Easy Learning Italian Grammar

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Collins
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Italian
Crammar
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CONTENTS
Foreword for language teachers
I
ntroduction for students
vii
viii
Glossary of grammar terms
Nouns
Using nouns
Making nouns plural
'I
to
Articles
Two types of article
The definite
article
The indefinite article
Adjectives
'to
l1
17
20
Using adjectives
How to make adjectives agree
Comparing people or things
20
Demonstrative adjectives
I nterrogative adjectives
Adjectives used in exclamations
Possessive adjectives
Indefinite adjectives
3o
Pronouns
Different types of pronoun
Subject pronouns
Object pronouns
Possessive Dronouns
ne and ci
Indeflnite pronouns
Relative pronouns
I nterrogative pronou ns
Demonstrative Dronouns
Verbs
Overview ofverbs
The present tenses
The present simple tense
essere and stare
The present continuous tense
The imperative
Reflexiv verbs
The future tense
21
ZD
32
33
34
37
40
40
4'l
44
52
54
57
6o
63
o5
66
66
68
69
79
8t
8z
8t
93
conditional
98
The imperfecttense
The oerfect tense
r04
ro8
The
The past historic

The pluperfect or past perfect tense
The passive
Thegerund
lmpersonalverbs
The subjunctive
The infinitive
Prepositions after verbs
Verbal idioms
1-t4
FOREWORD FOR LANGUAGE TEACHERS
rr6
n9
r'3
127
'r3o
138
r43
to be used with both young and adult

learners, as a group reference book to complement your course book during classes,
or as a recommended text for self-study and homework /cou rsework.
The Easy Learning ltolian Crammor is designed
146
text specifically targets learners from beginners to intermediate or CCSE level,

.rnd therefore its structural content and vocabularv have been matched to the
Negatives
149
relevant specifications
Questions
152
Different types of questions

Question words
Adverbs
152
Ihe approach aims to develop knowledge and understanding of grammar and your
learners'ability to apply it by:
How adverbs are used

How to form adverbs
Making comparisons using adverbs

Some common adverbs
Where to put adverbs
Prepositions
Using prepositions
a, di, da, in, su and per
Some other common prepositions
Conjunctions
e, ma, anche, o, perch, che and se
Some other common conjunctions
Split conjunctions
155
'r6o
r60
i6o
toJ
toD
172
r83
187
187
t8g
'190
r9l
Stress
196
Which syllable to stress

Time and date
196
r99
203
Main index
206
Verb tables
1-91
Verb index
92-96
Note on trademarks
Entered words which we have reason to believe constitute trademarks have been designated
as such. However, neitherthe presence northe absence ofsuch designation should be regarded
as affecting the legal status ofany trademark.
to and includ ing
igher CCSE.
parts of speech at the start of each major section

n Engl ish to clarify concepts
with examples
o minimizing the use of grammar term inology and providing clear

explanations of terms both within the text and in the Glossary
illustrating all pointswith examples (and theirtranslations) based on

topics and contexts which are relevant to beginner and intermed iate
course content
172
174
up
o defining
lV
Spelling
Numbers
The
I he
text helps you develop positive attitudes to grammar learn ing in your classes by:
o g iving clear, easy-to-follow explanations
.
.
r
.
prioritizing content according to relevant specifications forthe levels

sequencing points to reflect course content, e.g. verb tenses
highlighting usefulTips to dealwith common difliculties

summarizing Key points atthe end ofsectionsto consolidate learning
lrr addition to fostering success and building a thorough foundation in ltalian

{lrammac the optionalGrammar Extra sections will encourage and challenge your
Ir,arners to further their stud ies to hiqher and advanced levels.
NTRODUCTION FOR STU DENTS
Whether you are starting to learn ltalian for the very fi rst time, brushing up on
top ics you have stud ied i n class, or revisi ng for you r GCS E exams, the Eosy Learning
Italian Crammar is here to help. Th is easy-to-use gu ide takes you through all the
basics you will need to speak and understand modern everyday ltalian.
Learners sometimes struggle with the technical terms they come across when they
start to explore the g ram mar of a new language. The Easy Learning ttalian Crammar
explains how to get to grips with all the parts of speech you will need to know,
using simple language and cutting out jargon.
The
text
is
divided into sections, each dealing with a particulararea of grammar.
Each section can be studied

poi nt you
rw
When you translate an Eng lish sentence wh ich starts with a noun,
don't forget to use the defi nite article in ltalian.
Key points sum up all the important facts about a particular area of grammar, to
time when you are revising and help you focus on the main grammatical
Doi nts.
individuallv as numerous cross-references in the text

Key
y'
y'
Every major section beg ins with an explanation of the area of grammar covered
on the following pages. For quicl< reference, these definitions are also collecteo
What
A
glossaryof essential grammatical terms.
is a verb?
verb is
word which describes what somebody or something does,
what they are, or what happens to them, for example, ploy, be, disappear
Each grammar point in the text is followed by simple examples of real ltalian,
complete with English translations, to help you understand the rules. Underlining
has been used in examplesthroughoutthetextto
being explained.
highlightthegrammatical point
in ltalian use quello to referto masculine nouns or quella to

refertofeminine nouns.The relative oronoun is che.
E quello che non firnziona.
That's the one wh ich isn't workino
E quello che preferisco.
That's the one I Drefer.
E quella che parla di pii.
She's the one who talks most.
To say fhe one
In ltalian, as with any foreign language, there are certain pitfalls which have to be
avoided. Tips and tnformation notes throughout the text are useful reminders of
the th i ngs that often tri p learners u p.
points
r,lostltalian adjectives go after the noun.

rnemeaning of someadjectives changes depending on whether
they come beore or after the noun.
lf you think you would like to continue with your ltalian studies to a higher level,
look at the Grammar Extra sections. These are i ntended for advanced students
who are interested in knowinq a little more about the structures thev will come
across bevond GcsE.
Grammar bfira!
that someth i ng is getting better ond better,worse and worse, slower and slower, and so
on, use sempre with the comparative adverb.
To say
vanno semDre meglio.

Mio nonno sta sempre peggio.
Le cose
Fruit is good foryou
save you
to relevant points i n other sections ofthe book for fu rther i nformation.
togetheron pagesviii-xii in
Cars cost a lot.
mdcchine costano caro.

La frutta fa bene.
Le
Cammina sempre
pii lento.
Things are going betterand better.

My grandfather's getting worse and worse
He's
walking slower and slower.
Finally, the supplement at the end of the bool< contains Verb Tables, where
90 important ltalian verbs (both regularand irregular) are declined in full.
Examples show you how to use these verbs in your own work. lf you are unsure
of how a verb declines in ltalian, you can look up the Verb Index on pages 92-97
to fi nd either the conj ugation ofthe verb itsell or a cross-reference to a model
verb, which will show vou the patterns that verb follows.
LOSSARY OF
ABSTRACT NOUN a word used to referto

a qual ity, idea, feel ing or experience, rather
than
a physical object, forexample,size, reason,
happiness. Compare
with concrete noun.
ACTIVE a form of the verb
that
is used
when
the subject ofthe sentence does the action,

for example, A dog bit him (subiect: a dog:
active verb: bit).Compare with passive.
a'describing'word that tells you

something abouta person orthing, for
ADJECTIVE
example, a blue shirt,
bjgcar, a aoodidea.
with verbs to give

information on where, when or how an
ADVERB a word used
action tal<es place, for exam ple, here, todoy,
information
to adjectives and other adverbs, for
4uickly. An adverb can also add
example, extremelv quick, verv quickly.

AGREEMENTthe matching of words or
word end i ngs to the person or th ing they
refer to. For example, the verb to be has
d ifferent forms for l, you and he: I am, you
are, he is. I n ltal ian Vou use verbs i n the form
appropriate to the person doi ng the action,
and articles and adjectives have masculine,
feminine and plural forms to match (or
aqree with) the noun they go with.
APOSTROPHE
an ending ('s) added
to
a noun to show ownership, for example,

Pete(s car, the companV's headquarters.
ARTfCLE aword such as the, a, and an
which goes with nouns: the sun, o happ\
boy, an oronge. See also
definite article,
indefinite article.
AUXILfARY VERB a verb such asbe. hove
and do that is used with a main verb to
form tenses, negatives and questions.
BASE FORM the form
ofthe verb that has
no end ing added to it, for exam ple,walk,

have, be, go.
Comparewith infinitive.
RAM MAR TERMS

CARDINAL NUMBERa number used in
counting, for example, one, seven, ninet1.
Compare with ordinal number.
sometimes a vowel, as in any. In ltalian i

sometimes has a vowel sound (ee) and
sometimes the consonant sound ofy in
year, for example, italiano (eetalyano).
ComDarewith vowel.
COMPARATIVE an adjective or adverb
CONTINUOUS TENSE a verb form made

u p of to be and the -ing form, for example,
I'm thinking;TheV were quarrelling. ltalian
with -er on the end of it or more or less in

front of it that is used to compare things
continuous tenses are made with stare

and the gerund.
or people, for example, faster, more

m portont, less nteresting.
with indefinite article.
CLAUSE a group of words
containing
a verb.
DEFINITE ARTICLE the word the. Compare
COMPOUND NOUN a word fora living

being, thing or idea which is made up of
two or more words, for example, prime

minister, mobile phone, home truth.
CONCRETE NOUN a word that refers to

a physical object rather than a quality or
i dea, for exam ple, ball, school, apples.
Compare with abstract noun.

