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...
Migliore and Meglio: The Difference
Migliore vs. Meglio “Migliore” and “meglio” are two words that students frequently mix up. The reason for this is that meglio means “better”, and migliore means both “best” and “better” and this causes a little...
Riuscire and Potere. The Difference.
In my experience as an Italian language teacher, students often struggle with the verb riuscire because of its widespread use in informal Italian. The reason is that the Italian verbs potere and riuscire are both frequently used in English with “can” and so,...
Nessuno and Niente (How to say Any, Anyone and Anything in Italian)
Nessuno/Nessuna/Nessun = (not…any) Nessuno can be used both as an indefinite adjective and as a pronoun . As an adjective, nessuno comes before a noun and is the translation of “any” in negative sentences in English. For example: Non ho nessun dubbio...
“Perciò” vs. “Perché” – Cause vs. Consequence
Perché = Because (Cause) You already know this one! Ho chiamato il taxi, perché ero in ritardo.I called a cab because I was late. Non sono andata in spiaggia, perché faceva freddo.I didn’t go to the beach because it was cold. Perciò = Therefore / For That Reason / So...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.