Italian Phrase
Oggi è lunedì.
Meaning
This phrase is used to identify the current day of the week. It combines the adverb 'oggi' (today) with the third-person singular form of the verb 'essere' (to be) and the noun for Monday.
When to use
Use this phrase when someone asks for the date or day, or when you are expressing the start of the work week. It is appropriate for both casual and professional environments.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Oggièlunedì
Oggi
An adverb meaning 'today', it functions as the subject of the sentence here.
È
The third-person singular present tense of 'essere' (to be).
lunedì
Days of the week in Italian are not capitalized and usually masculine. Monday through Friday all end in an accented 'ì'.
🗨In Conversation
Che giorno è oggi?
What day is today?
Oggi è lunedì.
Today is Monday.
✕Common Mistakes
Oggi sono lunedì.
Use the singular verb 'è' instead of the plural 'sono' because 'oggi' refers to a single day.
Oggi è il lunedì.
In Italian, you typically omit the definite article when stating the day of the week directly after the verb 'to be'.
↔Alternatives
È lunedì.
It is Monday.
Siamo a lunedì.
We are at Monday (idiomatic).
Cultural Tip
In Italy, Monday is often the day when local shops, hair salons, and some restaurants remain closed for a 'giorno di riposo' (rest day) after being open through the weekend. The Italian work week traditionally starts on Monday, just like in most Western cultures.