Italian Passato Remoto
What is the Passato Remoto? The passato remoto (literally “remote past”) is a past tense in Italian used to describe actions that happened a long time ago and are completely over. Think: fairy tales, history books, legends, and stories about your great-grandparents....
How to Use “Addirittura” in Italian
Addirittura is one of those words that pops up often in conversation but doesn’t have a direct translation in English. So, what does it mean? It’s an adverb, and an emotional one: a word Italians use to show surprise, disbelief, or to emphasize that something is...
The Meaning of “Sia” in Italian
“Sia” as in “both…and” In Italian, “sia” is commonly used as a connector that means “both… and” or “whether… or.” It’s a handy word for linking two people,...
Sento, Mi sento, Me la sento: How to Use Them
If you’ve ever been confused by the different ways Italians use sento, mi sento, or the mysterious me la sento, you’re not alone! These expressions pop up constantly in everyday Italian, but they don’t always translate word-for-word into English. Let’s...About
Ciao! I'm Serena, and I'm the creator of Smart Italian Learning. I am the head teacher of a small language school. We offer online, in-person and video courses for Italian learners, with a focus on adult English native speakers. Our courses are based on our passion for teaching and our experience as long-term adult language learners. You can meet us online, or in person in Rome.