When learning a new language, it is always important to ask questions, even if we feel self-conscious or embarrassed! The Italian word for question is domanda, which is derived from the verb domandare (to ask / inquire / request).
Domanda is a feminine noun, so it takes the following definite and indefinite articles:
- la domanda = the question
- le domande = the questions
- una domanda = a question
- delle domande = (some) questions
Three verbs you will often see in the company of domanda are fare (to do / to make), avere (to have) and rivolgere (to address / to direct). In this particular context, though, fare takes on the meaning of “to ask”.
- fare una domanda = to ask a question
- avere una domanda = to have a question
- rivolgere una domanda = to pose a question
Ho una domanda da farti.
I have a question for you.
A common response to a question you don’t have the answer to is Bella domanda! (Good question!).
Secondo te, le scuole riapriranno domani visto che questa bufera di neve sta passando? – Bella domanda!
In your opinion, will the schools re-open tomorrow since this snowstorm is coming to an end? – Good question!
When dealing with a written document addressed to an office, organisation, or authority, the word domanda takes on a completely different meaning. Depending on the context, it can be translated as request, application and sometimes claim.
- una domanda per un visto = a visa request / application
- una domanda per un mutuo = a mortgage application
- una domanda di lavoro = a job application
- una domanda di trasferimento = a transfer request
- una domanda di pensione = a pension claim
Some verbs you might see used with domanda in this context include accogliere (to grant), respingere (to dismiss), presentare (to submit), and of course, fare (to make / do but in this case, to apply).
Ieri ho presentato una domanda di lavoro presso il consolato italiano.
Yesterday I submitted a job application to the Italian consulate.
A domanda di matrimonio, on the other hand, is a marriage proposal, while a domanda di divorzio is a divorce petition.
In economic terms, domanda always translates as demand. For example, market demand is domanda di mercato whereas supply and demand translates as domanda e offerta.
