Italian Phrase
Come indirizzo questa lettera?
Meaning
The speaker is asking for the correct way to write the address on a letter, i.e., how to format the recipient’s name, street, city, and other details. It can also be used more generally to ask for guidance on addressing any written correspondence.
When to use
Use this question when you are about to send a formal or informal letter and need help with the proper layout, especially if you are writing in Italian for the first time or dealing with a new type of recipient (e.g., a business, a government office, or a friend abroad).
✦Grammar Breakdown
Comeindirizzoquestalettera
Come (how)
An interrogative adverb used to ask about the manner or method of doing something.
indirizzo (verb)
First‑person singular present of the verb ‘indirizzare’, meaning ‘to address’ (a letter, an email, etc.).
questa (demonstrative adjective)
Matches the feminine singular noun ‘lettera’; means ‘this’.
lettera (noun)
A feminine singular noun meaning ‘letter’ (written correspondence).
🗨In Conversation
Come indirizzo questa lettera?
How do I address this letter?
Scrivi il nome e cognome del destinatario, poi la via, il CAP e la città.
Write the recipient’s first and last name, then the street, postal code and city.
✕Common Mistakes
Come l’indirizzo questa lettera?
‘Indirizzo’ is a noun meaning ‘address’; the verb form is ‘indirizzo’ (I address). Learners often confuse the two.
Come indirizzo questo lettera?
If the noun is masculine (e.g., ‘messaggio’), you must use ‘questo’. Here ‘lettera’ is feminine, so ‘questa’ is correct.
↔Alternatives
Come devo scrivere l’indirizzo su questa lettera?
How should I write the address on this letter?
Qual è il modo corretto di indirizzare questa lettera?
What is the correct way to address this letter?
Come si mette l’indirizzo su questa lettera?
How do you put the address on this letter?
Cultural Tip
In Italy the address is written on the front of the envelope, starting with the recipient’s name on the first line, followed by the street name and number, the postal code (CAP) and the city. For formal letters you also add the title (e.g., Sig., Dott.) and, if applicable, the company name. Remember that the postal code (CAP) is always five digits and precedes the city name.