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20 Short Stories in Italian for Beginner and Intermediate Levels

20 Short Stories and Easy Readers To Take Your Italian To The Next Level (for Beginners and Intermediate Learners) 

1. Due Amiche e Un Album di Fotografie 

for beginners to lower-intermediate Italian learners (A1-A2)

Dive into the world of Italian with our engaging short story ebook. Each unit, taking no longer than 10-20 minutes, makes language learning a breeze for beginners. Set in the picturesque South Tyrol region, the story follows Costanza and Anna’s summer adventure in the Dolomites, in Northern Italy.The 16 units are packed with useful vocabulary and explanations in English, as well as an audio book narrated by the author. This series is the perfect way to not only improve your Italian language skills but also gain a deeper understanding of Italian culture, food, and lifestyle Get the book in either paperback or Kindle format on Amazon, or in PDF format here.

 
 

2. Le Avventure di Paul a Roma 

for advanced beginners to intermediate Italian learners (A1-A2-B1)

Discover the diverse neighborhoods of Rome through the adventures of Paul and improve your Italian skills with simple dialogues and stories. Designed for advanced beginners and pre-intermediate Italian learners, this book offers an immersive look into the Eternal City and its rich history. Each chapter is easy to read and concludes with a bilingual word list (English-Italian). A free audio recording narrated in slow Italian of the story is also included with the book. Get the book in either paperback or Kindle format on Amazon, or in PDF format here.

 


3. Amore e Cappuccino

for beginners (A0-A1)

If you have studied Italian for a month or two, Amore and Cappuccino is the ideal first short story to read. This Italian short storybook is designed for beginners at the A0-A1 level. The book features short dialogues between two main characters: a German girl visiting Rome and her date, Claudio, who has a few secrets. Set in the famous city of Rome, each chapter teaches you about the city’s iconic areas and elements of Roman art and culture. Amore and Cappuccino is a great introductory guide to Rome, perfect if you’re planning to visit someday. You can find it on Amazon. 

 

4. Incontri in Sicilia

for lower-intermediate to intermediate Italian learners (A2-B1)

Fiona, a young American woman of Italian descent, journeyed to Rome on a scholarship to further her Italian language skills while studying at university in the US. However, her trip takes an unexpected turn when she travels to Sicily to obtain her great-grandfather’s birth certificate for her Italian citizenship application. The experiences she has in Sicily change her future in ways she could never have imagined.
 
This short story is suitable for intermediate Italian language learners (A2) and may also be useful for advanced beginners or intermediate learners.  A slow audio recording, as well as a flashcards set, are included in the book.Get the book in either paperback or Kindle format on Amazon, or in PDF format here.
 

5. Le città impossibili

for beginners to lower-intermediate Italian learners (A1-A2)

The book includes 12 chapters, each focused on a different city, from Palermo to Turin. Each chapter is no longer than two pages and follows the journey of a first-time visitor to the city. At the end of the book, you will find helpful vocabulary, exercises, and cultural insights about each city. This resource is ideal for advanced beginners and focuses more on vocabulary, including lots of adjectives and vocabulary related to cities, than grammar. Available on Amazon. 

 

 

 6. Storie per i giorni di festa 

for beginners to lower-intermediate Italian learners (A1-A2)

Are you familiar with Carnevale or Ferragosto? Or have you wondered how Italians spend their Saturday nights? This Italian short storybook for advanced beginners is focused on culture. Each chapter shares a story about a significant Italian holiday and the accompanying traditions and habits. It is an excellent book if you want to broaden your Italian vocabulary and reinforce your beginner grammar skills. As with all Alma Italian Short Stories books, you’ll find grammar and vocabulary exercises and additional cultural insights.” Available on Amazon. 

 

7. Dolomiti 

for beginners to lower-intermediate Italian learners (A1)

I love this short story because it takes you to one of my favorite places in Northern Italy—the Dolomites! This storybook is written in the present tense and centers around Emanuela, a young woman living in the picturesque mountain village of Dobbiaco in the Dolomites. She is not satisfied with her life until she finds a way to change it. The story uses a wealth of useful Italian vocabulary related to work, transportation, and the mountains. At the end of the book, you will find a cultural section where you can read about the culture, language, and cuisine of Aldo Adige, the region where the Dolomites are located, in simple Italian. This book is suitable for Italian learners who have studied the language for 3-4 months and are familiar with basic Italian grammar and everyday vocabulary”. Available on Amazon. 

 

8. Come hai detto che ti chiami?

for beginners to lower-intermediate Italian learners (A1-A2)

“Suitable for those with a foundation in basic Italian grammar and vocabulary, this story takes place in the city of Como, Northern Italy. A young German woman and Italian man meet online for a language exchange and form a friendship based on a misunderstanding. This book reinforces basic Italian grammar while internalizing vocabulary through reading context, and provides insights into the city of Como. Available on Amazon. 

 



9. Pasta per due 

for beginners (A1)

What happens when we are in a foreign country and we don’t understand the language well? Many misunderstandings, of course. Like those that occur to Minni, an Asian girl, when arriving in Italy for the first time to meet her Italian friend Libero in Rome. A fun story that not only reinforces your beginner grammar but also teaches you frequent Italian popular expressions, especially those involving the verb fare.

 

 

 

10. Francesca: un giorno a Milano 

for beginners (A1)

Perfect for beginners and those starting their Italian language journey, this book is designed for adult foreign students who want to learn Italian in an easy and enjoyable way. Divided into 10 chapters with accompanying exercises and a comprehensive glossary, the story follows Francesca, a university student in Milan, throughout her day from breakfast to dinner. Experience her daily routine, including time at the university, the gym, and a night out with friends.”

 

 

 

11. Adriano una giornata qualunque  

for lower-intermediate learners (A2)

Adriano is a great resource for adult foreign students looking to learn Italian in a fun and engaging way. The book is split into 10 chapters, each accompanied by learning exercises and a comprehensive glossary. Adriano is a small restaurant owner in the bustling neighborhood of Trastevere in Rome. His days are uneventful and peaceful, but at night he transforms into a romantic hero and embarks on thrilling adventures. Ideal for beginner Italian learners. Available on Amazon. 

 

 

12. Chef per un giorno 

for advanced beginners and lower-intermediate learners (A2)

A delightful Italian language book that is perfect for advanced beginners or lower-intermediate students. The book follows the story of a young American student who is passionate about cooking and is eager to learn all about traditional Italian cuisine. This passion, will bring her to Verona, in Italy. The author has skillfully crafted the story in a way that incorporates the use of grammar and vocabulary that is appropriate for an A2 level. This means that the book is accessible to students who have been learning Italian for a few months and have developed a basic understanding of the language’s grammar and vocabulary. Available on Amazon. 


13. Modelle, pistole e mozzarelle 

for lower-intermediate to intermediate Italian learners (A2-B1)

Set in Milan, the fashion and financial capital of Italy, a blonde woman visits Detective Antonio Esposito’s office in search of her missing daughter, a model. This lower-intermediate and intermediate level Italian mystery book is a perfect way to improve language skills while expanding vocabulary through a well-crafted short story. Available on Amazon.

 

 

 

 

 

14. Il Gatto scomparso

for lower-intermediate to intermediate learners (A2-B1)

 

The book “Il Gatto Scomparso” is marketed as an A1 level text, but it’s more suitable for A2-B1 Italian learners. The grammar used is of a lower-intermediate level, but the vocabulary is advanced and requires more than beginner knowledge. The story is a fun and humorous tale about a missing cat named “Gippi” and the antics of his family as they search for him. The book is available in both a digital format with free audio and a paperback edition. Available on Amazon

 

15. Le favole di Esopo 

for advanced beginners to lower-intermediate Italian learners (A2)

This Italian short story book contains fourteen of Aesop’s fables translated and adapted for a beginner level: the first seven are in the present tense, the last seven in the past tense.Each chapter (fable) comes with a vocabulary list of the story’s essential words and some simple exercises. You will also have the option to listen to the audio tracks by downloading the audiobook for free by following the last page’s instructions. The fables are profound and straightforward, with a final moral to discover. This short story series in Italian is ideal for those learning Italian at A1 or A2 level.

 

 

16. Storie di italiani famosi 

for lower-intermediate to intermediate Italian learners (A2-B1)

This is a delightful Italian short storybook for beginners about nine great Italian historical and cultural personalities: Leonardo da Vinci and Federico Fellini, Michelangelo, and Gianni Versace. All the stories recount a real or imaginary episode in the protagonists’ lives, while also highlighting their world and their time. As icing on the cake, every chapter comes with vocabulary and grammar activities and short texts about cultural aspects. In a nutshell, one of the best short story books available on the market is not just about Italian, but about Italian history and Italian culture.

 

17. La vicina di casa

for intermediate Italian learners (B1)

This is a short story aimed at intermediate students. The story takes place in Piedmont, a mountainous region of Italy bordering France and Switzerland. This ebook is available on Amazon and tells the story of a young Italian writer who relocates to a picturesque village in the heart of Piedmont for a change of scenery. There, she experiences a different pace of life, makes new friends, and learns about different cultures and traditions of the territory.

