Italian Basics
Italian Basics
They say you can’t build a great building on a weak foundation. I tell you can’t become a fluent Italian speaker on weak foundations. That’s why I am gathering on this page my best articles for beginners learners of Italian (the page is not under construction yet).
Some students are scared by grammar.
Instead, I say to my students that knowing a little grammar can be a fantastic shortcut to optimal Italian fluency.
Why memorize words, sentences, or even whole dialogues if you can learn one rule and apply it endless times?
That’s all it takes to become undefended and smart Italian language learners.
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...
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 clothes,...
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...
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 (invariable):...
‘I Can Do It!’ – How to Use ‘Farcela’ in Everyday Italian Conversations
What does "farcela" mean? Are you learning Italian and confused by the verb "farcela"? Don't worry - this common expression is simpler than it looks! "Farcela" essentially means "to manage," "to succeed," or "to be able to do it." It expresses the idea of overcoming a...
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...
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