CONDITIONALa verb Form used to talk
about things thatwould happen orwould be
true under certain cond itions, for example,
I would help you if I could.lt is also used in
req uests and offers, for exam ple, Could you
lend me some money?; I could give you a
lift.
(to) to g ive a verb d ifferent

endings depending on whether its subject
CONJ UGATE
is I, you, fie and so on, and depend ing on
whether you are referri ng to the present,

past or futu re, for exarhple, I hove, she has,
thE listened.
CONTUCATION a group ofverbs
a
DEMONSTRATIVE ADJ ECTIVE a word used

to poi nt out a particu lar th i ng or person.
There are fou r demonstrative adjectives
i n En g ish: this, these, that and those.
that has
particular pattern ofendings.
CONTUNCTf ON a word such as and, but ol

becdusethat links two words or Dhrases.
or two parts of a sentence, for example,
Diane and I hove been friends for years.
CONSONANTa sound made by letters

such as b, g, m, s and t. In English y is
someti mes a consonant, as in Vear, and
DEMONSTRATIVE PRONOUN A WOTd

used instead ofa noun to point out people
or things, for example, Thdts my brother.
In English the demonstrative pronouns
are this, thot, these and those.
DIRECT OBJECT a noun or pronoun used
to showwho orwhat is affected bythe
verb. Forexample, in the sentence He senr
flowers, the subject ofthe verb is He (the
person who did the sending) and the
d i rect object of the verb is flowers (what
he sent). Compare
with indirect object.
DIRECT OBJECT PRONOUN a word such as

me, him, us and them used instead of a noun
to showwho orwhat is affected bVtheaction

of the verb, for example His friends helped
him. Compare indirect object pronoun.
ENDING something added to the end
a
of
word. In English nouns have plural
endings, for example boy + boy5, child

ch i ldren and verbs have the end i ngs -s, -ed
and -ing, for example wdlk + walks, walked,
wolking.In ltalian there are plural endings
for nouns, verb endings, and masculine,
femini ne and plural endings for adjectives
and Dronouns.
EXCLAMATION a sound, word orsentence

is spoken suddenly by somebody who
is surprised, excited or angry, for example
that
Oh!; Look who's coming!; How dare you!
FEMININE a noun, pronoun, article or

form ofadjective used to refer to a ivi ng
being, thing or idea that is not classed as
masculine. For example, una (feminine
indeflnite article) bella (adjectivewith a
feminine ending) casa (feminine noun).
I
FUTURE a tense used to talk about

somethi ng that will happen, or be true
i n the future, for exam ple He'll be here soon;
I'll give you o coll; It will be sunny tomorrow.
GENDER whetner a noun, pronoun or
adjective is masculi ne orfemi ni ne.
cERUND in English, a verb form ending in

-ing, fo
r exa m p le, eating, sleepi ng. I n ltal
th e g eru nd ends i n -ando or -endo
ian
"
IMPERATIVE a form of the verb used to

give orders and i nstructions, for example,
Sit down!;Don't go!;Let's start!
IMPERFECTa tense used to saywhatwas

happening, what used to happen and what
things were lil(e in the past, for example;
It was sunny otthe weekend;Thev weren't
listening;TheV used to live in Spain.
IMPERSONALVERB A VETb With thC
subject it, where'it'does not referto any
specific thing;for example, It's going to rain;
It's nine o'clock.
INDEFINITE ADJECTIVE one of a small

group ofadjectives used to give an idea
of amounts and numbers, forexample,
several, all, every.
INDEFINITE ARTICLE the word

Compare with definite article.
d or 4n.
INDEFINITE PRONOUN a word lil<e

everything, nobody ond something which is
used to refer to people or th i ngs i n a non-
specific way.
INDIRECTOBJECTa noun or pronoun used

to show who benefits or suffers from an
action. For example, i n the sentence He
sent Cloire 'flowers, the d irect o bj ect (what
was sent) isflowers and the indirect object
is Cloire (the person the flowers were sent
INTERROGATIVE PRONOUN one of the
oBJECT PRONOUN one of the
following: who, which,
tne, Vou, him, her,
whdt.These words are used without a

noun, when asking questions, for
example, What do Vou wont?
of verbs, forexample,The complny sacked him;
INTRANSITIVE VERB a verb used without

a d irect object, for example, The shop is
to). An indirect object often has to in rront

of it: He told lies to everyone; He told everyone
closing; Nothing grows here. Compare
lies. In both these sentences the direct
with
transitive verb.
object is lies and the indirect object is

everyone. Compa re wi th di rect object.
forthefeminineorthe plural, ora noun which

does not change its end i ng i n the plural.
such as to me (or me),to you (or you) and

to her (ot her). n the sentence He gove the
I
chocolates to me ond the flowers to her,
IRREGULAR VERB In ltalian, a verb whose
the
forms do not follow one of the three main
rect objects arethe chocolates andthe

flowers (what he gave), and the ind irect
obiect pronouns are to me and to her (who
d
Datterns.
MASCULINE a noun, pronoun, article or
form ofadjective used to refer to a ivi ng
being, thing or idea that is not classed as
feminine. For example, il (masculine
definite article) primo (adjective with a
masculine ending) treno (masculine noun).
he gave them to). I n the sentence He gave

me the chocolates ond her the
flowers,the
i nd i rect object pronou ns are
/n
e and her.
INDIRECT QUESTION a more roundabout
way of asking a question, for example,

instead ofWhere are you going?you can say
NEGATIVE a question or
statement
Tell me where you are going, or l'd |ike to know
wh ich contains
where you are going.
othothing: IsIt he here?; I never eat meat;
INDIRECT SPEECH the words Vou use to

report what someone has said when you
She's doing nothina
word such as not, never

obout it.
NOUN a naming word fora living being,

thing or idea, for example, woman,Andrew,
aren't usi ng thei r actual words, for example,

He soid thot he was going out. Also called
reported speech.
desk, happiness.
NUMBER in grammar
verb agrees in
POSITIVE a Dositive sentence does
subject pronoun.
POSSESSIVE ADJ ECTIVE a
merical order, for exam ple, frrst, seventh,

ninetieth. Compare with cardinal number.
u
OF SPEECH a word
with
particular
For example, instead of MV bog is the blue

one,You can sayMines the blue one.
pREPOSITION a word such as ot, for, with,
into orfrom, ora phrasesuchasinfrontof or
near to. Prepositions are usual ly followed
bya noun ora pronoun and show how

people and things relate to the rest ofthe
form usually
sentence, for example, Shes at home; It'sfu

Vou;You'll get into trouble; lt's in front of you
.
slt, broken. Past participles are used to

rnal(e the perfect, pluperfect and passive,
qone,
PRESENT a verb form used to talk about

is true at the moment, what generally
happens and what is happening now;
for example, I'm a student; I trovel to college
what
or example Thev've qone;Thet/ hadn't noticed

Past participles are also
hurt
adjectives, for example , a boiled
[,AST PERFECT see
ofa
possessive adjective followed by a noun.
r'nding -ed, forexample lived, worked. Some

l)ast participles are irregular, for example,
Lrsed as
to
POSSESSIVE PRONOUN a word such as
t'AsslVE a verb form that is used when the

\ubject oftheverb is the person orthing
the action is done to, for example, Shaun
wIs bitten by o dog.Shaun is the subject of
I he sentence, but he did not do the action.
( ompare with active.
nrc ; Nobodv wos
a noun
mine,yours, histhat is used instead
tdjective, verb, preposition, pronoun.
word such as
that is used with

show who it belongs to.
mV, your, his
''ART
(Jrammatical
function, for example, noun,
I)AST PARTICIPLE a verb
not
contain a negative word such as not.

Compare with negative.
()RDINAL NUMBERan adjective used

l{) showwhere something comes in
rr
INVARIABLE the term used to describe an

adjective wh ich does not change its form
INDIRECT OBJECT PRONOUN a pronoun
You'll enjoy it. Compare
PLURAL the Form of a word which is used

to referto morethan one person orthing.
In ltalian, nouns, adjectives, articles,
pronouns and verbs can be plural.
following:
it, us, them. They are used

I rrstead of nouns after prepositions, for
t'xample, flor me, with us and as the object
whose, whom and
egg.
by train;The phone's ringing.
pluperfect.
PRESENT PARTICIPLE a verb form ending
talk
,r bout what has or hasn't happened, for
0xample We've won,l haven'ttouched it.
PERFECTa tense used in English to
i n -ing, for exam ple, eating, sleeping.

Compare with gerund.
(.ompare simple past.
PRONOUN a word you use instead of a

noun, when you do not need orwantto
name someone or something d irectly,
INFINITIVE the base form of the verb,

for example, walk, see, hear.ltis used after
numberwith its subject by being singular

with a singular subject and pluralwith a
otherverbs such as should, must and can.

