minuto — meaning in English: minute

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for minute

Africa

ottobre

minuto

cucchiaio

sapone

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Italian for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 'minuto' in a variety of everyday contexts, such as during casual conversations about time, schedules, or appointments. For instance, someone might say, 'Aspetta un minuto' when asking someone to wait a moment or 'Ci vediamo tra un minuto' when indicating they will meet shortly.

Synonyms & nuances

'Minuto' is often compared to 'secondo,' which means 'second.' While 'minuto' references a full minute, 'secondo' refers to a smaller fraction of time. You might use 'minuto' when discussing meeting durations or cooking times, whereas 'secondo' would be more appropriate in contexts requiring precision.

Culture

The word 'minuto' comes from the Latin 'minutum,' which means 'small.' This etymology reflects the concept of a minute being a smaller division of time. Interestingly, in Italian culture, time is often viewed with a more relaxed attitude, making the phrase 'un minuto' a common way to suggest a laid-back approach to punctuality.

FAQ

Q.How do you pronounce 'minuto' in Italian?

'Minuto' is pronounced as /miˈnuːto/, where the stress falls on the second syllable. The 'i' is pronounced like the 'ee' in 'see,' and the 'u' is pronounced like the 'oo' in 'food.'

Q.What is the plural form of 'minuto'?

The plural form of 'minuto' is 'minuti.' You would use 'minuti' when talking about multiple minutes, for example, 'Ci sono tre minuti' meaning 'There are three minutes.'

Q.Is 'minuto' used in formal contexts?

'Minuto' is primarily a neutral term, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal situations, you might come across other terms related to time management or scheduling, but 'minuto' remains widely accepted.

Learn italian with Maspeak →

Italian 500