 

 

18. Mafia, amore e polizia 

for lower-intermediate to intermediate Italian learners (A2-B1)

A short mystery novel that combines love and crime for lower-intermediate Italian students. An insight into the Italian mafia (written in simplified Italian) stands out, especially at the end of the book. This ebook, which includes audio, uses the present simple, imperfect, and past tense. This is a fantastic story for Italian students at the lower intermediate level.

 

 

 

19. In other words – Jhumpa Lahiri 

for Intermediate Italian learners (B1)

In other words, this is an unusual book about the author’s fascination with the Italian language and the tenacity with which she pursued her goal for more than two decades, to the point where she wrote an Italian book about how and a little less about why she made this life choice. This version of the book is especially useful for English-native speakers because it includes a page-by-page English translation. The book is aimed at advanced or upper-intermediate Italian students.

 

20. Piccole storie d’amore 

for intermediate Italian learners (B1)

This is a short story for intermediate Italian learners. The book is made up of nine different love stories. Each story is unique and contains new and exciting vocabulary. Several different verb tenses, pronouns, and prepositions are discussed in the book. It is necessary to have a solid grasp of intermediate grammar. The audiobook is included.

4 smart tips to learn Italian better with stories

  1. Writing is speaking in slow motion. Be proactive! don’t limit yourself to reading the stories. Use them with your Italian teacher or language exchange partner. A good exercises to summarize the chapters in a few written sentences. Writing will help you consolidate the new vocabulary and grammar patterns , while also improve your ability to construct Italian sentences. 
  2. Talk about it: tired of talking about the weather or the latest news? Talk about the stories with your tutors, teachers or language partners. You won’t learn really something, unless you don’t use it. Using in conversation the vocabulary and grammar patterns will go a long way in helping expanding your vocabulary and cementing your grammar. 
  3. Don’t underestimate reading at any level. Why? When you read, you naturally absorb things like the correct order of the different parts of speech, the correct conjugations, or the use of prepositions.
  4. Re-read your story, two or three times. When you are done with one of these short story books in Italian, don’t put them away for ever. Set them aside for a couple of months and go back to re-read them a second or third time; that’s how you will learn efficiently (retain) your vocabulary.

Use it or loose it! Maximize your Italian speaking time on Preply where you can find affordable language tutors from all over the world, inducing Italy. 

The Italian Prepositions Explained

The Italian Prepositions Explained

What’s a preposition in Italian?

I like to describe prepositions as the glue that holds words together in a sentence. A preposition is a small word that connects different parts of a sentence and affects the meaning of a noun, adjective, or verb. Common prepositions in English include “in,” “at,” “by,” and “for,” among others. Similarly, common Italian prepositions include “di,” “a,” “in,” “tra,” and others.

Simple prepositions vs. Articulated prepositions

In Italian, we distinguish between simple and articulated prepositions. Simple prepositions are standalone words that do not change their form based on the gender or number of the noun they modify. The simple prepositions in Italian are “di,” “a,” “da,” “in,” “con,” “su,” “per,” “tra” (or “fra”).

Articulated prepositions, on the other hand, are formed by combining a simple preposition with a definite article, such as “il,” “lo,” “la,” “l’,” or “i,” “gli,” “le,” depending on the gender and number of the noun that follows. For example, “a” + “il” becomes “al,” “di” + “la” becomes “della,” and “su” + “i” becomes “sui.” Articulated prepositions can be modified depending on the gender and number of the noun that follows. However, “tra” (or “fra”), “con,” and “per” are not combined to form articulated prepositions.

Italian Simple Prepositions Chart 

Italian Articulated Prepositions Chart 

*In some parts of Italy, it’s possible to hear the contracted forms of the preposition “con” with the definite articles, such as “col,” “colla,” “coll’,” “coi,” “cogli,” and “colle. The prepositions “tra” and “fra” are interchangeable and have the same meaning.“Tra,” “fra,” and “per” do not merge with definite articles to form articulated prepositions.

 

How to Learn Italian Prepositions 

I have been teaching Italian to native English speakers for over 10 years, and these are my best pieces of advice on learning Italian prepositions.

  • Don’t try to learn all prepositions at once as it may not make sense. Instead, focus on learning general patterns such as using the preposition “a” before names of cities and “in” before names of countries. Don’t try to learn all the different uses of “di” or “da” as a beginner, as that will come with time and years of studying and language use.
  • Learn prepositions in context or chunks. A chunk is a recurring combination of an adjective and a preposition (such as “pieno di = full of”, pronto a = ready to”) or a preposition and a verb (such as “parlare con=to talk with”, “venire da = to leave from”, and “consigliare di=to recommend to”).
  • Every preposition has several translations in English, and the rules are defined by the context. For example, “tra” means “between” when indicating spaces, but it means “in” when indicating future time.
  • Lastly, learn prepositions through reading simplified Italian, like short stories. When you read, you will naturally be exposed to combinations of nouns and prepositions or verbs and prepositions. If you do this consistently, you will learn the order of words and the place of prepositions naturally.

The preposition “di”

Main meanings: of, “s”, some.

The most common use of “di” is when it corresponds to the English possessive “‘s” and the noun + noun structure. For example:

  • Il libro di italiano (The Italian book)
  • La casa dei miei nonni (My grandparents’ house)
  • La lezione di Serena (Serena’s lesson)
  • Il corso di italiano (The Italian course)

“Di” is also used in partitive constructions with the meaning of “some” or “any,” indicating an indefinite quantity. For example:

  • Vorrei del pane (I would like some bread)
  • Vorrei dello zucchero (I would like some sugar)
  • Hai delle uova? (Do you have any eggs?)

Typically, in this type of sentence, we use articulated prepositions (di + definite article).

“Di” is sometimes used after certain verbs that are typically followed by a second verb. In this case, it works like a connector. For example:

  • Finisco di lavorare (I finish work)
  • Spero di passare l’esame (I hope to pass the exam)
  • Ho voglia di fare una passeggiata (I feel like going for a walk)

“Di” is also used in a number of common expressions, like:

  • di giorno, in the daytime
  • di notte, at night
  •  di mattina, in the morning
  •  di pomeriggio, in the afternoon
  • di tanto in tanto, from time to time 
  • di più, more [used after verbs]
  • di fronte, in front of 
  • di fretta, in a hurry
  • d’estate, d’inverno,  in the summer, in the winter 
  • di niente, you’re welcome 

The preposition “a”

Main meanings: in, at, to

The preposition “a” can mean “in” or “to” when referring to a location you are going to, and “at” when referring to a place where you currently are.

There are no clear rules when it comes to usage, but there are a few trends to follow:

We use “a” when the verb “andare” (to go) is followed by another verb. In these sentences, “a” means “to”:

  • Vado a studiare (I’m going to study)
  • Vado a prendere il pane (I’m going to get some bread)

“A” means in or to when used before the name of a city or a town.

  • Vado a Roma (I’m going to Rome)
  • Sono a Roma (I’m in Rome) 

We use “a” or its contracted forms (articulated prepositions) when we are going to place or you’re at a place. For example:

  • Vado/sono al cinema (I’m going/I’m to the cinema)
  • Vado/sono al teatro (I’m going/I’m to the theater)
  • Vado/sono al lavoro (I’m going/I’m to work)
  • Vado/sono al mare (I’m going/I’m to the sea)

Whether to use “a” or “al/alla/ai” depends on the gender and number of the following noun. It’s helpful to learn the most common combinations (e.g., vado al mare) by heart.

“A” or “alle” is used to indicate time:

  • Alle 8 (at 8 o’clock)
  • A mezzogiorno (at noon)

Common expressions using the prepositions “a”:

  • a sinistra, to the left
  • a destra, to the right
  • al centro di, in the middle of
  • a volte, at times
  • al mare, to the beach
  • al lavoro, to work
  • al teatro, to the theater 
  • al cinema, to the movies
  • a poco a poco, little by little
  • a letto, to bed
  • all’estero, abroad 
  • a memoria, by heart
  • a causa di, because of 

The preposition “da”

What does “da” mean in Italian? 

Main meanings: from, for, since, by, to

“Da” mainly means “from” when indicating place and is combined with certain verbs like “partire da” (to leave from) and “venire da” (to come from). For example:

  • Vengo da Milano (I’m coming from Milan)
  • Parto da Roma (I’m leaving from Rome)

“Da” also means “since” or “for” when indicating how long (since when) you’ve been doing something. For instance:

  • Vivo a Roma da due anni (I’ve been living in Rome for two years)
  • Vivo a Roma dal 2018  (I’ve been living in Rome since 2018 )
  • Comincio a studiare da domani (I start studying from tomorrow)

In passive forms, “da” means “by.” For example:

  • Questa azienda è stata fondata da mio padre (This company was founded by my father)
  • Questo libro è stato scritto dalla mia insegnante (This book was written by my teacher)

“Da” means “to someone” or “at the house of someone” when used with the verbs “andare” and “essere.” The typical mistake here is to use “a” or “in” instead of “da.” For instance:

  • Vado dai miei amici (I’m going to my friends) and not vado ai miei amici 
  • Vado dal medico (I’m going the doctor’s)  and not vado al dottore

Finally, “da” is also used before an infinitive and after “molto“, “poco“, “niente“, “troppo“, “qualcosa“, and “nulla“.

