Italian Phrase
È il 25 dicembre.
Meaning
This phrase is the standard way to state the date of Christmas in Italian. It combines the third-person singular of the verb 'essere' (to be) with the definite article 'il' and the specific day and month.
When to use
Use this phrase when identifying the current date or referring to the specific day Christmas falls on. It is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts when discussing a calendar.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Èil25dicembre
È (Essere)
The verb 'to be' in the third person singular, used here to define the state of the current day.
L'articolo 'il'
Italian dates require the masculine definite article 'il' before the number.
Cardinal Numbers
Italian uses cardinal numbers (2, 3, 25) for all dates except the first of the month, which uses the ordinal 'il primo'.
🗨In Conversation
Che giorno è oggi?
What day is it today?
È il 25 dicembre.
It is December 25th.
✕Common Mistakes
Sono il 25 dicembre.
In Italian, you use the singular 'è' to state the date, even if the number is plural.
È 25 dicembre.
You must include the definite article 'il' before the number when stating the date.
↔Alternatives
Oggi è il venticinque dicembre.
Today is December 25th.
Siamo al venticinque dicembre.
We are at December 25th (idiomatic).
Cultural Tip
While this phrase identifies the date, Italians are more likely to say 'È Natale' (It is Christmas) on this day. December 25th is a central holiday in Italy involving large family lunches called 'il pranzo di Natale' which can last for many hours.