Godersi vs Piacere: How to Say “Enjoy” in Italian
Many Italian learners know the verb piacere, but when it comes to saying “I enjoy something,” they often reach for the wrong one. Both piacere and godersi express enjoyment, but in very different ways. Let’s explore how and when to use each one, so you can sound more...
Ho dovuto vs. Dovevo: What’s the Difference?
“Ho dovuto” or “Dovevo”? Some Italian verbs change meaning depending on the tense you use: passato prossimo or imperfetto. These verbs include: dovere, volere, potere, and conoscere. In this article, let’s look at just one: dovere. Dovere...
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:...
How to Conjugate Italian Reflexive Verbs
What Are Reflexive Verbs in Italian? Reflexive verbs (verbi riflessivi) are verbs that require a reflexive pronoun in their conjugation and their default form (the infinitive). For example: Divertirsi (to enjoy oneself): Ci divertiamo alla festa (We...
How to Conjugate Verbs in Italian: A Beginner’s Guide
Learning how to conjugate verbs is indispensable for anyone who wants to communicate effectively in Italian; conjugation is the backbone of Italian phrases, supporting and giving shape to every sentence you construct. What is a verb? A verb is the most...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.