The infinitive is often used with to:
to speok, to e!t, to live. Compare with
plural subject, for example, I om o teocher;
theY ore teochers.
(you) or the th i rd person (he, she, it, they).
for example, it,
PERSONAL PRONOUN a word such as l,
PROPER NOUN the name ofa person, place
or pronou n that, i n
English, usually comes after the verb and
shows who orwhat is affected bV it, for
example, I (subject) want (verb) a new cor
OBJ ECT a nou n
base form.
INTERROCATIVE ADJECTIVE a question
word such aswhich. what or how much
that is used when asking abouta noun,

for example, Which colour?;Whot. size?;
(object), They (subject) phoned (verb) him

(object). Compare direct object, indirect
How much sugor?
object and subject.

xtl
PERSON in grammar one of the

he
following:
first person (1, we), the second person
you, he, she, us,them, wh ich make
who you are tal
ki ng
about or tal
PLUPERFECTa tense used to
or organization. Proper nouns are always

a capital letter, for example,
it clear
ki ng
Vou, somebodv.
written with
to.
Kate, NewYork, the Forestry Commission.
talkabout
QUESTION WORD a word such as why,

where, who, which or howthat is used to ask
what had happened or had been true at a

point in the past, for example, l'd forgotten
to send her a card. Also called past perfect.
xill
ouestion.
REFLEXIVE PRONOUN a word ending in
SUBJECT a noun or pronoun
-self or -selves, such as nyselfa nd ourselves,

that is used as the object ofa verb, for
the person orthing doing the action or

being in the state described by theverb,
example I surprised musqlf;We're going to

treot ourselves.
for example Pdt likes climbing;The bus is late.

Compare with object.
REFLEXIVE VERB a verb where the subject
SUBTECT PRONOUN a
and object are the same, and which uses

reflexive pronouns such as myself, Vourself
sheand they used forthe person orthing

carrying out the action described by the
verb. Pronouns reDlace nouns when it is
and themselves,for exam ple l've hurt myself;

Look ofter yourselfl ; They' re enjoying themselves.
REGULAR VERB in ltalian, a verb whose

forms follow one of the three main Datterns.
Compare with irregular verb.
RELATIVE PRONOUN one of the following:
who, which, that and whom.TheV are used
to specify exactly who or what is being

talked about, for example,The mon who hos
iust come in is Annl's boyfriend;The vose that
vou broke cost a lot of money.
REPORTED SPEECH see
indirect speech.
SENTENCE a group of words which usually
writi ng, a sentence

begins with a capital and ends with a full
stop, question markorexclamation mark.
has a subject and a verb. ln
SIMPLE TENSE a verb form made up
of
one word, for example,She lives here;

They arrived lote.
Comparewith
that refers to
word such as l,
he,
clearwho is being talked about, forexample,

My brothels not here atthe moment. He'll be
back in an hour.
-est on the end ofit or most or ledst in front

of it that is used to compare th ings or
people, for example, fdstest, most important,
Ieast interesting.
are either masculine
concetto
armadio
example, We met last summer; I ate it lost

night; lt roined a lotyesterday. In ltalian the
perfect tense is used in this ki nd ofsentence.
wheat. Compare
SINGULAR the form of a word used to refer

to one person orthing. Comparewith plural.
wordfor me, him,

them and so on. Comparestressed pronoun.
STEM
what is left of an ltalian verb when

you take away the -are, -ere or -ire end ing
VERB a word thatdescribes what somebodv
ofthe inflnitive.
or something does, what they are, orwhat

happens to them, for example , play, be,
CI
with
UNSTRESSED PRONOUN an object pronoun
water
woman
tiger
idea
chair
how you translate the words for'the' or'a' depends on the noun's gender.
For instance, with mascul ine nouns Vou use il and un, and with fem inine
nouns you use la and una.
Feminine
la
notte
una
mela
the night
an apple
describing a noun are masculine orfeminine in form

Feminine
Masculine
suit
una macchina cara - an expensive car

lAntice Testamento - the old Testament I'antica Roma - ancient Rome
un abito carq - an expensive
wordsthat replace nouns-called Dronouns- mustalso be masculineor

fem in ine. The translation fo r Do Vou want it? is "Lo vuoi?" if you're offering
un gefato (dn ice cream),and" La vuoi?" ifyou're referring to una mela(on opple).
disoppear.
Compare with consonant.
dolphin
concept
wardrobe
o adjectives
don'twantto put
any special emphasis on the
VOWEL one of the sounds made bv the

letters d, e, i, o u, and sometimes y.
man
Masculine
il giorno the day
un gelato an icecream
row.
with i ntransitive verb.
used in ltalian when you
Feminine
acqua
donna
tigre
idea
sedia
oil
When you use an ltalian noun you need to know if it is masculine orfeminine
so that you can make other words that go with it masculine or fem in ine too:
direct
ose the doo r! ; They
theiraender.
particularform oftheverb. ltshows

whether you are referri ng to the present,
obj ect, fo r exa m ple,
is
Theletteranounendswithisoftenareliableguidetoitsgender.Forinstance,
words ending in -o will nearly always be masculine,
Te llSE a
when exactly something happened, for
thing, or an idea, for example,
>
example, l, o-pen, ca-the-drat.
SIMPLE PAST a tense used in English to say
orfeminine.This
Masculine
olio
uomo
delfino
SYLLABLE a unit containing a vowel sound.
Aword can have one or more svllables, for
Andrew, desk, h appi ness.
Using nouns
,llThebasics
D Inltalian,allnouns,whetherreferringtolivingbeingsortothingsandideas,
with
5U PERLATIVE an adjective or adverb
noun is a nam ing word for a living being,
w o mon,
only used occasionally, for example, lf l were

you. . .;So be it;He asked that they be removed.
past orfuture.
wantto stressthe word for me, him, them

and so on- Compare unstressed pronoun.
Italian to express wishes, thoughts and

suppositions. In English the subjunctive is
TRANSITIVE VERB a verb used
you
What is a noun?
SUBJUNCTIVE a verb form often used in
Continuous Tense and Perfect Tense.
STRESSED PRONOUN an object pronoun

used in ltalian after prepositions and when
NOUNS
t)
For more information on Aftictes, Adjectives or Pronouns,
see
p^ges
p,
20
Ind 40.
NOUN5
>
Just like English nouns, ltalian nouns can be singular or plural. Most English
nouns add -s in the plural, for exam ple doys, apples. Most ltalian nouns change
theirfinal letterfrom one vowel to another:
NouHs 3
Singular
giorno
mela
rivoluzione
[}
trtotethatafewverycommon nouns ending in-o arefeminine.

la mano
Plural
apple
giorni
mele
apples
revolution
rivoluzioni
revolutions
day
la radio
the hand
a photo
the radio
una moto
a motorbil<e
una foto
days
>
Thefollowing are typical feminine nouns ending in -a:

la macchina
the house
the car
una donna
una regola
a rure
una gatta
a (she)
la casa
When in doubt, you can find out a noun's gender by looking it up in a

d ictionary. When you come across a new word it's a good idea to memorize
the article that goes with it, to help you remember its gender.
ruote
Key points
y'
y'
y
All nouns in ltalian are either masculine orfem inine.
this affects thewords you

,n
,.n"r.."r",
'i
ll
)
A
)
,, oorr,o
use
with them.
*;;*;r;;r;
cat
an ltalian (woman)
un'italiana
[f
;oun's senderrrom its endins.
woman
that some very common words ending in -a are masculine.
ilproblema
il programma
the problem
the programme
il sistema
the system
il clima
the climate
M ost words for professions and jobs end i ng i n -ta are mascu I i ne or fem
according to whethera male orfemale is meant.
How to recoqnize what oender a noun is
journalist
journalist
qn giornalista
a (male)
There are some simple rules that will enable you to worl( out the gender of
a very large number of ltal ian nouns from thei r last letter in the singular:
una giornalista
a (female)
u3 dentista
a (male)
o
o
o
o
una dentista
a (female)
nearly allwords ending in -o are masculine.

nearly all words ending in -a are feminine.
nearlyall wordsending in -i, -sioneand -zionearefeminine.

nearlyall wordsending with a consonantare masculine.
Note that words endi ng in -e are masculine in some cases and feminine in
others.
The
following are typical masculine nouns ending in -o:

il treno
the train
il supermercato
il toro
the supermarket
the airport
the bull
un topo
a mouse
un gatto
l'aeroporto
un italiano
(tom) cat
an ltalian (man)
Forfurther explanation ofgrammatical terms, please
see pages x-xiv.
>
f he
following are typical feminine nouns ending in *i, -sione, and -zione:
Ending
sione
Meaning
difficulty
Example
una difficoltri
la realtti
the reality
la
zione
dentist
dentist
versione
the version
opportunity
un'occasione
an
una lezione
una conversazione
a tesson
a
conversation
ouns ending in a consonant are nearly always masculine.

