Intro.
Expressing possession means indicating who something belongs to, that is, establishing a relationship between who possesses something and what is possessed.
In Italian, possession can be communicated through different grammatical structures, each with a specific function and a different degree of intensity or formality. Among these, possessive adjectives and pronouns are the most direct way to indicate who owns something; verbs like avere, possedere, and appartenere allow us to describe possession with greater precision according to context and what is possessed; finally, more specific expressions like di mia competenza allow us to express a figurative possession of duties and tasks related to a role or function.
1. Possessive Adjectives
Possessive adjectives are the most common way to express possession in Italian. They accompany a noun and indicate who owns something.
They are generally found before the noun and are preceded by the article. The root of possessive adjectives agrees with the possessor, while the endings vary according to the gender and number of the possessed object.
The possessive adjectives are as follows:
| Possessor | Masculine Singular | Feminine Singular | Masculine Plural | Feminine Plural |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| io | mio | mia | miei | mie |
| tu | tuo | tua | tuoi | tue |
| lui/lei | suo | sua | suoi | sue |
| noi | nostro | nostra | nostri | nostre |
| voi | vostro | vostra | vostri | vostre |
| loro | loro | loro | loro | loro |
Examples:
Il mio libro è sul tavolo.
My book is on the table.
La tua macchina è nuova?
Is your car new?
Marina non trova più la sua sciarpa bianca.
Marina can’t find her white scarf anymore.
In some expressions, possessive adjectives can be found after the noun, and in this case they are not preceded by the definite article:
• vocative expressions; – these are generally addressed to people. The possessive adjective after the noun emphasizes the confidential and familiar tone of the expression: amore mio, gioia mia, tesoro mio, piccolo/a mio/a.
Example:
Amore mio, non sai quanto mi sei mancato!
My love, you don't know how much I missed you!
• fixed expressions – these are the result of established usage in the language and are invariable in construction and word order. The possessive adjective varies in reference to the person. These include expressions like casa mia, colpa tua, di testa sua, per merito mio, il fatto suo, in cuor mio, da parte sua.
Example:
Marzia non ascolta nessuno, fa sempre tutto di testa sua.
Marzia doesn't listen to anyone, she always does everything her own way.
Also with singular family and kinship nouns, possessive adjectives are not preceded by the article.
Example:
Mia madre è un’insegnante di matematica.
My mother is a math teacher.
The article is used, however, in these cases:
- if the noun is altered – sorellina, fratellino, zietto/a.
- if the noun is plural – le mie cugine, i suoi nonni, i loro figli.
- if there's a qualifying adjective or to express a specification – la mia cara mamma, il mio fratello maggiore.
Examples:
La mia sorellina ha compiuto sei anni la settimana scorsa.
My little sister turned six years old last week.
I tuoi nonni sono sempre molto ospitali.
Your grandparents are always very hospitable.
La mia cara mamma si prende sempre cura di tutti.
My dear mom doesn't always take care of everyone.
2. Possessive Pronouns
Possessive pronouns express possession by replacing the noun of the possessed object that is already known or implied by the context. They have the same form as possessive adjectives and are always preceded by the article.
Examples:
Questo libro è il mio.
→ "il mio" replaces "il mio libro".
This book is mine.
La colpa non è la tua, è la loro.
The fault is not yours, it's theirs.
Possessive pronouns are also often used to express a contrast between two or more things that belong to different people, in sentences where a possessive adjective is already present.
Example:
Questo è il mio libro, quello è il tuo.
This is my book, that one is yours.
In spoken language, it may happen that the definite article before the possessive pronoun is omitted, especially after the verb essere. This construction is informal, but very widespread. However, in more formal registers or in writing, the use of the article is grammatically more correct.
Example:
Questo libro è mio.
This book is mine.
3. Expressing Possession with di
In Italian, to express possession, the preposition di followed by the name of the possessor is also used. This construction answers the questions Di chi è? (Whose is it?) The construction varies slightly if followed by a proper noun or a common noun referring to a person (or animal):
• possessed object + di + proper noun;
Examples:
La moto di Luca è nuova.
Luca's motorcycle is new.
La casa di Marta è piena di piante e fiori.
Marta's house is full of plants and flowers.
• possessed object + di + article + common noun.
Examples:
Oggi l’agenda del dottore è completamente piena.
Today the doctor's schedule is completely full.
Dov'è il pupazzo di pezza del mio cane?
Where is my dog's stuffed toy?
The construction with the preposition di is also widely used when the possessor is not a person, but an abstract entity, such as an institution, an organization, or a place: I beni dello Stato (The property of the State / State assets); I gioielli della Corona (The Crown jewels / The jewels of the Crown); I parchi della città (The city's parks / The parks of the city).
4. Verbs of Possession
Italian offers several verbs to express possession. The choice and use of these verbs depends on the nuance that each verb gives to the concept of possession, based on both the nature of the possessed object and the type of relationship – emotional or material – between the possessor and what belongs to them.
