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...
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...
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:...
“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...
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...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.