‘Cosa’ and ‘Quale’: The Difference
Because the interrogative word “Quale?” is sometimes translated into English as “Which?” and sometimes with What?, it’s frequently confused with Cosa?, Che? or Che cosa? which are more common translations of What? Cosa? = What? Cosa...
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...
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:...
Prendere and Portare: The Difference
Prendo or Porto: Understanding the Difference The difference between prendere and portare can be confusing, especially because both are often translated as “to take” in English. However, they have different uses in Italian depending on...
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...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.