4.1 The verb avere
The verb avere indicates generic possession and is the most common and natural way to express possession in Italian. It is used to express both temporary and permanent material possession. It answers the question Cosa hai? (What do you have?)
• subject + verb avere + object.
Examples:
Ho una bicicletta da corsa.
I have a racing bike.
Il nonno ha un orologio da tasca.
Grandfather has a pocket watch.
Anna ha una macchina fotografica professionale.
Anna has a professional camera.
The verb avere is used to indicate family relationships. This is a particular form of possession that is not material, but linked to a blood and kinship relationship, which is nevertheless unique and exclusive.
Example:
Marco ha due sorelle che vivono a Londra.
Marco has two sisters who live in London.
The verb avere is also used figuratively to express personal conditions, physical or emotional states like ho fame, ho freddo, ho paura, ho sonno. This is not true possession, but a condition that can "belong" temporarily or permanently to the subject of the sentence.
Example:
Dopo gli allenamenti in palestra ho sempre molta fame!
After workouts at the gym, I'm always very hungry!
4.2 The verb possedere
The verb possedere means to be the owner of something. The two expressions – possedere and essere proprietario di – are equivalent and interchangeable: the sentence Possiedo un appartamento (I own an apartment) is equivalent to Sono proprietario di un appartamento (I am the owner of an apartment).
Possedere is a synonym of the verb avere, but it is more formal and is used in more specific contexts. It expresses legal or lasting ownership and is mainly used to indicate possession referring to valuable material goods, even in properly commercial contexts, such as real estate, land, assets, works of art. It answers the question Cosa possiedi? (What do you own?), Di cosa sei proprietario? (What are you the owner of?)
Examples:
Non possiedo nessun immobile.
I don't own any real estate.
Giancarlo possiede molti quadri d'autore.
Giancarlo owns many valuable paintings.
Antonio è proprietario di una villa al mare.
Antonio is the owner of a villa by the sea.
4.3 The verb appartenere
The verb appartenere indicates possession and belonging and is a synonym of the verb avere.
It is used to express a deeper and more personal connection between the object and the possessor, which can go beyond material ownership. It answers the question A chi appartiene? (Who does it belong to?)
The verb appartenere is constructed like the verb piacere: the verb, in the third person singular or plural, agrees with the possessed object or objects; the person is introduced by the preposition a or by an indirect pronoun.
• When the possessed object is a singular noun, the verb appartenere is constructed in the following ways:
– singular object + appartiene a + proper name of owner / tonic pronoun;
Examples:
Lo zaino appartiene a Marco.
The backpack belongs to Marco.
Quel telefono appartiene a lui.
That phone belongs to him.
– singular object + appartiene a + article + common noun of owner;
Examples:
La cartella sul tavolo appartiene al direttore?
Does the folder on the table belong to the director?
La sciarpa sulla sedia appartiene alla zia.
The scarf on the chair belongs to aunt.
– singular object + indirect pronoun (referring to the owner or owners) + appartiene.
Examples:
Quel cappello di paglia le appartiene.
That straw hat belongs to her.
Il disegno mi appartiene, è opera mia.
The drawing belongs to me, it's my work.
• When the possessed object is a plural noun, the verb appartenere is constructed in the following ways:
– plural object + appartengono a + proper name of owner / tonic pronoun;
Examples:
Questi appunti appartengono a Maria.
These notes belong to Maria.
Gli occhiali rossi appartengono a me!
The red glasses belong to me!
– plural object + appartengono a + article + common noun of people;
Examples:
Le valigie appartengono ai turisti.
The suitcases belong to the tourists.
I mobili appartengono agli inquilini.
The furniture belongs to the tenants.
– plural object + unstressed indirect pronoun (referring to the owner or owners) + appartengono.
Examples:
Le riviste sul tavolo le appartengono.
The magazines on the table belong to her.
I documenti nella scatola mi appartengono, non toccarli.
The documents in the box belong to me, don't touch them.
4.4 Expressions of possession related to responsibilities and functions
Expressions such as è di mia competenza, è di mia pertinenza, spetta a me indicate a form of possession that is not material, but linked to responsibilities, roles or duties. They are used in reference to tasks, activities or decisions that fall to a person based on the role they hold.
These are fixed expressions in which the possessive adjective is not preceded by the definite article. These expressions can answer the questions A chi spetta questa decisione? (Whose decision is this?), Di chi è questa responsabilità? (Whose responsibility is this?)
They are constructed in this way:
• preposition di + possessive adjective + noun; – di mia competenza (within my area of responsibility), di tua pertinenza (your responsibility/concern), di nostra responsabilità (our responsibility).
Examples:
Questa decisione non è di mia competenza.
This decision is outside my area of responsibility.
La gestione dell’evento è di nostra responsabilità.
The management of the event is our responsibility.
• spettare a + (art.) + tonic pronoun / common noun of people – spetta a me (it's up to me), spetta a lui (it's up to him), spetta al team (it's up to the team), etc.