  • Non c’è molto da fare (There isn’t much to do)
  • Hai qualcosa da dire (Do you have anything to say)

“Da”, together with “a”, is also used in time expressions, such as:

  • da lunedì a venerdì (Monday through Friday)
  • dalle 14 alle 15 (from 2pm to 3pm)
  • da marzo a giugno (from March to June)

Common expressions using the prepositions “da”:

da domani, starting tomorrow

da oggi, starting today

da quanto tempo..=, how long…?

da molto tempo, for a long time

da un lato, dall’altro lato, on one side, on the other side

The preposition “in”

“In” means “in” before the names of countries, regions, or states.

Example:

  • Vado in Italia (I’m going to Italy)
  • Vado in Toscana (I’m going to Tuscany)
  • Vado in Texas (I’m going to Texas)

“In” means “to” when referring to a location we are going to. This is a similar use of the preposition “a,” which is why it’s sometimes difficult to decide whether to use “a” or “in.” Unfortunately, there are no clear rules for using “in” and “a” when referring to going to a place. The best approach is to learn them in combination with the noun they are followed by.

Common expressions with “in”:

  • in chiesa (to church)
  • in palestra (to the gym)
  • in spiaggia (to the beach)
  • in montagna (to the mountains)
  • in centro (to the city center)
  • in ufficio (to the office)
  • in vacanza (on vacation)
  • io bagno (to the bathroom) 
  • in piscina (to the swimming pool)

If you want to learn more about the use of “in” and “a,” I go into further detail in this article (the difference between “in” and “a”).

“In” means “by” when talking about transport.

Example:

  • in treno (by train)
  • in macchina (by car)
  • in aereo (by plane)
  • in treno in bici (by train and bike)

The preposition “con”

The preposition “con” has only one meaning and corresponds to the English word “with”.

Example sentences with correct grammar:

  • Parlo con mia madre (I talk with my mother)
  • Vado al cinema con i miei amici (I go to the cinema with my friends)

The preposition “su”

Main meanings: on, about 

The preposition “su” means “on” when indicating location in space. For example:

  • Il libro è sul tavolo (The book is on the table)
  • Il gatto è sulla sedia (The cat is on the chair)

Another common use of “su” is when indicating the subject of something. In this case, it means “about“. For example:

  • Un film sull’Italia (A film about Italy)
  • Un libro su Michelangelo (A book about Michelangelo). 

In both cases, the preposition “su” is typically used in the form of articulated prepositions (su + definite article: sul, sulla, sui, etc.).

The preposition “per”

Main meanings: for, to 

  • Vado in palestra per due ore (I go to the gym for two hours)
  • Vado in Sicilia per due settimana (I’m going to Sicily for two weeks)

“Per” also means “to + verb” when used with the meaning of “in order to do something” and indicates an aim. For example:

  • Studio per migliorare il mio italiano (I study to improve my Italian)
  • Faccio una dieta per perdere peso (I’m on a diet to lose weight) 

The prepositions “tra/fra”

Main meanings: in, between, among 

The most common use of “tra” or “fra” is when they are used to indicate a future time. In this case, tra or fra mean “in” For example:

  • Tra due giorni (In two days)

In this case, “tra” is always followed by a period of time.

Typical mistake: using “in” instead of “tra”.

  • Vado in vacanza in una settimana. (Wrong)
  • Vado in vacanza tra una settimana. (Right)

Another use of “tra” or “fra” is when indicating space and meaning “between” or “among“. For example:

  • Firenze si trova tra Roma e Milano. (Florence is located between Rome and Milan.)

“Tra” and “fra” have the same use and are interchangeable.  

2 helpful textbooks to learn Italian prepositions:

How to write a formal (or informal) email in Italian

How to Write an Email or a Letter in Italian

You may have found yourself in a situation where you need to write a letter or an email in Italian to your Italian professor, or perhaps you need to learn how to write emails for your Italian Language Certification exam, but you don’t know where to start. This guide will help you do just that.

Writing a letter in Italian is not so difficult. All you need is following this structure:

  1. Standard greetings (formal or informal)
  2. Introduction
  3. Body
  4. Closings 

Of course, the types of greetings and introductions you use depend on whom you are writing to. Therefore, a distinction must be made between writing a formal letter and an informal one.

How to write a formal email or letter

1. How to start a formal email or letter in Italian 

If the situation requires you to be formal, you can start your email like this:

  • Gentile Sig. + name – Dear Sir  + name 
  • Gentile Sig.ra + name – Dear Madam + name

If the situation requires you to be super formal, you should opt for this type greeting, for example:

  • Egregio Sig. Rossi Sir
  • Egregia Sig.ra Rossi Madam

In formal letters or emails the abbreviations “Sig.” stands for Sir, and “Sig.ra” stands for Madam. 

If the setting is not so formal or you don’t know, you could start your email with a Buongiorno or Buonasera.  

The titles

Italians love to use their titles, so it is important to mention them even in a letter. If the addressee has a title, you can use the following abbreviations. The abbreviation should go directly before the person’s name. For example: Dott.ssa Mattea Capelli or Ing. Marco Ruggero.

  • Dott. or Dott.ssa (dottore – dottoressa = a doctor or anyone with a degree)
  • Avv. (avvocato – lawyer)
  • Ing. (ingegnere – engineer)
  • Arch. (architetto – architect)
  • Rag. (ragioniere – accountant)
2. The introduction

To say the reason why you’re emailing someone, you can use the following formulas:

  • Le scrivo, in riferimento al nostro incontro… – I am writing with regard to our meeting
  • Le scrivo, in riferimento al colloquio telefonico… – I am writing with regard to our phone call
  • Come anticipato nella mail precedente… – as stated in the previous email 
  • Come discusso telefonicamente… – as discussed in the previous call
  • In risposta alla Sua mail…- In response to your email (“Sua“ is upper case here to distinguish it from the possessive adjective of the 3rd person singular sua “his/her)”.
3. The body 

In the main body of the mail you should write the reasons for writing, such as…

  • Con la presente comunico… – I am writing with regard to… 
  • Con presente, scrivo per presentare la mia candidatura per la posizione presso + name of the company – I am writing to apply to the….
  • Le scrivo perché vorrei qualche informazione su… – I am writing because I would like to know…
4. Formal closings and salutations 

Most common formal Italian letter closings:

  • In attesa di riscontro, resto a disposizione per chiarimenti e porgo cordiali saluti – Waiting for a reply, I remain at your disposal for clarifications and best regards
  • Ringraziando per l’attenzione, porgo cordiali saluti – Thanks for your attention, I send you my best regards
  • In attesa di un Suo riscontro, porgo i miei più cordiali saluti – Waiting for your reply, I send you my best regards

These letter endings are the Italian equivalent of “I am looking forward to hearing from you” in English. While the meaning may be slightly different, they serve the same purpose and are used in Italian in the same way.

Formal salutations

For the final greeting, you should use the following Italian (formal) salutations or “saluti formali”, which are the equivalent of “sincerely” or “warm/kind regards” in English.

  • Distinti Saluti 
  • Cordiali Saluti
  • Cordialmente 

If you have an attachment to include, make sure to mention it in the email or letter by using one of these formulas:

  • In allegato invio + name of the file (please find in attachment
  • Allego + name of the file  – I am attaching 

How to say  “I am looking forward to hearing from you”?

To complete the list, it’s worth noting the standard way of concluding an email in English: ‘I look forward to hearing from you.’ In Italian, this sentence can be translated using the following phrases:

  • Aspetto Sue notizie (formal setting)
  • Aspetto tue notizie (informal meeting)

Examples of formal letters (or emails) in Italian 

Gentile Sig.na Rossi,

Con la presente, invio la mia candidatura per il posto di lavoro come Responsabile di Amministrazione presso i Vostri uffici.  

Allego il mio CV e lettera di motivazione.

In attesa di un Suo riscontro, porgo i miei più cordiali saluti. 

Serena

—-

Egregio Sig. Rossi,

Le scrivo in riferimento al nostro colloquio telefonico di ieri, per comunicarle che abbiamo preso in considerazione la Sua proposta di progetto. La invitiamo a mandarci al più presto un report completo del progetto.

In attesa di un cordiale riscontro, le porgo i miei cordiali saluti.