un
un
film
bar
un comPuter
film
a bar
a
computer
BUT
unajeep
r ipen
ne,
4 NouNs
D Nouns ending in -e can be masculine in some cases and feminine
un mese
il mare
In most cases, though, a noun referring to a male can be made to refer to a

female by changing the ending:
in others.
month
the sea
the people
the mind
the month ofjune
a logical mind
gente
la mente
la
il mese di giugno
una mente logica
Nouns
Note that the names of languages are always masculine, whether thev end in
-e or in -o.
difficile.
bellissimo.
Manyltalian nounsending in-ocan bemadefeminine bychangingthe

ending to -a.
un cuoco
a (male) cook
una cuoca
a (female) cook
un ragazzo
a Doy
una ragazza
un fotografo
una fotografa
a (male)
girl
photographer
a (female) photographer
ll giapponese molto
Japanese is very difficult.
un italiano
an ltalian (man)
L'italiano 6
ttalian is beautiful.
un'italiana
an ltalian (woman)
un gatto
una gatta
Grammar Extm!
some words have
ifferent mean ings depending on whether thev are masculine or fem
lf a noun describi ng a male ends in
a (male)
Masculine
Meaning
Feminine
Meaning
un pittore
the objective
la
fine
the end
una
un posto
a place
la posta
the mail
uno scrittore
way
la moda
the fashion
una scrittrice
un modo
capital (money)
una capitale
un bel posto
a nice place
la posta elettronica
email
capital city
pitffle
lE Nouns for males and females

F lnltalian,justasinEnglish,therearesometimesverydifferentwordsformate
and female people and animals.
un fratello
una sorella
un toro
una mucca
man
woman
a brother
a
sister
a bull
a cow
a
see pages x-xiv.
-trice.
painter
a (female)
painter
writer
a (female) writer
a (male)
In -essa.
la professorg55a
Certain nouns describing males ending in -e have fem inine forms ending
il professore
un uomo
una donna
a (male)
un'atuile
il fine
ilcapitale
-tore, the feminine form ends

actor
a (female) actor
un attore
in ine
(tom) cat
a (she) cat
>
the (male) teacher

the (female) teacher
uno studente
una studentessa
a (male)
un leone
una leonessa
student
student
a (female)
lion
a lioness
Many nouns end ing in -a can refer either to males or to females, so there is no
change ofend ing for the fem in ine.
tourist
un turista
una turista
a (male)
un collega
una collega
a (male) colleague
a (female) colleague
il mio dentista
la mia dentista
my dentist (if it's a man)

my dentist (if it's a woman)
a (female)
tourist
6 Nourus
D Many nouns ending in -e can refer either to males or to females, so there is no
change of ending for the feminine,
un nipote
una nipote
granoson
a granddaughter
un cantante
a (male)
una cantante
a (female)
singer
singer
Nourus 7
Making nouns plural

> Therearetwo mainwaysof
making nouns plural in ltalian.In mostcasesyou

change the end ing, but i n a few cases the same form as the singular is used.
There are also some plurals which are irregular.
f
)
Nouns which you make plural bv changing the endino
Grammar E><tra!
A
few nouns that are fem
in ine refer both
Change the -o, -a or -e ending of mascul ine nouns to

plurals end in -i.
to men and women
one year
a spy (male or female)
un ragazzo
one boy
a star (male or female)
dueragazz!
two boys
a guide (male
una persona
a person (male or female)
una spia
una star
Sean Connery
ancora una star.
-o
orfemale)
Sean Connery's still a star.
Key points
y'
y'
Vostnouns referring to males can be made to refertofemales by

changing the ending.
Some
una settimana
due settimane
ifferent"
una ragazza
due ragazze
ll
two cyclists
un problema
a problem
molti problemi
lots of problems
un mese
due mesi
two months
cyclist
one month
a Frenchman
two Frenchmen
one weeK
two weeks
one girl
two girls
un'inglese
an Englishwoman
due ingles!
two Englishwomen
la
vite
the vi ne
le
viti
the vi nes
Nouns vou do not change in the plural
You do notchangefeminine nouns ending in -i.You showthattheyare

plural by using the plural word for the, adjectives in the plural, and so on
cittti
cittri
grandicittti
le
see pages x-xiv.
a (male)
Changethe-eending offeminine nounsto-i.
la
un ciclista
due ciclisti
o Changethe-a ending offeminine nounsto-e.
In a few cases the nouns used for male and female are completely
d
mascul ine
two years
un francese
due francesi
nounsarethe samewhetherthey referto males ortofemales,
but the words used with them change.
y'
-i. Nearly all
un anno
due anni
una guida
n English you usually make nouns plural by adding -s. I n ltal ian you usually do
it by changing the ending from one vowel to another:
|
the city
the cities
great cities
NouHs
NouHs 9
la loro universitri
le loro
For more information on Articles and
their university
their universities
universitri
Adjeaives, see poges rc and zo.
information on ltalian spelling rules, see page :9l.
+ I Plural or singular?
the film
il manager
! manager
the manager
the managers
i miei capelli
qli affari
my hair
the computer
the computers
notizie
consigli
I mobili
the news
sciocchezze
nonsenSe
L Bearin mind thatsomewordsare
the films
! computer
la jeep
le jeep
thejeep
the jeeps
il dito
le
E)
dira
-a in the plural.
the fingers
an egg
il lenzuolo
le lenzuola
the sheet
the sheets
advice
the fu rn itu re
si n g u
lar of some of these words
to refer to
o piece
of
something.
the finger
un uovo
le uova
ote that you use the
plural in ltalian butsincular in English.

busi ness
le
p Nouns with irregular plurals

) Asmall numberofcommon masculine nounstal(etheending
un mobile
a piece
offurniture
un consiglio
a piece
ofadvice
una notizia
a piece of news
the eggs
An importantwordthatissingularin ltalian butDlural in English is
a gente (mean ing people). Remember to use a singular verb with la gente.
f
ruotethatthe plural ofuomo (meaning man) isuomini.The plural of la mano
gente molto simpdtica.
They're very nice people.
(meaning hand) is le mani.
All nouns ending i n -ca and -ga add an h before the plural end ing.
Singular
amica
>
For more
ilfilm
ifilm
il computer
You do not change words ending in a consonant, which are often words
borrowed from English and other languages.
Note thatthere are many exceptions:the plurals ofamico (meaningfriend)

nd psicof ogo (mea n i n g psychologist) are a m i ci and psicol og i.
Plural
buca
(female) friend
hole
riga
casalinga
line
housewife
amiche
buche
righe
(female) friends
casalinghe
housewives
holes
lines
Grammar Ertra!
When nouns are made by combin ing two words, such as pescespada (meaning swordfish),
capof avoro (mean ing masterpiece), or apriscatola (mean ing tin opener) the plu ral is often not
formed accord i ng to the usual rules. You can check by looking in a dictionary.
Some nouns ending in *co and -go also add an h before the plural ending.
Singular
Plural
gioco
game
fuoco
luogo
fi re
borgo
place
istrict
giochi
fuochi
luoghi
borghi
Forfurtherexplanation ofgrammatical terms, please
see pages x-xiv.
games
fires
Key points
y'
places
d
istricts
Youcan make most ltalian nouns plural by changing their ending from
one vowel to another.
Y
y'
Some nouns are the s,ame in the Dlural as in the sinqular.

Some nouns which are singular in English are plural in
ltalian.
Anrrcles
ARTICLES
The definite article
il
D
What is an article?
In English, an article
is one of the words the, a and on which go with nouns:

the sun, Shappy boy, an orange.
the basics
There are three questions you need to ask yourself to decide
articleto use in ltalian:
o
o
Two types of article
There are
two types of article: the definite article and the indefinite article.
The defi nite
article
is the. You use
it to refer to a specified thing or person.
which definite
the noun masculine orfeminine? (This is known as its gender)
ls
itsingularorplural?
ls
the child
ilbambino
(SINCULAR)
the children
ibambini
(PLURAL)
Does the
following word begin with
vowel (4, e, i,0, u)otwith another letter?
For more informotion on Nouns,see pagel.
l'm going to the supermarket.