Examples:
Questo compito spetta a te, non a me.
This task is up to you, not me.
La revisione del progetto spetta al team tecnico.
The project review is the responsibility of the technical team.
4.5 Idiomatic expressions with verbs of possession
In Italian, some verbs of possession like avere and appartenere are used in some idiomatic expressions that have a figurative meaning related to a right, competence or way of being.
These include expressions such as:
• avere voce in capitolo – to have the right to express one's opinion;
Example:
Dario non ha voce in capitolo in questa decisione.
Dario has no say in this decision.
• avere le carte in regola – to possess the necessary requirements;
Example:
Hai tutte le carte in regola per vincere il concorso.
You have all the right qualifications to win the competition.
• non appartenere a questo mondo – to be very different from others;
Example:
Renato ha un modo di pensare che sembra non appartenere a questo mondo.
Renato has a way of thinking that seems not to belong to this world.
• appartenere al passato – to no longer be current, to be outdated.
Example:
Questi metodi appartengono al passato.
These methods belong to the past.
5. Expressing Possession in Context: Italian Short Story
This short story demonstrates how different forms of possession work naturally within Italian narrative, showing the interplay between possessive adjectives, pronouns, verbs of ownership, and expressions of responsibility to create a complete picture of relationships and belonging in everyday life.
Possiedo un appartamento in centro, all’ultimo piano, con vista su un bel cortile fiorito.
Lo condivido con un inquilino unico nel suo genere: mio fratello! Convivere con lui è senza dubbio una prova di pazienza!
La casa è personalizzata dalla sua presenza…ci sono le sue cose sparse ovunque: ha una chitarra, che suona in orari improponibili, possiede una collezione di tazze sbeccate e un assortimento di calzini spaiati che si moltiplicano misteriosamente in ogni angolo della casa. “Le mie cose sono anche le tue” – dice sempre –, tranne la sua intoccabile console da gaming: quella, sia chiaro, appartiene solo a lui.
Anch’io ho i miei oggetti (degni di nota!), ma cerco almeno di mantenere un certo ordine: ho una libreria piena di romanzi, una pianta che è sopravvissuta a quattro traslochi e, soprattutto, alcuni oggetti che appartengono alla nostra famiglia da generazioni come un vecchio macinacaffè che tengo esposto sul ripiano della cucina.
Il nostro equilibrio domestico si basa su alcune regole non scritte. Ognuno, almeno in teoria, ha i propri compiti. A me, ad esempio, spetta quasi sempre la spesa e l’organizzazione della dispensa. A lui spetta la supervisione delle bollette, ma se provi a ricordarglielo, lo senti replicare: “Sei tu la contabile, no? Il controllo delle bollette è di tua competenza!”.
Che dire? Non saremo proprietari di una villa con piscina, ma nella nostra piccola casa, in fin dei conti, abbiamo tutto quello che ci serve: una buona armonia, qualche regola (flessibile) e una certezza indiscutibile, segnata sul calendario appeso al frigo: oggi spetta a lui lavare i piatti!
6. Test Your Knowledge: Grammar Quiz
Test your skills and see what you've learned from this lesson on expressing possession in Italian by completing the following quiz.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 🙋♀️
Do possessive adjectives agree with the owner or with the possessed object?
Possessive adjectives agree in their root with the possessor; the endings vary instead according to the gender and number of the possessed object. For example, if Mario owns a car, you say la sua macchina (his car): the possessive adjective sua agrees in its root with Mario, in gender and number with macchina (feminine singular).
How do I know when to use di to express possession?
Use di + name of person (or animal or abstract entity) when you want to specify who owns something: Il gatto del vicino (The neighbor's cat); L'osso del cane (The dog's bone); I beni dello Stato (The State's assets). It's equivalent to the English construction with 's.
What's the difference between avere, possedere, and appartenere?
Avere is the most common and natural way to express possession, used for both material and figurative possession.
Possedere is more formal and indicates legal ownership, typically used for valuable goods like real estate or businesses.
Appartenere has the same meaning as avere, but is deeper and more symbolic. It expresses personal belonging, linked to the emotional sphere and not just material ownership.
How do you express possession related to responsibilities or roles?
Through fixed expressions that are very common in formal or professional contexts, such as: expressions with di + possessive adjective + noun (di mia competenza - within my area of responsibility / di nostra responsabilità - our responsibility); with the verb spettare a + (art.) + tonic pronoun / noun referring to people: Spetta a lui/a Marco/al direttore decidere (It's up to him/Marco/the director to decide). These expressions indicate that a task or decision belongs to someone based on their role.
Adriana Rossi is a certified teacher of Italian as a foreign language from Rome, Italy, and has been part of the Giulia team since 2024. With a Modern Literature degree and advanced studies in Modern Philology, she specializes in tracing the origins and evolution of Italian words, bringing expertise in diction and expressive reading to help preserve and share Italy’s linguistic heritage with learners worldwide.