Serena 

How to write an informal email or letter in Italian 

1. Informal greetings and introduction 
 If you are writing your email or letter to an Italian friend or colleague, then the tone should be different, and you can switch to more informal greetings and ending salutations. Let’s see how:

When it comes to starting a friendly email, you can opt for 

  • Ciao Marco, come stai?
  • Ciao Marco, spero che tu stia bene.
  • Ciao Marco, tutto bene? 
  • Ciao Marco, come va la vita?
2. Body 

There aren’t any special formulas for writing a friendly letter, but you could start it like this:

  • Volevo solo scriverti per… – (I just wanted to write to thank you again for…)
  • Scusami se ti rispondo con molto ritardo – (Sorry if I reply very late)
  • Hai novità per quanto riguarda… – (Do you have any news regarding…)
  • Riguardo a… – (Regarding to…)
3. Informal closings 

Regarding the ending of a friendly letter or email, you should choose one of the following Italian salutations (Saluti informali).

  • Fammi sapere – let me know
  • Un abbraccio – hugs 
  • Un caro saluto – cheers
  • A presto – until the next time  

Example of a (short) friendly email in Italian 

Ciao Marcello

Come stai? Scusami se ti rispondo con molto ritardo ma sono stato molto impegnato ultimamente.  Come va la vita? Ci sono novità a lavoro? Per quanto riguarda quel progetto, ne ho parlato con il mio capo. In allegato ti mando mando i dettagli dell’incontro. 

Fammi sapere cosa ne pensi 

Un abbraccio

Marco 

 

Writing Formal or Informal Emails for your Italian Citizenship Exam

Writing a Formal or Informal Email for your Italian Citizenship Exam

If you’re preparing for your Italian Citizenship exam, you know that one of the writing prompts for the writing portion includes writing a formal or informal email.

First and foremost, it’s important to determine the appropriate register for your email because Italian distinguishes between formal and informal language.

For a formal email, use the appropriate level of formality (e.g. the Italian curtesy form or formal salutations). 

Example of formal emails:

  • writing to your doctor
  • writing to your university teacher
  • writing to the local council hall
  • writing to the library

On the other hand, an informal email can be more relaxed in tone and style. 

  • writing to your friend, colleague or family member. 

Here are some tips for writing an informal email:

  • The CILS B1 citizenship requests the email to be between 80 and 120 words long.
  • The CELI B1 exam requests the email to be between 90 and 110 words long.
  • The PLIDA B1 exam requests the email to be between 70 and 100 words long.

First and foremost, it’s important to determine the appropriate register for your email because Italian distinguishes between formal and informal language.

For a formal email, use the appropriate level of formality (e.g. the Italian curtesy form or formal salutations). 

Formal emails vs informal emails 

Example of formal emails:

  • writing to your doctor
  • writing to your university teacher
  • writing to the local council hall
  • writing to the library

On the other hand, an informal email can be more relaxed in tone and style. 

  • writing to your friend, colleague or family member. 

Here are some tips for writing an informal email:

An email typically follows a basic structure, which includes:

  1. Greetings: Depending on the formality of the email, you can start with a formal or informal greeting.
  2. Introduction: In the introduction, you can shortly introduce yourself and mention the he reason why you’re writing the email.
  3. Body: This is the most important part of the email where you can provide more details about your request, share information, or ask questions or give advice.  
  4. Closing

How to write an informal email in Italian

Friendly greetings

  • Ciao + nome, come stai? 
  • Caro + nome, come va?
  • Carissimo + nome, come sta?

Introduction 

  • Da quanto tempo… (long time no see)
  • Ti scrivo perché… (I’m writing to you because)
  • Ti scrivo per chiederti…(I’m writing to ask you)
  • Ho saputo che …(I heard that)

Body

 In the body of the email, make your request or share your message. Be concise and clear, but also personable and friendly. This are some sample sentences that you can include in your body. 

  • Ask for information: Vorrei sapere, Vorrei farti sapere
  • Explain a problem: Ti scrivo per informarti di un problema..
  • Make a request: Vorrei chiederti…, Per favore, potresti…?
  • Expression an opinion: secondo me, credo che tu…
  • Give advice: ti consiglio di..
  • Ask for advice: Potresti darmi un consiglio su…? Vorrei chiederti un consiglio su..

Informal closings

  • Fammi sapere (let me know, keep me in the lopp)
  • Spero di averti aiutato (I hope I helped you)
  • Ti ringrazio…
  • Ti saluto…
  • A presto…
  • Ci sentiamo…
Examples of email prompts taken from the CILS B1 citizenship exam.

Un collega ha problemi a lavoro e non riesce ad essere produttivo. Scrivigli un’ email e dagli dei consigli per migliorare la situazione lavorativa (80-20 parole)

Ciao [nome], come stai?

Ho saputo che hai avuto qualche difficoltà a rimanere produttivo al lavoro ultimamente, e mi dispiace sentire che stai attraversando un momento difficile. Vorrei darti alcuni consigli che potrebbero aiutarti a migliorare la tua situazione lavorativa.

Per prima cosa, ti consiglio di fare una lista di cosa da fare ogni giorno. Poi cerca di creare un posto di lavoro di lavoro confortevole e silenziosa. E infine, pensa a degli obiettivi a lungo e carto tempo da raggiungere.

Spero che questi consigli siano utili per te.

Ti saluto e a presto. 

[tuo nome]




Ciao [nome] , come stai?

Da quanto tempo! Sono stato così impegnato all’università. Ascolta, volevo dirti che sto programma una vacanza studio a Firenze a giugno. Mi sembra un’ottima idea per celebrare la fine dell’università ma anche per migliorare italiano. So che hai studiato italiano anche tu l’anno scorso. Ti piacerebbe venire con me? Potremmo affittare un appartamento insieme e così ridurre così.

Fammi sapere.

A presto.

[tuo nome]



How to write a formal email in Italian

Formal greetings

  • Spettabile + nome of the company
  • Gentile Signor (or Signora) + lastname
  • Buongiorno Signor (or Signora) + last name
  • Egregio Signor + last name (very formal)
  • Egregia Signora + last name (very formal)

Introduction 

  • Le scrivo per informarla… (I’m writing to inform you that… )
  • Le scrivo per segnalarle… (I’m writing to inform you that… )
  • Le scrivo per chiederle.. (I’m writing to ask you…)
  • Scrivo in riferimento a… (I’m writing in reference to…)
  • Come discusso telefonicamente… (As discussed by phone…)

Body

  • Ask for information: Vorrei sapere, Vorrei farti sapere
  • Explain a problem: Le scrivo per informarla di un problema..
  • Make a request: Vorrei chiederle…, Per favore, potrebbe…?
  • Expression an opinion: Secondo me, credo che Lei…
  • Give advice: Le consiglio di..
  • Ask for advice: Potrebbe darmi un consiglio su…? Vorrei chiederLe un consiglio su…

Informal closings

  • Mi faccia sapere (let me know, keep me in the loop)
  • In attesa di un vostro riscontro (Looking forward to hearing from you)
  • La ringrazio in anticipo per il suo aiuto (thank you in advance for your help)
  • Cordial Saluti (kind regards)
  • Distinti Saluti (best regards)
  • Cordialmente (sincerely)
Examples of email prompts taken from the CELE B1 citizenship exam.

Il giardino del tuo quartiere è in cattivo stato, scrivi un email al sindaco dove descrivi le condizioni del giardino, racconta un problema che la tua famiglia ha avuto lì e dai qualche suggerimento per tenerlo meglio. Scrivi tra 70 e 100 parole. 

Gentile Signor Sindaco,

Le scrivo per segnalare che il giardino del nostro quartiere è in pessime condizioni. L’erba è alta, le aiuole sono trascurate e i giochi per i bimbi sono chiusi, e la spazzatura non è stata raccolta da giorni. Inoltre, la mia famiglia ha avuto un problema recentemente, quando mio figlio è caduto sull’erba ed è stato ferito da un pezzo di vetro.

Vorrei suggerire di migliorare la manutenzione del giardino, tagliando regolarmente l’erba e rimuovendo le erbacce e la spazzatura. Inoltre, sarebbe utile ripristinare i giochi per i bambini al più presto.

In attesa di un suo cordiale riscontro,

Cordiali saluti

[tuo nome]

 

 

 

What’s the Meaning of “Ce l’ho” and How to Use It

The mysterious combination of the pronoun ci and the verb avere

Everybody agrees that the pronoun ci is, probably, one of the most mysterious words in Italian, and thus, I thought it would be great to dive, in this post, into the use of ci when used in conjugation with the verb avere: this is a very peculiar and common use of “ci” in Italian. 

1. Ce l’ho. Non ce l’ho – I have it / I don’t have it 

You may have heard the phrase “Ce l’ho” and wondered what it means, or more specifically, what the “ce” means in that sentence. Well, you’ll be relieved to know that it doesn’t actually have a specific grammatical function.

“Ce l’ho” translates to “I have it,” so if you’ve been using “l’ho” up to this point, you’ve been mistaken.

Although the extra “ce” doesn’t serve a particular grammatical purpose, it’s added to improve the sound of the sentence. This use likely originated from a desire to avoid a cacophony (an unpleasing phonetic sound) when using just “l’ho/le ho/li ho” or its extreme brevity.

