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Italian Phrase

Cerco uno stipendio competitivo.

/ˈtʃer.ko ˈuː.no stiˈpen.djo kom.peˈti.vi.to/
Meaning"I’m looking for a competitive salary."
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Meaning

Literally, “I am looking for a competitive salary.” It is a concise way to state your salary expectations, especially in a job interview or when negotiating a contract.

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When to use

Use this sentence when you want to convey that you expect a salary that matches market standards or the level of responsibility. It works in formal job‑search contexts, networking events, or when replying to a recruiter’s question about compensation expectations.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Cercounostipendiocompetitivo

1

Cerco (verb)

First‑person singular present of *cercare* ‘to look for, to seek’. It is a regular -are verb.

2

uno (indefinite article)

Used before masculine nouns that begin with *s* + consonant, *z*, *ps*, *gn*, etc. ‘a’.

3

stipendio (noun)

Masculine noun meaning ‘salary, wage’. Takes the article *uno* in this context.

4

competitivo (adjective)

Adjective meaning ‘competitive’. In Italian adjectives usually follow the noun, especially with concrete nouns like *stipendio*.

🗨In Conversation

A

Cerco uno stipendio competitivo.

I’m looking for a competitive salary.

Qual è la tua fascia di retribuzione ideale?

What’s your ideal salary range?

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Cerco un stipendio competitivo.

    Use *uno* before *stipendio* because the noun starts with *s* + consonant.

  • Cerca uno stipendio competitivo.

    The verb must agree with the speaker: *cerco* (I look), not *cerca* (he/she looks).

  • Cerco uno competitivo stipendio.

    While adjectives can precede nouns for emphasis, the neutral order is noun + adjective.

↔Alternatives

  • Desidero un salario competitivo.

    I desire a competitive salary.

  • Voglio un compenso adeguato.

    I want an adequate compensation.

  • Sto cercando una retribuzione competitiva.

    I’m looking for a competitive remuneration.

it

Cultural Tip

In Italy salary discussions are usually postponed until after the first interview, but it’s common to be asked early about your expectations. Keep the tone professional and avoid sounding demanding; pairing the phrase with a polite question (e.g., “Qual è la fascia di retribuzione prevista?”) shows respect for the employer’s budget.