor. |
|
Vivi in un appartamento al sesto piano. You live in an apartment on the sixth floor. |
|
A che piano abiti? On what floor do you live? |
|
Vivo al piano terra. I live on the ground floor. |
| ... |
Exercise 6: Dialogue Cards
Instruction: Select a situation and practice the conversation with your teacher or fellow students.
Exercise 7: Multiple Choice
Instruction: Choose the correct solution
1. Io ____ che il nostro incontro è il primo del mese.
(I ____ that our meeting is on the first of the month.)2. Tu ____ quando abbiamo parlato del quarto appuntamento?
(You ____ when we talked about the fourth appointment?)3. Lui ____ le stagioni in cui lavoriamo di più.
(He ____ the seasons in which we work more.)4. Noi ____ il nono giorno della settimana per la riunione.
(We ____ the ninth day of the week for the meeting.)Exercise 8: The company cooking contest
Instruction:
Verb Tables
Ricordare - Remember
Presente
- io ricordo
- tu ricordi
- lui/lei ricorda
- noi ricordiamo
- voi ricordate
- loro ricordano
Exercise 9: I numeri ordinali
Instruction: Fill in the correct word.
Grammar: Ordinal numbers
Show translation Show answersquinto, quarta, nono, quarto, sesto, terzo, settimo, primo
Grammar Share Copied!
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Verb conjugation tables for this lesson Share Copied!
Ricordare to remember Share Copied!
Presente
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| (io) ricordo | I remember |
| (tu) ricordi | You remember |
| (lui/lei) ricorda | he/she remembers |
| (noi) ricordiamo | we remember |
| (voi) ricordate | You remember |
| (loro) ricordano | they remember |
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Lesson Overview: Ordinal Numbers in Italian
This lesson introduces ordinal numbers in Italian, essential for expressing order and position in everyday contexts. You will learn how to identify and use ordinal numbers from first (il primo) to at least the twentieth (il ventesimo).
Key Concepts
- Definition: Ordinal numbers tell the position of something in a sequence (e.g., first, second, third).
- Common ordinal numbers: il primo, il secondo, il terzo, il quarto, il quinto, il sesto, il settimo, l'ottavo, and beyond.
- Usage: Ordinal numbers are used to specify order in places, dates, chapters, prizes, and general rankings.
Practical Examples
Here are some contextual phrases illustrating ordinal numbers:
- "Il mio posto preferito è il secondo tavolo vicino alla finestra." (My favorite seat is the second table near the window.)
- "Ricordare il primo giorno di scuola è importante per molti studenti." (Remembering the first day of school is important for many students.)
- "Nel concorso, ho vinto il quarto premio e sono molto felice." (In the contest, I won the fourth prize and I am very happy.)
- "Lei legge il ventesimo capitolo del libro stasera." (She is reading the twentieth chapter of the book tonight.)
Verbs to Remember
The verb ricordare (to remember) frequently appears with ordinal numbers to talk about dates or events. Here is the present tense conjugation:
- io ricordo
- tu ricordi
- lui/lei ricorda
- noi ricordiamo
- voi ricordate
- loro ricordano
Usage Tips and Cultural Notes
Ordinal numbers in Italian agree in gender and number with the noun they describe, but for A1 level learners focusing on masculine singular forms such as "il primo" is a practical start.
Unlike English, ordinal numbers in Italian are often preceded by the definite article il (the) when used as adjectives.
Comparison with English
While English ordinal numbers are quite straightforward, Italian places importance on articles and adjective-noun agreement. For example:
- English: "the first day"
- Italian: "il primo giorno" (note the article and masculine singular ending)
Also, Italian ordinal numbers are commonly used in day-to-day expressions, so mastering them aids both understanding and speaking.
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