Subject pronouns replace the name of a person or thing performing the action. In Italian, because verb endings change for almost every person, subject pronouns are usually omitted unless you want to emphasize who is doing the action or avoid ambiguity.
Singular Pronouns
- Io — I (always lowercase unless starting a sentence)
- Tu — You (informal singular; used with friends, family, children, and peers)
- Lui — He (masculine singular person/animal)
- Lei — She (feminine singular person/animal)
- Lei (capital L) — You (formal singular; polite address for doctors, strangers, elders)
Plural Pronouns
- Noi — We (includes the speaker)
- Voi — You all / You guys (plural you; addressing a group)
- Loro — They (masculine, feminine, or mixed groups)
💡 Pro Tip (Formal "Lei"): When speaking politely to a stranger, professor, or client, use Lei (with 3rd-person singular verb endings) regardless of whether the person is male or female! Example: "Professore, Lei è italiano?"