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Italian Phrase

Sono nato/a nel 1990.

/ˈso.no ˈna.to ˈna.ta nel ˌmil.le.no.ve.ˈt͡ʃɛn.to ˈno.van.ta/
Meaning"I was born in 1990."
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Meaning

This phrase is the standard way to state your birth year in Italian. It utilizes the present tense of the auxiliary verb 'essere' combined with the past participle of 'nascere' (to be born), which must agree with the speaker's gender.

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When to use

Use this during introductions, when filling out official documents, or during casual conversations about your age and background. It is appropriate for both formal and informal settings.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Sononato/anel1990

1

Essere (Sono)

The verb 'essere' is used as the auxiliary for the verb 'nascere'. 'Sono' is the first-person singular present form.

2

Past Participle Agreement

The ending of 'nato' changes to 'nata' if the speaker is female, reflecting gender agreement.

3

Preposition 'Nel'

'Nel' is a combined preposition (in + il) used before years starting with a consonant.

🗨In Conversation

A

In che anno sei nato?

In what year were you born?

Sono nato nel 1990.

I was born in 1990.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ho nato nel 1990.

    In Italian, the verb 'nascere' always requires the auxiliary 'essere' (to be) rather than 'avere' (to have).

  • Sono nato in 1990.

    Before specific years, Italian uses the articulated preposition 'nel' (in + il) instead of the simple preposition 'in'.

↔Alternatives

  • Il mio anno di nascita è il 1990.

    My birth year is 1990.

  • Sono della classe 1990.

    I am from the class of 1990 (common in sports or military contexts).

it

Cultural Tip

In Italian, gender agreement is mandatory; men say 'nato' and women say 'nata'. When writing, the slash in 'nato/a' is a standard way to remain gender-neutral on forms or in general instructions.