This rule applies every time the verb “avere” is preceded by a direct object pronoun (e.g., lo, la, li, le). Therefore, the sentences “ce l’ho” and “non ce l’ho” indicate whether you have something or not.

  • Hai un cane? – Do you have a dog?
  • Ce l’ho – I have it 
  • Non ce l’ho – I don’t have it

Of course, the ce is also added in front of all the different forms of the verb, like in the following examples:

  • Hai una macchina? Sì, ce l’ho! – Do you have a car? Yes, I do (I have it)
  • Hai le chiavi? No, non ce le ho! – Do you have your keys? No, We don’t (I don’t have them)
  • Avete tempo? Non ce l’abbiamo! – Do you guys have time? – No, we don’t (we don’t have it)

Note that in Italian, the pronoun “l’,” which stands for “lo” (masculine singular) and “la” (feminine singular), changes to “li” (masculine plural) and “le” (feminine plural) when referring to objects in the plural form. For example, when saying “I have them” or “I don’t have them,” we would use “li” or “le” instead of “l’.” The apostrophe is used just in the singular forms with “it”. 

Examples:

  • Ce l’ho (I have it) – ce li/le ho (I have them) 
  • Ce l’hai (you have it) – ce li/le hai (you have them) 
  • Ce l’ha (he/has has it)- ce li/le ha (he/she has them) 
  • Ce l’abbiamo (we have it) – ce li/le abbiamo (we have them) 
  • Ce l’avete (you all have it) – ce li/le avete (you all have them) 
  • Ce l’hanno (they have it) – ce li/le hanno (they have them) 
English vs. Italian 

In English, when someone asks if you have something, it’s typical to reply using auxiliaries, like in the example “Do you have the keys? Yes, I do.” In Italian, however, the same structure is not used, and instead, the verb used in the question is repeated in the response, as in “Hai le chiavi? Sì, ce le ho” (do you have the keys? Yes, I have them)

2. Avercela con qualcuno – to be mad at someone 

Let’s go one step further; by adding the preposition “con” to ce l’ho, we have created a completely new sentence.

In fact, the informal Italian phrase “ce l’ho con qualcuno” means “I’m upset or I’m angry with someone.”

  • Ce l’ho con il mio vicino di casa, perché parcheggia la sua macchina davanti al mio portone – I am angry with my neighbor because he parks his car in front of my door.

Avercela is not to be confused with the form of avere indicating possession, because it is always followed by the preposition con.

  • Ce l’ho – I have it
  • Ce l’ho con te – I’m mad at you 

The other meanings of the particle “ci” 

Don’t forget that ci has many different other functions, as follows:

  • “Ci” as a reflexive pronoun → Ci svegliamo alle 6 – we wake up at six 
  • “Ci” as a direct object pronoun →  Ci conosci? – Do you know us? 
  • “Ci” as an indirect object pronoun → Ci ha regalato un biglietto gratis per il concerto – she gave us a free ticket for the concert
  • “Ci” as an adverb of place →  Ci vado il prossimo mese – I’m going there next month
  • “Ci” as in the forms there is, there are → C’è, ci sono

 

Più, di più, in più, non…più: The Difference and How to Use Them 

Più, di più, in più, non…più: The Difference and How to Use Them 

What does più mean in italian?

Più it’s a common italian  words meaning “more”

What drives my students crazy is when it’s appropriate to use “più” and when “di più” or “in più”. They all mean “more”, but they’re used in different sentences. 

Lucky there’s an easy rules to follow, let’s delve into this: 

Più 

There is a grammatical error in the text. Here’s a corrected version:

Più means more in several contexts, such as in comparative statements.

  • Questa casa è più caro di quella – This house is more expensive than that one  
  • Carla guadagna più di suo marito – Carla make more money than his husband 

Di più 

Di più is an adverbial phrase used after verbs and means “more.” For example:

  • Voglio allenarmi di più quest’anno – I want to train more this year
  • Voglio studiare di più – I want to study more 

The opposite phrase is “di meno,” which means “less.” For example:

  • Voglio bere di meno quest’anno. (I want to drink less this year.)

In più

In più is a noun phrase that means “more” or “in addition,” and it is used to indicate that something is added to an existing quantity. The phrase can be used to refer to both tangible and intangible things.

For example:

  • Vorrei una bottiglia d’acqua in più – I would like one more bottle of water

Non…più

Non più means “not…anymore” and is used in negative sentences. The pattern to follow is “non + verb + più.”

For example:

  • Non viaggio più – I don’t travel anymore
  • Non dormo più – I don’t sleep anymore

“Piu” is also spelled with an accent on the last vowel (più), which means that you have to stress the pronunciation of the “u”. It sounds like this: “pyuh”.

Far fare? Fammi vedere! – Three Different Uses of “Fare” with the Infinitive Verb

Far fare? Fammi vedere! – Three Different Uses of “Fare” with the Infinitive Verb

1. The “fare” causativo 

Are you struggling to understand the construction of the Italian language that uses “fare” and infinitives? Don’t worry, it can be a bit confusing at first, but with some practice, you can easily learn to recognize and use it.

“Fare” is one of the most commonly used verbs in the Italian language and can be used in combination with another infinitive verb (such as “fammi vedere” or “lo faccio fare”). However, the translation of these phrases into English can be difficult, as it is not always straightforward.

Let’s take a look at an example to better understand this construction:

  • Faccio riparare il frigo a mio fratello translates to I will have the fridge repaired by my brother.

You may have noticed the unique use of the verb “fare” and the infinitive in this sentence.

This combination is commonly referred to as the “fare causativo,” and it is frequently used in conversational Italian to express the idea of having something done by someone else.

There are two possible constructions:

  1. Verb “fare” + action verb + “a” + person carrying out the action (e.g., “Faccio riparare il frigo a mio padre” – “I will have my fridge repaired by my father.”)
  2. Indirect object + action verb + “da” + person carrying out the action (e.g., “Mi faccio riparare il frigo da mio padre” – “I am having my fridge repaired by my father.”)

With a bit of practice, you can easily learn to recognize and use this construction in your own Italian conversations.

More examples :

  • Ho fatto pulire l’appartamento a mio marito – I had the flat cleaned by my husband
  • Mi faccio tagliare i capelli da mia zia – I have my hair cut by my auntie
  • Non preoccuparti! Lo faccio fare a mio marito – Don’t worry! I’ll have hassled do it 

Of course, this specific construction of fare+infinitive  can occur in all the different Italian tenses.

  • Mi faccio tagliare i capelli   (present tense)
  • Mi sono fatto tagliare i capelli (passato prossimo)
  • Mi facevo tagliare i capelli (imperfect)
  • Mi farò tagliare i capelli (future tense) 
  • Mi farei tagliare i capelli (present conditional)
  • Mi faccio tagliare i capelli   (present tense)
  • Fammi tagliare i capelli, mamma! (imperative)

2. Fare = make someone to do something 

Another use of  the construction “fare + infinitive” expresses the idea of getting someone to do something and is a translation of the English ‘get or make someone to do something”. For example: 

  • Fa’ leggere tuo figlio – Get your/tell your son to read 
  • Fa’ fare sport a tuo figlio – Get your/tell your son to do sport
  • Fa’ giocare tuo figlio –  Get your/tell your son to play

*in the above phrases the verb fare appears in the imperative mood.

3. Fare = Let 

Another common use of the verb “fare” and the infinitive is a translation of the English “let”  

  • Fammi vedere – Let me see
  • Fammi provare – Let me try
  • Fammi sentire – Let me hear
  • Puoi farmi vedere? – Can you let me see?
  • Mi fai sentire? Can you let me hear?

 

Italian Pronominal Verbs (Verbi Pronominali): 9 Must-Know Rules

The Ultimate Guide to Italian Pronominal Verbs (Verbi Pronominali): 9 Must-Know Rules

1. What ‘s a pronominal verb in Italian? A pronominal verb is a type of verb in which a pronoun is used as an integral part of the verb. In Italian, a pronominal verb is a combination of a basic verb and one or more pronouns, which together create a new verb with a different meaning than the basic verb alone. For example, let’s take the verb “andare” which means “to go”. If we add the pronouns “si” and “ne” to “andare”, we create the pronominal verb “andarsene” which means “to go away” or “to leave”.

  • Me ne vado – I’m leaving, I’m going a way 

2. The pronouns attached to the infinitive of the verbs slightly or entirely change the original meaning of the verb. For example, the verb “sentire” means “to hear” in Italian. But if you add the reflexive pronouns “si” and “la” to it, as in “sentirsela”, it becomes “to feel like” or “to have the courage of doing something”.

  • Scusa, ma non me la sento di scalare quella montagna – Sorry, but I don’t feel like climbing that mountain

3. Pronominal verbs are vastly used in conversational Italian, especially in everyday speech and informal situations. As with any language, it’s important to be aware of context and the level of formality when using pronominal verbs in Italian.

Examples of pronominal verbs used in Italian slang.

