"Quanti anni ha lui?"

[TheGandalf]

I translated it rather literally, as "How many years does he have?" but apparently that's incorrect... Is it really incorrect, or should it be accepted?

[Chris123456]

Your translation seems really useful in that it demonstrates how Italian is used and teaches us how to think about the way to form correct Italian sentences. In my opinion, literal translation should always be accepted, then a better more idiomatic phrase may be suggested within the current format of duolingo. Suggest you report it for the experts to have a think about.

[mukkapazza]

You're right, usually both literal and idiomatic phrases do work, but knowing how to express age is pretty important and 'how many years does he have' sounds more like a question for a crystal ball ;)

[Soglio]

Not necessarily. Consider:
"He has to finish his course work before his stipend runs out."
"How many years does he have?"

"When he pays off his mortgage, he can afford to travel."
"How many years does he have?"

. . . but how would you say that differently in Italian?

[tom_vincenzo]

quanti anni ha lui fino whatever you want to ask about
(maybe, i'm only learning)

[Richard78640]

I don't agree. One of the keys to learning a language is to think in the target language.

[bertha.lit]

He is sent to prison. How many years does he have?

[djabea]

I was weary when I read that sentence. Reminded me a little a bit of Spanish. Did the same mistake with tengo and never again. Seems like my hunch was write.

[mckennapjoe]

I said "what is his age?" Wrong!

[MateaC22]

This sentence is wrong. It is better how many years does he have?

[Domleschg]

"How many years does he have?" is not how you'd say it in English. You'd say "How old is he?"