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...
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...
The Italian “Ne”: A Simple Guide
What is “Ne” in Italian? This small word ne is one of the most challenging (and fascinating) elements of the Italian language. While it’s just a tiny word, ne is a pronoun that serves multiple purposes in Italian. It can: Teacher’s tip: Because ne doesn’t have a...
Incontrare vs. Incontrarsi. The Difference Explained.
The verb incontrare (to meet) can be used with the auxiliary avere: ho incontrato and with the auxiliary essere in its reflexive form: ci siamo incontrati. One of the most recurring questions I get in my private classes is whether there’s any difference between...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.