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Italian Phrase

È la sigla dello stato?

/ˈɛ la ˈsiɡla ˈdɛl.lo ˈsta.to/
Meaning"What’s the state’s abbreviation?"
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Meaning

A direct question asking for the abbreviation (two‑letter code) of a state. It’s commonly used when filling out forms, addressing travel documents, or discussing regional codes.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you need to know or confirm the official short code of a state, such as CA for California, NY for New York, or the Italian province codes like MI for Milano.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Elasigladellostato?

1

È vs E

Use the accented È (verb 'essere' – 'is') when asking a question; E without accent means 'and'.

2

Dello

Dello is the contraction of di + lo, used before masculine singular nouns starting with a consonant.

3

Sigla

Sigla means 'abbreviation' or 'code', often used for state or province abbreviations.

🗨In Conversation

A

È la sigla dello stato?

What’s the state’s abbreviation?

È CA per la California.

It’s CA for California.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • E la sigla dello stato?

    E without accent means ‘and’; the correct verb is È (is).

  • È la sigla dell' stato?

    If the noun starts with a vowel, use “dell’” (e.g., dell’Italia).

  • È la storia dello stato?

    Do not confuse sigla (abbreviation) with ‘storia’ (history).

↔Alternatives

  • Qual è la sigla dello stato?

    What is the state’s abbreviation?

  • Qual è l’abbreviazione dello stato?

    What is the state’s abbreviation?

  • Mi può dire la sigla dello stato?

    Can you tell me the state’s abbreviation?

it

Cultural Tip

In Italian, the word sigla is used for many kinds of codes – license‑plate prefixes, airline codes, and state abbreviations. When speaking formally or in written Italian, prefer “Qual è la sigla…”. The unaccented “E” means ‘and’, so using the correct accent avoids confusion.