Italian Phrase
Oggi è il 21 aprile.
Meaning
This phrase is a direct way to state the current date in Italian. It follows the standard structure of 'Subject + Verb + Article + Number + Month'. Note that in Italian, months are not capitalized unless they appear at the beginning of a sentence.
When to use
Use this phrase to answer the question 'Che giorno è oggi?' or to provide the date in a conversation, diary entry, or formal document.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Oggièil21aprile
Essere (è)
The verb 'essere' is used in the third person singular to link the subject 'oggi' to the date.
Definite Article
The article 'il' is mandatory before the number in dates, regardless of whether the number starts with a vowel or consonant.
Month Capitalization
In Italian, months (aprile, maggio, etc.) are common nouns and are written in lowercase.
🗨In Conversation
Scusa, che giorno è oggi?
Excuse me, what day is today?
Oggi è il 21 aprile.
Today is April 21st.
✕Common Mistakes
Oggi è 21 aprile.
Italian requires the definite article 'il' before the number when stating the date.
Oggi è il ventunesimo aprile.
Unlike English, Italian uses cardinal numbers for all days of the month except the first ('il primo').
↔Alternatives
Siamo al 21 aprile.
It is April 21st (literally: 'We are at the 21st of April').
Oggi ne abbiamo ventuno.
Today is the twenty-first (colloquial).
Cultural Tip
April 21st is known as 'Natale di Roma' (Rome's Birthday). According to legend, Romulus founded the city on this day in 753 BC. In Rome, you might see parades, gladiatorial reenactments, and light shows to celebrate the city's history.