That's the woman lwas talking to.
zl which definite article do vou usel

D The definite article to use for masculine sinqular
i
The indefi nite article is 0 or dn. You use it if you are not referring to any
particular thing or person.
ls
there a supermarket near here?
She was
ilwith most nouns starting with a consonant.

il ragazzo
il cellulare
talking to a little girl.
the boy
the mobile phone
lowith nouns starting with
the uncle
the student
lo pneumatico
the tyre
lo psichiatra
the psychiatrist
lo yogurt
the yoghurt
I'with all nouns starting with a vowel.
fratelli
icellulari
to
use
for masculine Dlural nouns is:

the brothers
the mobile phones
gli with nouns starting with_Z-s
gli studenti
another consonant, qn. pnlps. xory.
gli gnocchi
the students
the uncles
the gnocchi
gli pneumatici
the tyres
gli yogurt
the yoghurts
glizii
Forfurther explanation ofgrammatical terms, please see pages x-xiv.
the hospital
the hotel
iwith most nouns startino with a consonant.

i
ors+anotherconsonant. gn, Pn-ps-xory.
lo studente
The definite article
z,
lo zio
I'ospedale
I'albergo
>
nouns is:
tt
Anrrcles t3
12 ARTICLES
gli with all nouns starting with

gli orari
the timetables
to
use for femin ine
la mocchina
I'with
sinqular nouns is
The deflnite article
al cinema
all'albergo
l'= all'
a+lo=allo
the car
a+la=alla
allo stodio
alla stazione
a+i=ai
ai concerti
1+ gli
agli aeroporti
alle partite
feminine plural nouns is:
le with all nouns,whetherthevstartwith a consonantoravowel.

le ragazze
le amiche
the girl
the orange
use for
n ltal ian, when Vou say at the cinrima, in the cinemo, and so on, the word for at
and in combines with the article. How this works fora (meaning dt or to) is
shown below:
a+
the (girl)friend
to
] combinino the definite article with other words
a+il =al
all nouns startinq with a vowel.
I'amica
I'aroncia
Ie
la with all nouns startinq with a consonant.
laragazza
vowel.
the friends
The defin ite article
gliamici
the girls
the (girl)friends
= agli
a+le=alle
The otherwords
goes
with
each noun.
the friend
BUT
il migliore amico
the best friend
lo studente
the student
BUT
il migliore studente
gLi
studenti
the best student

the students
BUT
! migliori studenti
For more informotion on Adjeaives,see
cinema
hotel
stadium
station
concerts
atorto the airports

at or to the matches
which combine in the same wav are: da, di, in and su:
da+il =dal
dal cinema
da + l'= delll
dall'albergo
da+lo=dallo
da+la=dalla
dallo stodio
dalla stazione
dai concerti
dagli aeroporti
dalle partite
from
from
from
from
from
from
from
da+le=dalle
the cinema
the hotel
the stadium
the station
the concerts
the airports
the matches
di (meaning ofl)
Note that the article you choose depends on the fl rst or fi rst two letters ofthe
following word, which can be an adjective ora noun.
!'amico
orto the
or to the
orto the
orto the
or to the
da (meaning from)
da+i=dai
63+gli ;dagli
When you're learning vocabulary, remember to learn the article that
at
at
at
at
at
the best students
plge
2c..
see pages x-xiv.
di
di
di
di
+il =del
l'= dell'
del cinema
of the cinema
dell'albergo
+lo=dello
+la=della
dello stodio
della stazione
di+i=dei
dei concerti
di +gli =degli
di +le=delle
degli aeroporti
delle partite
ofthe
ofthe
ofthe
ofthe
ofthe
ofthe
in+il =nel
nel cinema
in the cinema
in + l'= nell'
nell'albergo
nello stodio
nella stazione
in the hotel
nei concerti
in the concerts
negli aeroporti
nelle partite
in the
hotel
stadium
station
concerts
airports
matches
in (meaning in)
in+lo=nello
in+la=nella
in+i=nei
i6+gli =neoli
in+le=nelle
inthestadium
in the station
airports
in the matches
Amclrs r5
14 ARflcLEs
o su (meaning
on)
su+il =sul
su + l'=
sull'
su+lo=sullo
su+la=sulla
su+i=sui
su+gli =suqli
su+le=sulle
sul pavimento
sullo scoglio
sulla spiaggia
sui monti
sugli scaffali
sulle strade
When you translate an English sentence wh ich starts with a noun,

don't forget to use the defi n ite article i n ltal ian.
on the rock
on the beach
on the mountains
del burro
some butter
dell'olio
della carta
some oil
some paper
dei fiammiferi
some matches
delle uova
Hanno rotto dei bicchieri.
Ci vuole del sale.
Aggiungi della farina.
o
o
Things are going better.
Swimmingismyfavouritesport.
I
Lo zucchero non fa bene.
Sugar isn't good foryou.
don't like rice.
povertri d un grande problema. Poverty is a big problem.

Australia isvery big.
lAustrolia C molto grande.
La Calabria d bella.
Calabria is beautiful.
l'm going to France inJune

Theywork in Germany.
see pages x-xiv.
Use the
il cappotto.
le scarpe.
My
foot
is
hurting.
Blow your nose!
He took off his coat.

Put your shoes on.
definite article with the time, dates and years.
all'una
at one o'clocl<
alle due
Era l'una.
Sono le due.
Sono nata il primo maggiorggo.
Verranno nel zoo7.
at two o'clock
It was one o'clock.
two o'clocl<.
lwas born on Mayt 1990.
They're coming inzooT.
It's
la mia casa
my house
figlie
ivostri amici
your friends
le sue
Cive me your hand.
Usethedefinite articlewithwords such as my,your,and
La
trtote that if the name of a country comes after the ltalian word in, which
means to or in, the article is not used.
rather differently in ltalian from
Usethedefinite articlewhen talkinq aboutclothes.
Mettiti
llikeanimals.
Non mi piace il riso,
is used
When you're tall<i ng about parts of the body and bodilv actions, use the
definite article. The English adjectives my, your, his and so on are not
Si E tolto
Children are suffering.
vanno meglio.
following cases, the article
Dammi la mano.
Mifa male il piede.
Soffiati il naso!
lt needs some salt.

Add some flour.
llnuotodilmiosportpreferito.
Lavorano in Germania.
Fruit is good foryou.
translated.
ltal ian uses the defi nite article much more than English does. As a rule of
thu mb, ltalian sentences rarelv start with a nou n that has no article.
Vado in Frdncia a giugno.
Cars cost a lot.
frutta fa bene.
in English:
some e9gs
They broke some glasses.
! bambini soffrono.
Mi piacciono q!! animali.
[f
macchine costano caro.
La
In the
when do vou use the definite article?
Le cose
Le
on the bool<shelves
on the roads
ln Eng lish, you can use some with sing ular and plural nou ns: some sugar, some
students. One way of expressing the idea of some in ltalian is to use the word
di together with the defin ite article.
p
>
rw
on the floor
nn tha arlna
sull'orlo
For more
his.
her daughters
information on Possessive adje*ives,
see
page 34.
When you tall< about how much something costs per Dound, per l<ilo, and
so on; about rates, speeds, and about how often somethi ng happens, use
the word a and the definite article.
Costano 3 euro al chilo.
7o km all'ora
50.ooo dollari al mese

due volte alla settimana
They cost3 euro a l<ilo.

7o km an hour
50,ooo dollars per month
twice a weel(
t5 Anrrcles
Anrrclrs r7
You use the definite article when you are referring to people by using
titles, but NOTwhen you are speaking to them directly.
La
signora Rossi
qui.
their
Mrs. Rossi is here.

Doctor Centile
ll dottor centile
BUT
Scusi, signora Rossi.
Excuse me, Mrs. Rossi.
The indefinite article

r I The basics
D In Engl ish the indefi nite article
is
either
-a
boy - or an - on apple.
>
In
>
Which one you need to choose depends on the gender of the noun it goes with,
ltaliantherearefourindeflnitearticles: un, uno, unaand un'.
and the letterthe noun startswith.
y'
y'
y'
Key points
Definite articles are used much more in ltalian than in English.

ltalian sentences rarely start with a noun that has no article.
Someti mes the defi n ite article is used very d ifferently from Eng I ish.
For instance, you use it with parts of the body and the time.
For more
z ] Which
information on Nouns,
see
plge
1.
indefinite article do you use?
The indefinite article to use for masculine nouns is:
o
o
un
with nouns starting with most consonants and allvowels.

a
un uomo
a man
uno with nouns starting with z,
s+
another consonant, z, on, pn, ps, xand y
uno studente
uno zio
uno psichiatra
The
student
an uncte
a psychiatrist
is:
una with nouns startino with a consonant.

a
girl
an appre
un'with nouns starting with avowel.

un'ora
un'amica
indefinitearticleto useforfeminine nouns

una ragazza
una mela
molrile phone
un cellulare
an hour
a
(girl)friend
Note that the article you choose depends on the fi rst or fi rst two letters ofthe
following word, which can be an adjective ora noun.
un albergo
a hotel
BUT
uno splendido albergo

uno scultore
a magnificent hotel
a
sculptor
BUT
un bravo scultore
see pages x-xiv.
a good
sculptor
18
Anrrcles tg
ARTICLES
[9_l Using
in lists
the indefinite article
Era con un'amica.
Vuoi un gelato?
with
There are some cases where the article is used in English, but not in ltalian:
.
o
when you translate d few or o lot

qualche parola
molti soldi
in exclamations
few words
What a surprise!
What a pityl
what someone's job
is you
E medico.
Sono professori.
Or you use the verbfare
either leave out the article:
He's a
doctor.
They're teachers.
with the definite article:
I'ingegnere.
Fa I'awocato.
Faccio
I'm an engineer.
She's a lawver.
E Plural nouns used without the article

) There are some cases where you use plural nouns without
o in negative sentences
o
*
l/lt/
lotof money
with che
Che peccato!
trtote that to say
Che sorpresa!
thousand pounds
any article:
Non ha amici.
He hasn't got any friends.
Non ci sono posti liberi.
There aren't any emptv seats.
in questions where any is used in English

Hai fratelli?
Have you got any brothers or sisters?
Ci sono problemi?
Are there any problems?
For more information on Negatives
lnd Questions,
see
pages 14g ana E2
see pages x-xiv.
and postcards.
Abbiamo visitato castelli e musei.

