mercoledì

Mercoledì is the Italian name for Wednesday, the third day of the week in the common Italian calendar. In everyday use the workweek runs from lunedì to venerdì, with mercoledì occupying the middle of the sequence lunedì, martedì, mercoledì, giovedì, venerdì, sabato, domenica. The term is commonly used to indicate events or plans scheduled on that day and is lowercase in standard writing.

Etymology: The word mercoledì derives from the Latin Dies Mercurii, “the day of Mercury,” named for the Roman god Mercury. Through the evolution of Latin into the Italian vernacular, Mercuri di dies became mercoledì. The Italian form is cognate with the French mercredi and the Spanish miércoles, all traceable to Mercury.

Cultural and religious notes: In Catholic practice, Mercoledì delle Ceneri (Ash Wednesday) marks the beginning of Lent, while Mercoledì Santo refers to Holy Wednesday during Holy Week. In general usage, mercoledì often denotes midweek; speakers may say “ci vediamo mercoledì” to schedule meetings on that day or to indicate midweek arrangements.

See also: Italian days of the week and the concept of midweek in Italian culture.