How do you tell an open o from a closed o in Italian?

In an open o, like in oro, the mouth opens more; in a closed o, like in sole, it stays tighter.

How do you say sleep in Italian?

Sonno, with a closed o and a long double n — otherwise it sounds like sono, 'I am'.

Forno, with a closed o and the mouth barely opening.

You're in front of the mirror trying out ten words with the letter o, watching how wide you open your mouth on each one.

Stamattina c'è il sole, quindi non porto la giacca.

It's sunny this morning, so I'm not taking my jacket.

10 words10 sentences

sole/ˈsole/
sunnoun
The star that lights and warms the Earth during the day.
oro/ˈɔro/
goldnoun
A yellow, precious metal used to make rings and necklaces.
occhio/ˈɔkkjo/
eyenoun
The part of the face you see with.
bocca/ˈbokka/
mouthnoun
The opening in the face you eat and speak with.
forte/ˈfɔrte/
strongadjective
Having a lot of strength and holding up well.
forno/ˈforno/
ovennoun
A closed, hot appliance where food is cooked.
orologio/oroˈlɔdʒo/
clocknoun
An instrument that tells the time.
poco/ˈpɔko/
littleadverb
Not much, in a small amount.
sonno/ˈsonno/
sleepnoun
The state you're in when you're asleep.
morbido/ˈmɔrbido/
softadjective
Pleasant to touch and giving way under your fingers.

Spell it1 of 3

Stamattina c'è il sole, quindi non porto la giacca.
It's sunny this morning, so I'm not taking my jacket.
Vorrei una collana in oro, ma non troppo pesante, per favore.
I'd like a gold necklace, but not too heavy, please.
Da ieri sera mi fa male un occhio e lacrima.
One of my eyes has been hurting and watering since last night.
Ho la bocca secca e vorrei bere qualcosa di fresco.
My mouth is dry, I'd like something cold to drink.
Il caffè qui è troppo forte per il mio gusto.
The coffee here is too strong for my taste.
Metto la pizza nel forno per venti minuti, poi mangiamo.
I'll put the pizza in the oven for twenty minutes, then we'll eat.
Il mio orologio si è fermato, sai che ore sono?
My watch has stopped, do you know what time it is?
Di solito mangio poco a pranzo, così nel pomeriggio lavoro meglio.
I usually eat little at lunch, so I work better in the afternoon.
Dopo pranzo mi viene sempre un gran sonno.
After lunch I always get really sleepy.
Questo cuscino è troppo morbido e non riesco a dormire bene.
This pillow is too soft and I can't sleep well.

sole/ˈsole/
The o is closed: the mouth stays narrow.
oro/ˈɔro/
The first o is open and stressed, the second is closed.
occhio/ˈɔkkjo/
An open o and a long double c: òc-chio.
bocca/ˈbokka/
Here the o is closed, and the double c is held long.
forte/ˈfɔrte/
The o is open.
forno/ˈforno/
The o is closed, the mouth barely opens.
orologio/oroˈlɔdʒo/
The stress falls on the third syllable, with an open o; -gio sounds like in giorno.
poco/ˈpɔko/
An open o and a hard c, as in casa.
sonno/ˈsonno/
A closed o and a long double n, otherwise it sounds like sono.
morbido/ˈmɔrbido/
The stress is on the first syllable, with an open o: mòr-bi-do.

Opens with a subscription

How do you tell an open o from a closed o in Italian?: In an open o, like in oro, the mouth opens more; in a closed o, like in sole, it stays tighter.
How do you say sleep in Italian?: Sonno, with a closed o and a long double n — otherwise it sounds like sono, 'I am'.
How do you say oven in Italian?: Forno, with a closed o and the mouth barely opening.

10 wordsabout 6 min