  • Non ce le faccio più = I’m exausted 
  • Me ne frego = I don’t care 
  • Me la spasso  = I’m having a blast 

 

4. Italian pronominal verbs are hard to translate into your native language as they don’t have a sole translation, and the meaning can slightly vary from one context to the next.  Let’s take the example of the verb farcela (which is a combination of fare+ce+la). It has two principal meanings: to manage and not to manage.

5. Pronominal verbs are easy to conjugate, yes they are. When conjugating pronominal verbs in Italian, it’s important to separate the pronouns from the infinitive form of the verb. After doing so, you can conjugate the verb as you normally would, placing the pronouns before the verb. For example, let’s take the verb “andarsene”. To conjugate it, separate the pronouns from the infinitive (in this case, “se” and “ne”), and then conjugate the verb “andare” as you normally would, placing the pronoun before the verb.

FARCELA (to manage) = FAR(E) + CE + LA

io ce la faccio

tu ce la fai

lui/lei ce la fa

noi ce la facciamo

voi ce la fate

loro ce la fanno

In the conjugation of pronominal verbs, the attached pronouns ce, ne, la do not change. However, when it comes to the pronominal verbs incorporating “se” onto the infinitive (e.g., sentirsela, bersela, andarsene), you will need to decline the “se”, which stands for the reflexive pronoun, into me, te, se, ce, ve, se. Like in the verb “andarsene” 

ANDARSENE (to leave, to go away) = ANDAR(E) + SI + NE

Io me ne vado

Ty te ne vai

Lui/ Lei se ne va

Noi ce ne andiamo

Voi ve ne andate

Loro se ne vanno

 

Most common Italian pronominal verbs list 

Italian pronominal verbs with “CI“

  • Entrarci con – to have to do with something
  • Entrarci in – to fit in something  
  • Volerci – to take time (with no subject, impersonal
  • Metterci – to take time (with a subject)
  • Arrivarci – to understand 

Italian pronominal verbs with “NE“

  • Non poterne più – can’t put up with something or someone anymore

Italian pronominal verbs with “SELA“

  • Sentirsela di – to have the courage of doing something or to feel like
  • Cavarsela in + noun / A + infinitive – to be good at something or at doing something 
  • Prendersela con – to be irritated with someone 
  • Passarsela bene o male – to be good or bad 
  • Spassarsela – to have a blast 
  • Sbrigarsela – to sort out a situation in a short time
  • Cavarsela – to come out of difficult situations, easily 
  • Tirarsela – to show off 

Italian pronominal verbs with “CELA“

  • Mettercela tutta – to do one’s best 
  • Avercela con – to be upset with someone

Italian pronominal verbs with “SENE“

  • Fregarsene di – to not care about something or someone
  • Andarsene – to go away somewhere

6. In Italian, pronominal verbs that end in “-sela” or “-sene” always require the auxiliary verb “essere” in compound tenses. Consequently, the past participle agrees with the pronoun or subject, as shown in the following examples.

  • Non me la sono sentita (agreement with the feminine pronoun la) – I didn’t have the courage (to do something)
  • Me ne sono andata (agreement with the feminine subject) – I left

7. If the pronominal verb ends in -ci, -ne, -cela, -cena the auxiliary verb to use in compound tenses is “avere”.

  • Non ce l’ho fatta  (agreement with the feminine pronoun la) – I didn’t manage it 
  • Me la sono presa (agreement with the feminine pronoun la) – I got upset (with something or someone) 

8. Some verbs are always matched with fixed prepositions, for example:

  • Farcela a  – to manage 
  • Sentirsela di – to have the courage to do something 
  • Avercela con – to be upset with someone 
  • Riuscire a – to be able to 
  • Smetterla di  – to stop doing something 

9. Pronominal verbs are commonly used in informal and colloquial Italian speech. Using them can make your Italian sound more natural. Here are a few examples of colloquial Italian sentences that use pronominal verbs:

Passarsela means “stare (bene/male)”

  • Come te la passi? – How are you doing?

Fregarsene means “not to give a damn about something”

  • Me ne frego di quello che pensi – I don’t care about what you think

Farcela (positive) means “to manage”

  • Ce la facciamo a finire questo lavoro entro oggi? – Can we manage to finish this work within today? 

Arrivarci means “to understand something (colloquial)”

  • Me lo puoi ripetere? Non ci arrivo – Can you repeat it? I don’t get it 

Farcela (negative) means “to be fed up, to be exhausted or to be unable to cope with something”

  • Non ce faccio più! – I am exhausted! 

Spassarsela means “to have a blast”

  • Ce la siamo spassata l’altra sera-  we had a blast the other night

Italian pronominal verbs and the imperative tense

When using the imperative tense to give commands or advice in Italian, a general rule of thumb is to place the pronouns after the verb and attach them to it.

  • Smettila! – Enough!
  • Metticela tutta! – Do your best!
  • Vattene! – Go away!
  • Non andartene! – Don’t go!
  • Non avercela con me! – Don’t be mad at me!

Exercise (advanced)

What’s the most effective to learn Pronominal Verbs in Italian? 

The most effective way to learn how to use Italian pronominal verbs is through a technique called “shadowing“.  How does it work? First, it’s important to understand how they work and how to conjugate them correctly. Once you have a good grasp of the grammar, you’ll start listening for pronominal verbs in natural Italian conversations or reading them in context. Since many pronominal verbs don’t have a direct translation and are highly contextual, the best way to learn them is by observing how native speakers use them in different situations. In other words, learning with visual and contextual examples can be very beneficial

Is it time for you to brush up on your intermediate Italian grammar skills?


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Italian Phrases and Words to Use At Restaurant

Italian Phrases and Words to Use at a Restaurant in Italy 

On this page, you will find a list of sentences that will make your life easier when you’re at a restaurant in Italy.

Before going through the list, you might also want to know that it is customary to be seated or make a reservation, especially on weekends.

Tipping in Italy 

When it comes to paying, unlike many other countries, a tip is not expected because it is included in the bill under the voice “coperto.” However, if the service was excellent, you can leave a tip to show your satisfaction.

Types of restaurants in Italy 

There are mainly fou different types of restaurants, in Italy:

  1. Ristorante: This is a place where you can expect full service, a touch of gourmet, a professional staff, and higher prices. It’s the place to experience more sophisticated food. The atmosphere should also be more sophisticated.

  2. Trattoria: Less pricey and less formal than a restaurant, a trattoria is usually a family-owned business. It’s the place to enjoy traditional and comforting Italian food. The atmosphere is usually rustic.

  3. Pizzeria: In Italy, a pizzeria works just like any other restaurant. You make a reservation for a table and then order from the menu. Often, antipasti are also served.

  4. Rosticceria (mainly in the South of Italy): This is an informal takeaway place with few or no tables, where Italians love to buy ready-to-eat comfort fried food such as arancini, calzoni, mozzarelle in carrozza, and the likes.

Reserving a table on the phone (Prenotare un tavolo al telefono)

Vorrei prenotare un tavolo per… – I would like to book at table for…

  • domani sera alle 19 – tomorrow night at 7 pm

  • domani a mezzogiorno  – tomorrow at midday

  • domani alle 13  – tomorrow at 1 pm 

  • il 27 aprile alle 20

The person on the other end of the phone might also ask you:

  • Per quante persone? – for how many people? 
  • Mi lascia un recapito telefonico? – can you leve with me your phone number?
  • Il suo nome per favore? – your name, please

 At the restaurant (al ristorante) 

  • Posso avere il menù? –  Can I have the menu? 
  • Posso vedere il menù? –  Can I see the menu? 
  • Potrei avere la carta dei vini? –  Could I have the wine list?
  • Potrei avere il menù dei dolci?  – Could I have the dessert menu?
  • Avete un menù per bambini? –  Do you have a children’s menu?
  • Avete un menù del giorno? –  Do you have a daily menu?
  • Qual è il piatto del giorno? –  What is the dish of the day?
  • Sul menù c’è ‘un antipasto della casa’, che cos’è? – On the menu I read ‘Antipasto della casa’, what is it?

Ordinare (Ordering) 

Per me / Prendo / Vorrei… (I’ll have)

Per cominciare, prendo… (to start with, I’ll have)

Come antipasto, prendo… (as a starters, I’ll have)

Come primo, prendo… (as first course, I’ll have)

Come secondo, prendo… (as first course, I’ll have)

  • Una porzione di… (a portion of)
  • Un piatto di.. (a dish of)
  • Una fetta di.. (a slice of)
  • Un pezzo di.. (a piece of)

How to order meat in Italian 

If the waiter asks you “Come preferisce la cottura della carne,”? (How would you like your meat cooked?), you should answer like this:

  • (carne) al sangue – rare meat
  • (carne) poco cotta  – medium rare
  • (carne) ben cotta  – well-done meat

Asking questions to the waiters 

Scusi, mi può portare (del pane? Una bottiglia d’acqua? Dell’olio? ) – Excuse-me, could I have some…(bread? A bottle of water? Some olive oil?)