Ci sono cose da vedere.
Hanno problemi.
a hundred times
a
cartoline.
carrots.
They sell newspapers, magazines
when you are not giving details
withthewordscento and mille

cento volte
mille sterline
You need potatoes, onions and
friend.
Do Vou want an ice cream)
She was
vogliono patate, cipolle

carote.
Vendono giornali, riviste e
Ci
DYougenerallyusetheindefinitearticleinltalianwhenoordnareusedinEnqlish.
y'
We visited castles and museums.
There are things to see.

They've got problems.
Key points
You generally use
f,lndl,il
r*
the indefinite article in
a very
similarway to English.
itwith the numbers centoand mille, and in exclamations
meindefi nitearticle is not used when saying whatsomeone'sjob
is.
Aojecrrves zt
How to make adjectives agree
ADJECTIVES
r I The basics
What is an adjective?
An adjective is a 'describing'word that tells you more about a person or thing,
for example, blue, big, good.
D when
you look up an adjective in a dictionaryyou find the masculine sinoular
form.
>
lf you want
to
use an
adjective to describe
feminine noun you often have to
change the ending.
>
Using adjectives
D
You use adjectives like nice, expensive and good to say someth i ng about nou ns
(living beings, things or ideas). You can also use them with words such as you,
he and they.You can use them immediately in front of a noun, or afterverbs like
be, look and feel.
a nice
lf you
How to make adjectives feminine
> lfthe masculine
girl
an exDensive coat
a
4
D
He's nice.
You
They look expensive.
For more information on Nouns,
see
plge
with.
nice g irls
>
)>
fl
In
ltalianyou havetoask:
.
.
lsthe noun masculineorfeminine?
an ltalian film
an ltalian team
a nice
tall boy
tall
ragazzi alti
tall boys
ragazze alte
tallgirls
irl
[J
further explanation ofgrammatical terms, please
see
[J
an English lrook
an English family
a fast trai n
a
fast car
un calzino rosa
a pink sock
una maglietta rosa

un tappeto blu
una mocchina blu
un vestito beige
una gonna beige
if the adjective ends
un tipo snob
una persona snob
page 24.
see pages x-xiv.
-e
in the case of some colours
un 9ruppo pop
la musica pop
white house
orderwith adjectives,
if the masculine adjective ends in
pinkT-shirt
a blue rug
a blue car
a beige
suit
a beige
skirt
Note that these adjectives don't change in the plural either.
In English you put adjectives I N FRONT OF the noun you're describing, but i n
a
don't change the ending for the feminine:
ote that adj ectives such as italiano, ing lese, francese do not start with
un ragazzo alto
una ragazza alta
girl
caoital letter in ltalian.
then choose the adjective end ing accord ing ly. Th is is called making the
adjective agree.
una casa bianca
For
un film italiano
trt
You
For more information onWord
a nice lroy
it singular or plural?
Italian you usually put them AFTER it.
un ragazzo simp4tico
una ragazza simpatica
un libro inglese
una famiglia inglese
un treno veloce
una macchina veloce
1 .
In Engl ish, adjectives don't change according to the noun they go
ls
adjectiveends in-o, change-oto-a.
una squadra italiana
qood idea
a nice boy
>
want to use an adjective to descri be a plural noun you nearly alwavs have
to change the ending.
ruote
with a consonant
a pop
group
pop music
a posn guy
a posh person
that these adjectives don't change in the plural either.
22
Aojecnvss z3
ADJEcTtvES
rw
rtp
lf you are female, make sure you always use a
Remember that spaghetti, ravioli, lasagne and so on are plural nouns

in ltalian, so you must use plural adjectives with them.
feminine adjective when
talki ng about yourself:

Sono
Sono
stanca.
pronta.
l'm tired.
Sono buoni gli spaghetti?
l'm readv.
Le lasagne sono
p_l How to make adjectives plural
>
lf the masculine singular adjective ends in -o, change -o to
un fiore rosso
a red
dei fiori rossi
red flowers
un computer nuovodei computer nuovi
>
>
flower
pront!.
stanch!.
I bambini sono
Le ragazze sono stanche.
computer
new computers
a dangerous road
delle strade pericolose

una gonna nera
delle gonne nere
a black
dangeroui roads
s
kirt
black sl<irts
trtote thatwhen you're describing a couple consisting ofa man and a woman
or a group of people, use a masculine plural adjective unless the grouP consists
entirelv of females.
Paolo and Loredana are ready.
Paolo e Loredana sono
a new
una strada pericolosa
a
>
The children
The
aretired.
irls are tired.
lrreoular adjectives
Therearethreeverycommonadjectiveswhicharedifferentfromotheradjectives
- bello, buono and grande.
lftheadjectiveendsin-e,change-eto-iforbothmasculineandfeminineplural
When the adj ective bello (mean i n g beautiful) i s used i n front of a mascu I i ne
noun it has different forms depend ing on which letter follows it, j ust like the
definite article.
Masculine
Feminine
Masculine
Feminine
degli esercizi difficili
difficult exercise
difficult exercises
bello
Singular
Singular
Plural
Plural
un sito interessante
an interesting site
used before a
bel
bella
bei
belle
dei siti interessanti
interesting sites
a sad story
sad stories
noun
bello
bella
belli
belle
una storia triste

delle storie tristi
una valigia pesante
delle valigie pesanti
used after a verb
or a noun
a heavy case
bel
neavy cases
bei nomi
dei gruppi pop
pairof pinkgloves
blue curtains
pop groups
Adjectives that do not change for the fem in ine or plu ral are called invariable,
which is abbreviated to inv in some dictionaries.
beautiful weather
beautiful names
The weather was beautiful.
The flowers are beautiful.
tempo
lltempo era bello.
Some adjectives do not change in the plural.
un paio di guanti rosa

delle tende blu
-i.
lf the feminine singular adjective ends in -a, change -a to -e.
un esercizio difficile
[l
lsthespaghetti nice?
The lasagne is all gone
finite.
fiori sono belli.
> bell' is used before vowels

un bell'albero
the masculi ne and fem ini ne singular forms.

a beautiful tree
belloisusedinfrontofzands"anotherconsonantinthemasculinesingularform.
a beautiful instrument
un bello strumento
begli is used in front ofvowels,
and
s+
another consonant in the masculine
oluralform.
see pages x-xiv.
begli
begli
alberi
strumenti
beautiful trees
beautiful instruments
24
AoJecrtves z5
ADJECIVES
The adjective buono (mean ing good) is usually shortened to buon when
comes before a masculine sinqular noun.
Buon vioggiol
Have a goodjourney!
un buon uomo
a goo0 man
The shortened form

+
ofbuono
is
another consonant.
a good
an old house BUT
un mio vecchio amico
an old (mean i ng long-standing) friend
[J
student
an expensive handbag BUT
una borsa cara

un caro amico
trtote that if you add
goes after the noun.
dearfriend
molto (meaningvery)to an adjective, the adjective always
The adjective grande (meani ng big, large or great) is often shortened to gran
una bella casa
a nice house
when it comes before a singular noun starting with a consonant.
una casa molto bella
y'
y'
y'
la Gran Bretagna
Creat Britain
un gran numero di mocchine
a large number of cars
Key
ifferent fem
ine or
pl u
t)
AFTER
the nou n.
spont4neo
una partita importante
capelli biondi
un gesto
d.^1r
-,,-^-i-^
d- gr
rdL >ur
Pr t)tr
una macchina nuova

fa sua nuova ragazza
her husband
each, every),
qualche (meaning some) and nessuno (meaning

every day
nfortu nate) Annal
sometimes
For more information on
andare.
There's no neecl to go'
,ndetinite adjedives, see page
37 '
o ouestion wordS
The mean ing of some adjectives changes depending on whether theV come
after or before the noun.
Poo r (m ea n i n g
tuo fratello
5qo marito
Non c'E nessun bisogno di
maleducate
un uomo grande
una grande sorpresa
my
your brother
oqnr 9rorno
qualqhe volta
Note that ifyou have two adjectives you link them with e (meaning dnd).
ragazze antiDdtichg e
nasty rude girls
poor people BUT
father
mio padre
no)
an important match
blonde hair
Povera Anna!
30 '
possessive adjectives such as mio (meaning my), tuo (meaning your) and
su o (mea n ing his or her)
ogni (meaning
spontaneous gesture
gente povera
ror more information on Demonstrative odje*ives, see poge
ral form.
do vou put the adiective?
> You put most adjectives
adjectives that are used to point things out, such as questo (meaning this)
and quello (meaning that)
Quqsto cellulare E di mio fratello. This mobile phone is my brother's.
Quello studente E un mio amico. That student is a friend of mine.
orthing theyare describing.
Adjectives ending in -o in the masculine have different endings in the

feminine and plural forms.
Some adjectives don't have a
very nice house
> Some types of adjectives always go in front of the noun:
points
tn ltallan adjectives agreewith the person
@ where
una casa vecchia
of mine
not used in front ofnouns thatstartwith z ors
un buono studente
it
What plans have you got?

