Grammar
Anche se vs. Nonostante: How to Use Them
Anche se vs. Nonostante: Do they mean the same thing? Yes... but not quite! In Italian, anche se and nonostante are conjunctions used to express concession—that is, something that goes against what we might expect. They can all be translated...
How to Use the Italian Subjunctive (Congiuntivo)
What is the Subjunctive? The Italian subjunctive, or congiuntivo, is a verb mood used to talk about thoughts, feelings, doubts, wishes, and anything that isn’t 100% certain. It’s how Italians express the “what ifs”, “I hope”, and “I’m not...
How to Say “How much” in Italian
In Italian, “how much” and “how many” are expressed with the words quanto, quanta, quanti, and quante. The form you use depends on the gender (masculine or feminine) and number (singular or plural) of the noun you’re referring to. Let’s break it down together, step by...
Da vs. Per: The Difference in Italian
"Da" and "Per" are two tiny prepositions that can be tricky to master. While both can sometimes be translated as "for" in English, they serve different functions in Italian depending on context. When to Use "Da" Although often translated...
All the Meanings of “Si” in Italian
"Si" is one of the most versatile and commonly used words in Italian and has multiple grammatical functions. Let's explore how to understand and use it correctly: Impersonal Form The impersonal "si" is used to express general statements or actions performed by people...
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 speaking Italian...
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: "Ho saputo" means "I found...
“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 see together! Pensare a - to...