Italian Phrase
Sui 20 gradi.
Meaning
Literally ‘at 20 degrees’, this phrase is used to state the current temperature, typically in Celsius, in a concise way.
When to use
Use it when talking about the weather, setting a thermostat, or describing the temperature of a room, food, or water. It works best in informal conversation or quick weather updates.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sui20gradi
Sui (su + i)
The preposition *su* (on/at) contracts with the plural masculine article *i* to form *sui*, used before plural nouns to indicate a point or approximate value.
Cardinal numbers
Italian numbers are placed before the noun they quantify; *20* (venti) is a cardinal number that does not change with gender.
Gradi (plural noun)
*Grado* means ‘degree’; the plural *gradi* is used for temperature measurements.
🗨In Conversation
Che temperatura fa oggi?
What’s the temperature today?
Sui 20 gradi.
It’s about 20 degrees.
✕Common Mistakes
A 20 gradi.
The preposition *a* is not used for stating temperature; use *sui* or *fa*.
Sui 20 grado.
The noun must agree in number; *gradi* is plural for numbers greater than one.
Sui venti gradi.
Adding *venti* (twenty) after *20* is redundant; choose either the numeral or the word.
↔Alternatives
Ci sono venti gradi.
There are twenty degrees.
Fa circa 20 gradi.
It’s roughly 20 degrees.
La temperatura è di 20 gradi.
The temperature is 20 degrees.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, temperature is always expressed in Celsius, and people often use *sui* for approximate values (e.g., *sui 20 gradi*). In the north, 20 °C feels pleasant, while in the south it can feel warm. Avoid mixing *a* with degrees; the correct preposition is *sui* (or simply *fa*).