How much bread did Vou buy?
Quali programmi hai?

Quanto pane hai comPrato?
t
For more
information on Questions, see pqge E2
a big man BUT
KeY Points
a new car BUT

h
is new (mea
ng I atest)
rlfri end
y'
y'
l,ttostltalian adjectives 9o afterthe noun.

tnemeaning ofsome adjectives changes depending on whetherthey
come before orafterthe noun'
see pages x-xiv.
26
Aojecrvrs
ADJEcnvEs
Comparing people or things
What is
comparative adiectives
What is a comparative adjective?
ln English a comparative adjective is one wlth -eron the end ,or moreor lessin
front of it, for exam ple foster, more impofta nt, less nt eresti ng. These adj ectives a re
used when you are comparing people orthings.
i
> To say that someth ing is faster, bigger, more important
and so on use
pii
in
un film pii interessante

Queste scarpe sono pirl
front
Making a superlative adjective isveryeasy: you simply puta defi nite article
in front of the comparative adjective.
il pii alto
il meno interessante
> To say that something
a bigger car
a
comode.
>
more interesting film
The defi nite article
These shoes are more comfortable.
is less expensive, less interesting and so on use meno in
front ofthe adjective.

un computer meno caro
un viaggio meno faticoso
a less expensive
computer
a less tiring journey
>
fll_l How to compare one person or thing
>
Put either piD or meno i n
Sono
with another
front of the adjective and
pii alto dite.
use
di to translate thdn
I'm taller than you.
Milano piri grande di Genova. Milan is biggerthan Cenoa.

Carlo E pii ambizioso di
Carlo is more ambitious than Luca.
llverde E meno caro del nero.
The green one is less expensive than
the black one.
La mia borsa d meno pesante
My bag is less heavy than yours.
Luca.
della tua.
@
*
trtote
thatdi coml:ines with the article to make
one word: di
della, and so on.

For more information
on di,
see
prepositions poge y4.
il = del, di
ta
superlative adjective?
Howto make a superlative adiective in ltalian
ofthe adjective.
una mocchina pirl grande
In English a superlative adjective is one with -est on the end, or most or ledst in
front of it, for example fostest, most impoftant, leost interesting.The definite article is
used with su perlative adjectives: the flstest, the most import\nt, the least interesting
s
ll_l How to make a comparative adjective in ltalian
Superlative adiectives
t)
the tallest
the least interesting
mustagreewith the person orthing you're describing.
Matteo d il pii alto.
Matteo
Lidia E la piir alta.

Queste scarpe sono le Piit
Lidia is the tallest.

These shoes are the most
comode.
Gianni A il meno ambizioso.
comfortable.
Cianni is the least ambitious
is
the tallest.
there is a defi nite article in front of the noun, do not put a second definite
article in front of piir or meno.
the tallest boy
ilragazzo pi0 alto
the nearest bank
la banca pii vicina
the most i ntelligent student
lo studente piir intelligente
the cheapestflights
ivoli pit) economici
his least interesting films
interessanti
meno
film
isuoi
lf
For more
informotion on the Dqinite afticte, see page
r.
rtp
=
ln ph rases like the most. fomous in the world, and the biggest in
use di to translate in.
d'ltalia
il ristorante piir caro della citte
lo stadio piir grande
the biggest stadium in ltaly

the most expensive restaurant
in the town
For
see pages x-xiv,
ltoly'
z7
AoJEcrtves zg
28 ADJEcTVEs
f
oI
This one's better.

The red ones are the best.
pii buoni.
Quello d ancora pii cattivo.
I
rossi sono i
There are also irreg
That one's even worse.
lar forms of buono and
cattivo,
as there are of
grande.
Adjective
Meaning
comparative Meaning
Superlative
Meaning
buono
9ooo
migliore
better
il migliore
the best
cattivo
bad
peggiore
worSe
il peggiore
the worst
grande
big
maggiore
bi9get/
il maggiore
the biggest,/
oldest
il minore
the smallest/
you n9est
oloer
small
mtnore
smaller/
younger
alto
high
supenore
higher
il superiore
the highest
basso
tow
inferiore
lower
l'inferiore
the Iowest
ruote that these irregular comparatives and superlatives are adjectives

ending in-e, sotheirplural ending is-i.
il modo migliore
il miofratello minore
le mie sorelle maqqiori
il labbro inferiore
ll libro d mioliore del film.
Giorgia 6la peoqiore della classe.
fl
>
the best way

my younger brother
my older sisters
rr)tnglishyouemphasizeadjectivesbyaddingwordslikevery,reallyorterribly'Youdothesame
I ltalian, using molto, veramente and terribilmente.
as... as...
Sometimes you want to say that people or things are similar or the same:
In ltalian you usecome,
tallas Vou.
orquanto to make this l<ind of comparison.
Pietro C alto come Michele.

La mia macchina E grande come
la
>
The flowers are really lovelY

l'm terriblV ti red.
Another way of adding emphasis to ltalian adjectives
is
to replace the -o or -e
ending with -issimo.
fl
beautifu
bello
bellissimo
elegante
very beautiful
elegantissimo
verV
smarr
smart
trtotethatthese-issimoadjectiveschangetheirendinqsforthefeminineand
the olural.
lltempo era
bellissimo.
Anna 6 sempre
Sono
elegantissima.
educatissimi.
Theweatherwas really beautiful'

Anna is always terribly smart'
They're extremely polite'
Kev ooints
y'
voumake comparative adjectives in ltalian by using piir and meno,

and translate thon by di.
I'm as
He's very rich.
Luid molto ricco.

lfiori sono veramente belli.
Sono terribilmente stanca.
the lower lip

The book is better than the film.
Ciorgia is the worst in the ctass.
adding non.
Grammar Ertra!
piccolo, alto and basso:
piccolo
You can mal(e these sentences negative by
Pietro non 6 alto come Michele. Pietro is not as tall as Michele

l'm not as tired as vou are.
N!n sono stanca quanto te.
lnEnglishthecomparativesofgoodandbadareirregular: better,best,worseano
worsr. In ltalian there are regularforms of buono and cattivo.
Questo d piO buono.
>
trregular comparatives and superlatives
Pietro is as tall as M ichele.

My car is as big as yours.
tua.
Sono stanca quanto te.
l'm
just
as
tired as you are.
see pages x-xiv,
y'
vouadd the aelnite articf e to the comparative adjective to make a

perlative adj ective.
su
30
Aorrcnvrs 3t
ADJEclvEs
Demonstrative adjectives
quelle before allfeminine plural nouns

those cars
quelle macchine
use
What is a demonstrative adjective?

demonstrative adjective is used to point out a particular thing or person.
Therearefourdemonstrativeadjectives in English: this,these,thlt andthose.
A
!!-l Using demonstrative adjectives
As in Eng lish, ltalian demonstrative adjectives go B EFoRE the nou n. Like other
adjectives in ltalian, they have to change for the fem in ine and plural forms.
> To say this, use questo, wh ich has fou r forms, like any other adjective end ing
in
Masculine
Feminine
Meaning
questo
questa
lh is
Plural
questi
queste
these
Questa gonna E troppo stretta. This sl<irt is too tight"

Questi pantaloni mi piocciono. I like these trousers.
Queste scarpe sono comode. These shoes are comfortable.
To say thdt, use quello,
which has several different forms, like the definite article:

use quel with a masculine noun startinq with a consonant
guel ragazzo
that boy
use quello
with
masculine noun starting with z ors+ anotherconsonant
quello zaino
quello studente
use
quell'with nouns starting with
that rucksack
that student
a
vowel
quell'albero
that tree
that friend
quell'amica
use quella
with
feminine noun starting with a consonant
quella ragazza
o
o
that
rl
quei with a masculine plural noun starting with

quei cani
those dogs
use
consonant
use quegliwith a masculine plural noun startinq with a vowel. with z or

with s + another consonant
quegli uomini
quegli studenti
For
Quale casa? - Questa.

Quale zaino? - Quello.
Which house? -This one.

Which rucl<sack? -That one.
-o.
Singular
When Vou want to say this one, don't translate one. Use questo if what
you're referring to is masculine, and questa if it's feminine. The same goes
when you want to say thTt one'. use quello, or quel la.
those men
those students
see pages x-xiv.
Key points
y'
y'
questo or questa for this, and questi or queste for these.

use quello for thot:quello behaves I i ke the defl nite article, il.
Use
Aojecrves
32 ADJEcrvEs
I
nterrogative adjectives
Adjectives used in exclamations
What is an interrogative adjective?

