Not All -a Endings Are Feminine in Italian

Generally speaking, Italian words ending in “-a” are feminine, while those ending in “-o” are masculine. The plurals of such feminine words often end in “-e,” much like masculine plurals often end in “-i.”

For example:

• La casa / Le case (house, feminine singular / plural)

• L’amica / Le amiche (female friend, feminine singular / plural)

• La sveglia / Le sveglie (alarm, feminine singular / plural)

However, this pattern does not apply universally. There are many exceptions, so it’s important not to rely on it blindly. Let’s explore some of these exceptions.

First Names

The following first names end in “-a” but are actually masculine:

• Andrea

• Elia

• Luca

• Mattia

• Nicola

• Tobia

That’s right, Andrea is a common male name in Italy.¹ I still remember how, as a kid, it was odd to see a female character on Beverly Hills, 90210 named Andrea.

Photo by Gabriella Clare Marino on Unsplash

Common Masculine Words Ending in “-a”

Truth be told, there are quite a few common words ending in “-a” that are masculine. Here’s a small sample:

• Il problema / I problemi (problem)

• Il sistema / I sistemi (system)

• Il programma / I programmi (program)

• Il poema / I poemi (poem)

• Il tema / I temi (theme)

• Il panorama / I panorami (panorama, view)

• Il dramma / I drammi (drama)

• Il telegramma / I telegrammi (telegram)

• Il pianeta / I pianeti (planet)

• Il diploma / I diplomi (diploma)

• Il cinema / I cinema (cinema, short for cinematografo)

• Il pigiama / I pigiami (pajamas)

• Il poeta / I poeti (poet)

Gender-Neutral Words Ending in “-a”

Another exception involves words that end in “-ista.” These words are gender-neutral in the singular form, despite ending with “-a.”

For example:

• Il giornalista / La giornalista (male journalist / female journalist)

• Il turista / La turista (male tourist / female tourist)

• Il pianista / La pianista (male pianist / female pianist)

In the plural, these words follow the typical masculine and feminine plural endings:

• I giornalisti / Le giornaliste (male journalists / female journalists)

• I turisti / Le turiste (male tourists / female tourists)

• I pianisti / Le pianiste (male pianists / female pianists)

There are also gender-neutral “-a” ending words that don’t end with “-ista.”

For example:

• Il pilota / I piloti (male pilot)

• La pilota / Le pilote (female pilot)

• Il collega / I colleghi (male colleague)

• La collega/ Le colleghe (female colleague)

Words with No Plural

Yoga is another interesting word. It’s masculine and does not have a plural form.

• Faccio yoga (informal)

• Pratico lo yoga (more formal)

Conclusion

These are just a few examples of exceptions, and there are many more not listed here.

So, how can you learn these exceptions? Generally speaking, it’s a matter of exposure. There are no real shortcuts; you just have to internalize them over time. Listening, reading, and watching lots of Italian content will help you pick up on these patterns.

1. If you’re named Andrea and planning to move to Italy, be prepared for people to assume you’re a man until they meet you. If you’re considering an alternative, Andreina would be the feminine equivalent you could use.