Measurements
The metric system
Did you know that Italy uses the metric system? That means that instead of inches and miles, people use centimeters, meters, and kilometers to measure length.
L'insetto è lungo un centimetro.
The insect is a centimeter long.
Quanti metri di lana compriamo?
How many meters of wool do we buy?
Similarly, Italians use grams and kilograms instead of pounds to measure weight. They also use liters rather than cups or gallons for liquids.
Quanti chilogrammi di carne prendiamo?
How many kilograms of meat do we get?
Hai un litro di birra?
Do you have a liter of beer?
Un po'
Have you ever heard the Italian expression un po'? Un po' means a little or a bit, and it's the short version of un poco.
Prendo un po' del tuo pollo.
I am taking a little of your chicken.
In most cases, after un po' you'll need to use di or the combination of di with another short word (del, della, etc.).
Ho un po' di cioccolato.
I have a bit of chocolate.
Sometimes Italians also use un pochino, that means a bit or a little bit. Un po' and un pochino have essentially the same meaning, so you can use whichever one you like better!
Lei ha un pochino di pane.
She has a little bit of bread.
Lei ha un po' di pane.
She has a bit of bread.
Niente
The Italian word niente means nothing or anything.
Non ho niente in cucina.
I have nothing in the kitchen.
In English, we can say I have nothing or I don't have anything. In Italian, though, you have only one option. You'll always include non before the verb and niente after it.
Non ho niente nella mia borsa.
I don't have anything in my bag.
Non so niente di donne.
I know nothing about women.