Cosa mi consiglia? – What would you recommend me? 

Cosa ci consigliate? – What would you recommend us? 

Sono allergico (or allergica) – I am allergic..

  • ai latticini – to dairy products 
  • al glutine – gluten 

Sono vegetariano – I am a vegetarian 

Sono vegano – I am a vegan

Non mangio carne di maiale  – I don’t eat pork

Questions a waiter might ask you 

  • Siete pronti per ordinare? – Are you ready to order?
  • Avete già prenotato? – Have you reserved a table?
  • Posso portarvi da bere? – Can I get you something to drink?
  • L’acqua gasata o naturale? – The water sparkling or still?
  • Ha qualche allergia/intolleranza? – Do you have any allergies/intolerances?

Complaints (lamentele)

  • La pizza è bruciata – the pizza is burned
  • L’insalata è scondita – the salad is undressed
  • La zuppa è fredda – the salad is cold
  • La pasta è fredda – the pasta is cold
  • C’è ancora molto da aspettare? – is our food long?
  • Stiamo aspettando da troppo tempo – we are waiting too long

Pagare e il conto (paying and the bill)

Il conto, per favore – The bill, please

Paga in contanti o con carta? – Do you pay cash or by card?

Pagate insieme o separatamente? – Do you pay all together or separately?

Posso pagare con carta di credito? – Can I pay by credit card?

Dividiamo il conto  – Les’s split it

Cosa che potresti sentire in un ristorante 
  • Posso offrirle un caffè o un amaro? – Can I buy you an espresso or a liquor?
  • Il pranzo /la cena è di vostro gradimento? – Did you like the meal?
  • Tutto apposto? – Was everything alright?
  • Vuole qualcos’altro? No grazie – Do you want anything else?
The Difference between: Bene, Bravo, Bello and Buono

The Difference between: Bene, Bravo, Bello and Buono

In a nutshell…

  • Bene is an adverb and is used only after verbs – Paolo parla inglese bene (Paolo speaks English well).
  • Bravo is used just with people and means “skilled, talented, good at” – Paolo è molto bravo a lavoro (Paolo is very good at his job).
  • Buono refers to the interior qualities of things or people – Paolo è buono, questo piatto è buono (Paolo is good at heart, this dish is good).
  • Bello refers to the exterior qualities of things or people – Paolo è bello, questo tavolo è bello (Paolo is handsome, this table is beautiful).

How to use bene

One of the most common mistakes I hear from English native speakers when speaking Italian is misusing the word “bene.” While it is often used to mean “good,” this usage is incorrect. In fact, “good” only translates to “bene” in the phrase “sto bene,” which means “I’m good.”

Never say: il libro è bene ❌

Otherwise, “bene” should be used as an adverb and only after a verb, such as in the sentences: 

  • Marco cucina bene – Marco cooks well 
  • Lucia disegna bene – Lucia draws well 

Intensifiers of “bene”

  • Molto bene, benissimo = very well

How to use bravo 

Bravo is an adjective which is often misused too. 

Bravo means, indeed, good. But, it’s just used for a person and with the meaning of talented, skilled, or good at something. 

  • Luca è bravo a disegnare  (or Luca è bravo in disegno) – Luca is good at drawing 
  • Luca è bravo a cucinare (or Luca è bravo in cucina) – Luca is good at cooking 

Note that you can use the adverb bravo in two different ways, like the above phrases.

  • Essere bravo + a + verb – Luca è bravo a cucinare
  • Essere bravo + in + noun – Luca è bravo in cucina

In other words, we can say that bravo is used when someone has a talent, a skill, or is simply good at doing something.

Bravo has a secondary meaning too.

Bravo is also used to indicate the moral qualities of a person.

  • Una brava persona, a person with ethical values and a good morale. 

Common Italian expressions using “bravo”

  • Che bravo! – Well done!
  • Bravo! – Well done!
  • Bravissimo – Way to go!

How to use bello 

Bello is a versatile Italian adjective that can describe both people and things. When applied to things, it can mean “nice” or “beautiful,” while when applied to people, it can mean “beautiful” or “handsome.” In either case, bello denotes the external qualities of the person, thing, or place being described.

  • Questo tavolo è così bello – This table is so beautiful 
  • Marta è una bellissima dona – Marta is a beautiful woman 
  • Firenze è bellissima – Florence is very beautiful 

Intensifiers of bello

  • Molto bello, bellissimo – very beautiful, awesome, gorgeous 
  • Strabello (colloquial) – super beautiful 

More examples with bello 

  • Quel palazzo è bellissimo – That building is gorgeous 
  • Che bella città! – What a nice city!
  • Che bella casa! – What a beautiful home!

Popular Italian expressions using “bello”

  • Che bello! – That’s lovely!
  • Bello! – Lovely!
  • Bellissimo – Awesome! 

For intermediate learners, did you know that bello can sometimes change to begli, bei or bel? In this article, I will explain why this happens. Bel? Begli? Bei? What do they mean? 

How to use buono 

Buono means good and is used to give an opinion about the interior qualities of something or someone.

If a person is buona, we mean that this person has ethical qualities. 

  • Marco è buono – he is good-hearted or a person with good moral qualities  

If something is buono, we mean that this thing has a good quality.

  • Quella pasta è buona – That pasta is good
  • Questo prodotto è buonissimo – This product is very good 
  • Questo legno è buono – This wood is good

Intensifiers of buono

  • Molto buono, buonissimo – very good
  • Strabuono (colloquiale) – super good 

Popular Italian expressions using buono. 

  • Che buono! – It’s delicious! (when referring to food or drinks)
  • Buono a sapersi – good to know
What does “ti va” mean in Italian?

What does “ti va” mean in Italian?

In Italian, “ti va” is a colloquial expression that can be translated to English as “do you want?” or “do you feel like?” It is used to ask someone if they are interested in doing something or if they would like to participate in some activity. For example:

  • Ti va di venire al cinema stasera? – Do you want to come to the movies tonight?

  • Ti va di prendere un caffè? – Do you feel like having a coffee?

Note that this expressions use the verb erb “andare” (to go), in the third person singular form “va.” 

When asking someone if they would like to do something, use the pattern “ti va + di + infinitive verb.” For example:

  • Ti va di andare al al ristorante cinese stasera? – Do you want to the Chinese restaurant tonight?

When asking someone if they would like a specific thing, you would use the pattern “ti va + noun.” For example: “

  • Ti va un gelato? – Do you want a gelato?

What does “mi va” mean in Italian? 

Another similar expressions to “ti va” is “mi va” literally means “it goes for me” and it’s used to express if you feel like doing something or not.  These expressions that can be translated to English as “I feel like” or “I want or I don’t fell like or “I don’t want”.

  • Mi va di andare al mare questo weekend – I feel like going to the beach this weekend
  • Non mi va prendere l’autobus oggi – I don’t feel like taking the bus today 
  • Non mi va di uscire casa oggi – I don’t feel like going out today 

 

How To Tell The Time In Italian (+ exercises)

How to Say the Time in Italian

First, the word “time” has two primary translations in Italian: tempo and ora.

  • Tempo denotes the abstract idea of time (Il tempo vola = time flies)
  • Ora is instead the the, by the clock (che ore sono? = what times is it?)

How to Say “What Time Is It?”

When you want to ask someone what time is it? in Italian, you should say:

Che ore sono?

Note that, unlike in English, both the word “ore” and the verb “essere” appear in their plural form. This makes sense, because time in Italian is a plural entity, just as numbers are plural.

When replying to “che ore sono?” you should say:

  • Sono le + the time 

For example,

  • Sono le 9 – it’s 9 am (or 9 pm)

There are a few exceptions to the “sono le” rule that involve 1, noon, and midnight.

  • E’ l’una – it’s 1 am (or 1 pm)
  • E’ mezzogiorno – it’s noon 
  • E’ mezzanotte – it’s midnight 
Che ore sono? vs Che tempo fa?

Che ore sono? gets often mixed up with “Che tempo fa?” which instead means “What’s the weather like?. The reason is that the word “tempo” is also used in Italian to describe the weather.

24-hour usage vs. the 12-hour usage in Italy 

The 24-hour usage is widespread in Italy, especially when setting appointments or in formal situations, like in the workplace. A train or plane ticket will use the 24h system too.

Let’s see the 24-hour usage in Italian:

  • It’s 1 pm – sono le 13 
  • It’s 2 pm – sono le 14 
  • It’s 3 pm – sono le 15 
  • It’s 4 pm – sono le 16 
  • It’s 5 pm – sono le 17 
  • It’s 6 pm – sono le 18
  • It’s 7 pm – sono le 19
  • It’s 8 pm – sono le 20 
  • It’s 9 pm – sono le 21
  • It’s 10 pm – sono le 22
  • It’s 11 pm – sono le 23
  • It’s 12 am – sono le 24 

The 12-hour usage is also widely accepted in informal situations and is mostly used in spoken Italian. Sometimes, though, it will be necessary to say whether the appointment is, for example, at 9 am or 9 pm. In this case, it’s common to be more precise about the part of the day, by simply specifying whether something is happening in the morning or in the night, just like this: 

  • Alle 9 di mattina –  at 9 am (at 9 in the morning)
  • Alle 9 di sera – at 9 pm (at 9 in the night)
How to count minutes when saying the time in Italian?

