If you are spelling a name, reading a foreign word, or learning the Italian alphabet, you may wonder how to say the letter Y. It is not part of the traditional Italian alphabet, but it appears in borrowed words, names, brands, and international terms.
Quick answer:
The letter Y in Italian is called ipsilon or i greca (“Greek i”). It is pronounced roughly EEP-see-lon or ee GREH-kah.
How to Say the Letter Y
The letter Y is called ipsilon in Italian. Another common name is i greca, literally “Greek i.” You may hear either name when someone spells a foreign surname, brand, or word containing the letter. Both are understood; ipsilon is a convenient choice when giving a letter name by itself.
Is Y in the Italian Alphabet?
The traditional Italian alphabet has 21 letters and does not include J, K, W, X, or Y as native letters. These five letters still appear in modern Italian writing, especially in foreign words and proper names. You might see Y in a passport name, company name, product label, website, or loanword kept in its original spelling.
So Y is familiar to Italian readers even though it is not normally used to spell traditional Italian vocabulary. Its pronunciation in a borrowed word may depend on the source language rather than a single Italian sound rule.
Italian Words with Y
Many words written with Y in Italian are borrowed or retain their international spelling. Common examples include:
- yoga — yoga
- yogurt — yogurt, also sometimes written iogurt
- yacht — yacht
- yeti — yeti
- yankee — Yankee, in particular contexts
Spelling can vary by dictionary, context, or brand name. When reading an unfamiliar word, do not assume the Y will always sound exactly like the English letter; the original language and local convention can influence it.
Spelling a Name with Y
If you need to spell a name, say ipsilon after naming the letter. For example, Il mio cognome si scrive con la i greca means “My surname is spelled with Y.” You can also clarify with Y di ipsilon when spelling over the phone.
For the letter name and pronunciation of E, compare e in Italian. Useful questions include Come si scrive? (“How is it spelled?”) and Può fare lo spelling, per favore? (“Could you spell it, please?”). If the name is important, repeat the letter back to confirm you heard it correctly. The polite expression per favore can be used when asking someone to repeat or spell a name.
Pronunciation
Ipsilon is pronounced approximately EEP-see-lon, with the stress on the first syllable. I greca sounds like ee GREH-kah. In borrowed words, Y may sound like the “y” in English yes, or follow the pronunciation of the language the word came from.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tap a question below to see the answer.
What is Y called in Italian?
The letter is called ipsilon or i greca.
Is Y part of the Italian alphabet?
It is not one of the 21 traditional letters, but it appears in foreign words and proper names.
How do you say Y when spelling a name?
Say ipsilon or i greca to identify the letter clearly.
How do you pronounce ipsilon?
It is pronounced approximately EEP-see-lon, with the stress on the first syllable.
Does Y always have the same sound in Italian words?
No. In borrowed words, the sound often follows the source language or the established pronunciation of that particular word.
Summary
The Italian name for Y is ipsilon, also called i greca. It is treated as a foreign letter rather than one of the 21 traditional Italian letters, but it appears in borrowed words and proper names. When spelling aloud, use ipsilon to make the letter clear.
