Italian Phrase
Calcola quanto guadagni al mese.
Meaning
This sentence is a direct command that asks the listener to work out the amount of money they earn each month. It is often used when someone is planning a budget, comparing salaries, or filling out a financial questionnaire.
When to use
Use it in informal or semi‑formal contexts when you need a quick estimate of a person’s monthly income – for example during a budgeting workshop, a salary‑negotiation prep, or when filling out a tax‑related form.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Calcolaquantoguadagnialmese.
Calcola (imperative)
‘Calcola’ is the second‑person singular imperative of the verb *calcolare* (to calculate). It is used to give a direct command.
quanto (interrogative adverb)
‘Quanto’ asks ‘how much’ and introduces a quantitative question.
guadagni (present indicative)
‘Guadagni’ is the second‑person singular present indicative of *guadagnare* (to earn). Here it works as the verb in the embedded question.
al = a + il
‘Al’ is the contraction of the preposition *a* (to/at) and the definite article *il* (the). It means ‘per’ in this temporal sense.
mese (noun)
‘Mese’ means ‘month’ and is masculine singular.
🗨In Conversation
Calcola quanto guadagni al mese, così possiamo vedere se il tuo stipendio copre tutte le spese.
Calculate how much you earn per month, so we can see if your salary covers all the expenses.
Va bene, il mio stipendio netto è di 2 200 euro al mese.
Alright, my net salary is 2,200 euros per month.
✕Common Mistakes
Calcolare quanto guadagni al mese.
‘Calcolare’ is the infinitive; you need the imperative ‘Calcola’ to give a command.
Quanto guadagni al mese?
While grammatically correct, this is a question, not a command. The original phrase is an instruction.
Calcola quanto guadagni ogni mese.
‘Ogni’ is acceptable, but the original phrase uses ‘al mese’ which is the more common idiom for ‘per month’.
↔Alternatives
Stima il tuo reddito mensile.
Estimate your monthly income.
Quanto guadagni ogni mese?
How much do you earn each month?
Fai il calcolo del tuo guadagno mensile.
Do the calculation of your monthly earnings.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, talking about personal income can be considered a private matter, especially in casual conversation. It’s safer to use a polite tone or frame the request as a financial‑planning exercise rather than a direct inquiry about salary. The imperative ‘Calcola’ is acceptable in a workshop or with people you know well, but in more formal settings you might prefer ‘Potrebbe calcolare…’ or ‘Le chiederei di calcolare…’.