Minutes past

Until 35 minutes past, you can use the following pattern:

  • Sono le 9 e cinque – 9:05
  • Sono le 9 e dieci – 9:10
  • Sono le 9 e quindici – 9:15
  • Sono le 9 e venti – 9:20
  • Sono le 9 e venticinque – 9:25
  • Sono le 9 e trenta – 9:30
  • Sono le 9 e trentacinque – 9:35

With quarter and half, the following pattern is preferred:

Sono le 9 e un quarto – 9:15

Sono le 9 e mezzo – 9:30

Minutes to

After “past 35,” it’s common in Italian to count the minutes to the next hour. So, instead of saying it’s 9:40 (sono le nove e quaranta), Italians would say “it’s ten minus twenty = sono le dieci meno venti”. 

  • Sono le 10 meno 20 – 9:40
  • Sono le 10 meno 15 – 9:45
  • Sono le 10 meno 10 – 9:50
  • Sono le 10 meno 5 – 9:55

With the quarter minus, the following pattern is preferred:

  • Sono le 9 meno un quarto – 8:45

How to say “What Time…?”

If you need to meet an Italian friend, you need to ask her what time you will meet in Italian, right?

What time is it in Italian?

  • A che ora….?

And the answer is…

  • Alle + thetime

For example, 

  • A che ora ci vediamo domani sera? – What time do we meet tomorrow night?
  • Alle 20 – At 8 pm

For noon and midnight, only the simple preposition “a” is used, though: 

  • A mezzogiorno
  • A mezzanotte 

What does “verso” mean? 

Verso means “around” and is used together with the article le. 

  • A che ora ci vediamo domani? – What time are we meeting tomorrow?
  • Verso le 10 – at around 10, tenish

mezzogiorno (noon) and mezzanotte (midnight) don’t use “le”.

  • Verso mezzogiorno – around noon
  • Verso mezzanotte – around midnight 

What does “in punto” mean? 

Another common Italian time expression is “in punto”.

In punto it means “o’clock” or “on the dot” 

  • Sono le 10 in punto – It’s ten o’clock 
  • Ci vediamo alle 8 in punto davanti al ristorante – I’ll see you at 8 on the dot in front of the restaurant 

Mezzo vs. Mezza 

7 e mezza or 7 e mezzo?

The answer is easy. Both “setta e mezza” and “setta e mezzo” are correct! Chose the one you prefer. 

Use it or loose it! Maximize your Italian speaking time on Preply where you can find affordable language tutors from all over the world, inducing Italy. 

Italian Short Stories for Intermediate Learners

8 Easy Readers in Italian for Intermediate Learners (A2-B1)

If reading in Italian has become too much for you, you may not have been using the right content and should think about changing it.

There are countless ways to learn new vocabulary and grammar at an intermediate level of Italian, but the most important thing you need to keep in mind is this fundamental principle: reading the right content at the right level.

Don’t worry. You will not need to have an excellent command of the Italian language. You won’t have to sit and look up every second word in the dictionary. If you choose the right material, reading can be a fun way to learn Italian at any level.

Remember that the learning content you use doesn’t have to be authentic in order for you to make steady progress in your Italian studies. The appropriate level for you should be slightly higher than your current one, challenging but not excessively so. Overwhelming takes the fun out of things!

Why are short stories an effective learning tool?

I understand if you’ve tried and failed to learn new vocabulary using endless vocab lists or flashcards.  It has happened to me as well.
 

We can’t learn words in isolation.

 
We must associate them with meaningful content, a memory, or a story. You’ll find words that fit with the context in a short story, and that’s how you’ll end up memorizing a ton of new vocabulary and naturally perfecting your grammar.
 
Learning words in isolation won’t get you very far if you don’t associate them with any memory.  Immersing yourself in a short story will help you learn proper grammar, learn words and expressions in context, and come up with a good strategy for repeating words and phrases.
 
Because a short story rarely exceeds 20-30 pages, re-reading the content is a simple task. And the key to learning almost anything is repetition.
 
If you’re an intermediate Italian learner, you’ll find a collection of fantastic short stories in this post to help you improve your language skills in a fun way.
 
All of them have proven to be a quick and easy way for my students to improve their conversational skills in a short amount of time.
 

Incontri in Sicilia (A2-B1)

Incontri in Sicilia – Chapter 1 [FREE download]

Incontri in Sicilia is the second episode of my short story collection which help you understand Italian and Italy better through real-life dialogues. The protagonist is Fiona, the first in her Italian-American family to learn her ancestors’ language. At university in the US, she earned a scholarship and moved to Rome to improve her Italian for a semester. But there’s more to the story. To complete an Italian citizenship application, she must obtain a copy of her great-grandfather’s birth certificate. This brings her to Sicily. In Sicily, she has several encounters that will forever alter her future.This short story is appropriate for all Italian learners who have at least a pre-intermediate level of proficiency in the language (A2). This book might be useful for the B1(intermediate) level too.
 

Le Avventure di Paul a Roma (A1-A2-B1)

Le Avventure di Paul a Roma  – Chapter 1 [FREE download]

Do you know that Rome is a jigsaw puzzle of different neighborhoods, each with its own identity and history? Follow Paul’s adventures in the numerous neighborhoods of Rome, learn more about the Eternal City, and improve your Italian understanding through simple Italian dialogues and stories.

This book is ideal for advanced beginners and intermediate Italian learners. Each chapter is short enough that you can read it in minutes and is followed by a bilingual word list (ENG-IT)

A free audio recording of the story is included with the book. Not sure Le Avventure di Paul is the right level for you? Download the PDF of chapter 1 for free here. 

La Vicina di Casa (A2-B1)

This short storybook is an easy read for intermediate learners who want to also learn about the 

beautiful regions of Northern Italy: Piedmont. The story revolves around a young writer who leaves the bustling city of Turin to find peace in the calm and of the Italian Alps, in a small village called Morinesio. There, she will learn to live at a slow pace and make new friends. The book comes with a CD audio version and plenty of excellent drills at the end of the book to help you memorize the new vocabulary and reinforce the main Italian grammar topics at an intermediate level.  

Storie Italiane  (A2-B1)

This is an exquisite short storybook for those who want to learn about the most important Italian historical events/ages. Each chapter is a short story set in a specific historical time, like the Renaissance, the Fasciscim, or the Italian Unification. The book comes with an exercise section and supplementary information boxes to understand better the time discussed for the story.
The vocabulary and grammar used to suit a good intermediate level.

Piccole Storie d’Amore (B1)

A collection of fun short stories where the main topic is love! Each chapter corresponds to a different mini love story and consists of two to five pages. The vocabulary and grammar used are suitable for lower-intermediate and upper-intermediate Italian learners. This short story book has an audio version and comes with a dedicated exercises section at the end of the book.

Il Mistero di Veronica (B1)

This is an easy read for the lower-intermediate level. Veronica is a young woman living in Milan. Her life rotates around her career until she meets on a train a young artist that will turn her life upside down. The two fall in love, but Veronica has a well-kept secret that Massimo will try to uncover. 

The book has an audio version. Each chapter ends with a worksheet with vocab and grammar exercises pertinent to the chapter. 

Le Avventure di Pinocchio  (B1-B2)

This short storybook is the original version of Carlo Collodi’s masterpiece “Le avventure di Pinocchio,” written in Florence in 1881. This version has been re-written in a simplified version for intermediate Italian learners as a second language by Jacopo Gorini. The author made sure the text’s musicality and beauty remained the same, as did the totality of the chapters. You can also download the audio-book by following the instructions at the end of the book. A separate exercise workbook will help you to internalize the new vocabulary and grammar at an intermediate level. This book has a kindle version. 

Davvero (A2-C1)

This short story book is slightly different from the other ones. It is a collection of comics. Each comic revolves around an aspect of modern Italian society. For example, the way Italians greet by kissing each other on the cheeks or their hatred towards the rain! 

If you haven’t used comics to learn Italian so far, you should give it a try. This form of learning will take your Italian a long way as it will help you familiarize yourself with the language in the shape of dialogues. This book is for all levels, from beginners to upper-intermediate. Each chapter ends with a supplementary worksheet about the Italian culture, idioms, vocabulary, and grammar pertinent to the comic you have just read.

Smart tip 

Passive learning:  read it and listen to the content once.

Active learning:

  • Read it.
  • Listen to the content repeatedly.
  • Seek new words or sentences.
  • Create your flashcards.

Proactive learning: use or lose it! Make a written summary of each chapter, ensuring you are using the new set of words and sentences. Talk about it: bring it up in your conversions with your teachers or language partners.

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