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Da vs. Per: The Difference in Italian
"Da" and "Per" are two tiny prepositions that can be tricky to master. While both can sometimes be translated as "for" in English, they serve different functions in Italian depending on context.When to Use "Da"Although often translated...
Italian Clothing Verbs: Mettersi, Vestirsi, Vestire or Indossare?
In this article, I'll explain the differences between five common Italian verbs related to clothing: mettersi, vestirsi, vestire, indossare, and portare. These verbs are not interchangeable! Many students confuse these verbs because they all relate to wearing clothes,...
All the Meanings of “Si” in Italian
"Si" is one of the most versatile and commonly used words in Italian and has multiple grammatical functions. Let's explore how to understand and use it correctly:Impersonal FormThe impersonal "si" is used to express general statements or actions performed...
Relative Pronouns: Understanding the Difference Between Che and Cui
What is a Relative Pronoun in Italian? Before we dive into che and cui, let’s make sure we understand what a relative pronoun is. A relative pronoun connects two parts of a sentence and refers back to a noun that was already mentioned (this noun is called the...
Molto vs. Tanto: The Difference
Molto and tanto are similar Italian adverbs but not interchangeable. While both mean "very" or "a lot," molto is more neutral for factual descriptions, while tanto adds emotional emphasis to expressions. When to Use Molto As adverb (invariable): Meaning: "very" or "a...
‘I Can Do It!’ – How to Use ‘Farcela’ in Everyday Italian Conversations
What does "farcela" mean? Are you learning Italian and confused by the verb "farcela"? Don't worry - this common expression is simpler than it looks! "Farcela" essentially means "to manage," "to succeed," or "to be able to do it." It expresses the idea of overcoming a...
Italian Grammar Explained: How to Use Che vs. Chi Correctly
Che Vs. Chi When learning Italian, distinguishing between "che" and "chi" can be challenging for many students. These two words serve different grammatical functions and are not interchangeable. Understanding their proper usage is essential for speaking Italian...
Ho Saputo vs. Sapevo: The Difference Explained
The passato prossimo/present perfect (ho saputo) and imperfetto/imperfect (sapevo) of the verb sapere have two different meanings. Let's break them down in detail. Ho Saputo (Passato Prossimo) Meaning: "I found out" or "I learned" Usage: "Ho saputo" means "I found...
“Pensare a” vs “Pensare di”: The Difference and How to Use Them Correctly
Pensare a vs. Pensare di The verb pensare in Italian can be used with two different prepositions: "di" or "a". These two constructions have different meanings and are not interchangeable. So when to use one or another preposition? Let's see together! Pensare a - to...
Most Irregular Passato Prossimo Verbs
As you know, the passato prossimo is formed with an auxiliary verb (essere or avere) + the past participle of the main verb. But some verbs, our "rebels," have irregular past participles that we simply need to memorize. Common Irregular Passato Prossimo Forms The good...