how to say "some" in italian

Before we get to the topic of indefinite quantities ("some"), we have to distinguish between abstract and concrete nouns. Simply put, a concrete noun is one that can be counted. You can refer to 1, 2 or 3 peaches, but not so smoothly to 1, 2 or 3 waters (only 1, 2 or 3 bottles of water, or cups of water, or bodies of water).

Another way to make the distinction is this: if the noun has an English plural, it’s concrete. If not, it’s abstract.

Some examples…

Concrete: peas, bananas, chicken legs, bottles of beer

Abstract: ham, water, beer, cheese, poultry, celery

Some nouns have both abstract and concrete uses. For instance, you can say, “There are a lot of chickens on this farm.” (concrete) But you wouldn’t say, “I like eating chickens.” (concrete) You’d say, “I like eating chicken.” (abstract)

There are a few ways to express the idea of an unspecified quantity or portion of some noun in Italian. Which one you use and how it behaves depends on whether the noun you’re using it with is abstract or concrete.

One of the easiest and most common indefinite quantifiers is “di” + the definite article. It can be used with both types of noun.

Examples:

some wine – del vino

some cheese – del formaggio

some lemons – dei limoni

Another is “qualche” + a noun in the singular. This one works only with concrete nouns. It has the meanings “some” or “a few” even though the noun it goes with is in the singular.

Examples:

a few apples – qualche mela

a few oranges – qualche arancia

Another very easy indefinite quantifier is “un po’ di” + abstract noun (in the singular of course). This one only works with abstract nouns.

Examples:

some coffee – un po’ di caffè

some milk – un po’ di latte

There are other ways of expressing indefinite quantities, but these three are a good start. Ciao for now!

Comments

[BeeQC]

I think you mean "countable" and "uncountable" :)

A concrete noun is one that has a "physical" form, e.g. water, book, peach, rice
An abstract noun is one that doesn't, e.g. dream, thought, belief, truth

It's a pleasure learning Italian from your website, keep up with the good work!