An interrogative adjective is a question word such aswhich, what or how mucn
that is used when asl<ing about a noun, for exam ple;Which colour?;What size?;
ltalian che...l
is
often used with a noun where we would
in English.
Che peccato!
Che disordine!
How much suaar?
giornata!
che brutto tempo!
Che bella
)
}
In ltalian the interrogative adjectives are che, quale and quanto
> che can also be used with an adjective
che and quale are used to ask which or what'.
Use che
A che ora
oggi?
Ouale tipo vuoi?

Per quale squadra
Use che or
tifi?
gusti preferisci?
Che
Use
How much bread did you buy?

How much soup do you want?
quanti with masculine nouns and quante with feminine nouns to
asl<
sono?
Quante uova vuoi?
c)
For more rnformation on Questions,
For
Cunning devil!
Cood girl!
Bravi!
Welldone!
Bello!
Lovely!
Buono!
icel
page .52.
>
y'
y'
y'
Brava!
Remember to make the adjective agree with the person or th ing you're
commenting on.
How many glasses are there?

How many eggs do you want?
see
when you're commenting on somebody
rtp
how monv.
Quanti bicchieri ci
awfulweather!
As in English, you can use an ltalian adjective alone when you are commenting
on something you see ortaste.
how much.
a lovely day!
ltalian adjective by itself when you are commenting on
Furbol
Usequantowith masculine nounsand quantawith feminine nounstoasr
Ouanta minestra vuoi?
a mess!
someone's behaviour.
Which flavours do you lil<e best?

Quanto pane hai comprato?
pity!
TheV're horrible!
bruttil
You can also use an
qualiwith Dlural nouns.
Che
lsn't he sweetl
Che carino!
What day is it today?

What time do you get up at?
What kind do you want?
Which team do you supportl
ti alzi?
What
What
What
What
or something.
orquale with singular nouns.
Chq giorno
say What a ...!
Key
points
Usechewith any noun to mean which or what.

quale has the pluralform quali.
quanto has feminine and plural forms.
see pages x-xiv.
You can use q uanto,
quanta, quanti and quante when you are exclai
about a large amount or number.

Quanto tempo sPrecato!
Quanta gente!
Quanti soldi!
Quante storie!
What a waste of timel

What a lot of peoplel
Whata lotof moneY!

What
a fuss!
m i ng
33
34 ADrEclvEs
Aorecrvps 35
Possessive adjectives
What is a possessive adjective?
In English a possessive adjective is a word such
a noun to show who it belonos to.
as my, your, his
that is used with
How to use possessive adjectives
ending in -o, change the ending to:

-a forthefeminine singular
-i forthe masculine plural
my address
*
)
For
more information on the Defrnite orticle,
You can also use the i ndefi
my school
my friends
my nopes
imiei amici
Luca has lost his
wallet.
Which isyourroom?
Your friend is waiting for you.
Anna has lost her mobile ohone.

Marco's found his d iarv.
The girls have got thei r tickets.
Note that possessive adjectives aren't normally used with Parts of the body.
il,la, and so on (the definite article) instead.
You usually use
Mi sono fatto male alla

sta lavando ! capelli.
gamba.
ite article i n front ofthe possessive adjective i n
I've
hurt my leg.
5he's washing her hair.
Si
page n.
see
with the nou n they go with, NoT with the
Anna ha perso il suo cellulare.

Marco ha trovato la sua agenda.
Le ragazze hanno i loro biglietti.
> As with all adjectives
le mie speranze
Here are our passports.
Possessive adjectives ag ree

person who is the owner.
possessive adjective.
-e forthefeminine olural
il mio indirizzo
la mia scuola
Ecco i nostri passaporti.

Qual E la vostra carnera?
rw
D UnlikeEnglishyouusuallyputthedefinitearticle(il,la,i,le)infrontofthe
o
o
Where are my keys?
lltuo amico ti aspetta.
p rne uasics
.
Dove sono le mie chiavi?

Luca ha perso il suo portafoglio.
the Dqinite article, see poge t
examples like:
una mia amica
friend of mine
one ofher students
a
un suo studente
You usual ly put possessive adjectives i n front
The
ofthe nou n they descri be
following table shows all the possessive adjectives:
Singular
Plural
Points
ltalian possessive adjectives agree with the nou ns they descri be.
ttalian possessive adjectivesare usually preceded byan article.
Possessive adjectives are not usually used
with parts ofthe
Masculine
Feminine
Masculine
la mia
mtet
le mie
iltuo
la
tua
tuoi
le
tue
your (belonging to someone

you call tu)
il suo
la sua
suol
le sue
his; her; its; your (belonging

to someone you call lei)
il nostro
la nostra
i nostri
le nostre
our
tuo padre
my mother
your father
your (belonging to people

you callvoi)
suo marito
her husband
sua moglie
his
mia sorella
my sister
tuo fratello
your brother
vostro
il loro
la
vostra
la loro
vostri
i loro
For more information on Ways
body.
Meaning
il mio
il
KeY
y'
y'
y'
Feminine
le
vostre
le loro
my
their
of saying'you' in ttalian,
see
page 42
see pages x-xiv.
I Howto use possessive adjectives when talking about relatives
>
Tosaymymother,yourfother,herhusband,hiswifeandsoon,usethepossessive
adjective without the defi nite article.
mia madre
wife
36
Aolrcrves
ADJEcflvEs
This applies to all fami ly members in the si noular, except for the words mamma
(meaning mum) and babbo and papd (both meaning dad).
la mia mamma
my mum
Maria e il suo babbo
Maria and her dad
37
lndefinite adjectives
What is an indefinite adjective?
An indefinite adjective is one of a small group of adjectives used to give an idea
of amou nts and
num
bers, for exam ple, several, all, every.
Note that if you describe a family member with an adjective, for example my
deor wife, her vounoer sister, you DO use the definite article with the possessive
il mio caro marito

il suo fratello maggiore
The indefinite adjectives ogni (meaning each), qualche (meaning some) and
qualsiasi (meaning any) are invariable, that is they do not change their form
my dear husband
his older brother
You DO use the definite article with the possessive adjective when you're
referring tofamily members in the plural.
Sandroeisuoifratelli
Sandro and his brothers
Laura e le sue cognate
Laura and her sisters-in-law
y'
y'
ogni giorno
ogni volta
fra qualche mese
qualche volta
in qualsiasi momento
qualsiasi cosa
Key points
use the possessive adjective withoutthe definite article when talking

about family members in the singular.
The followi ng
every day
every time
in a few months
sometimes
at any time
anythi ng
indefinite adjectives end in -o, and change their endi ngs
the
normarway.
Use the possessive adjective with the deflnite article when talking
aboutfamily memlrers in the plural.
altro
otner
tutto
all
molto
mucn
lot of
parecchio
poco
ittle
tanto
so mucn
troppo
too much
>
Putthe indefinite ordefinitearticle lN FRONTOFaltro.

un altro giorno
another day
un'altra volta
another ti me
g[ altri studenti
the other students
Put the defi nite article AFTER
tutta
tutte
la
tutto,
giornata
fe ragazze
even when there is no
article i n Enql ish.
allday
all the girls
> Use molto (masculine) and molta (feminine) to talk about large amounts.
Non abbiamo molto tempo.
C'd
Use
molta roba.
We haven't much
time.
There's a lot of stuff.
molti (masculine plural) and molte (feminine plural) to talk about Iarge
numDerS.
Abbiamo molti problemi.

see pages x-xiv.
for
the feminine or plural.
Uho
fatto molte volte.
We've got a lot of problems

I've done
it manV times.
AoJrcrrves 39
38 ADJEcflvEs
q u ite large amou nts,

and parecchi and parecchie to talk about quite large numbers.
[J
*
>
Non lo vedo da parecchio
tempo.
time.
C'era parecchia neve in
There was quite a lot of snow on the
montagne.
Ho avuto parecchi guai.
Ha parecchie amiche inglesi.
ills.
had quite a few problems.
ruote that the masculine

in the plural.
si
haven't seen him for quite some
Use
that the singular endings -co and -ca change to -chi and -che in the
page :91.
troppo and troppa to say too much, and troppi and troppe to s ay too mTny.
Questa minestra troppa per me. This is too much soup for me.
I've got too many thlngs to do.
Use tanto and tanta to tal k about very large amou nts, and tanti and tante
to talk about very large numbers.
Ho mangiato tanta
pasta!
Abbiamo avuto tanti
problemi.
ate so much pastal
We've had a whole lot of problems.
Grammar Extra!
ciascuno (meaning each) and nessuno (meaning no) have no plural and behave like the
indefinite article uno.
Before a masculine noun startinq
a vowel, or most consonants, use
ciascun candidato
each candidate
ciascun amico
each friend
nessun irlandese
no lrishman
Non ha
fatto nessun commento.
Before a masculine noun startino
For
with
with
vowel use ciascun'and nessun'

each friend (female)
ciascun'amica
n'alternativa
-i
olural.
see
no reason
nessu
ngular end ing of parecchio changes to a si ngle
For more information on Spelling,
each
nessuna ragrone
llefore a fem inine noun bec inn ino with
Usepocoand pocatotalkaboutsmall amountsand pochi and pocheto

talk about small numbers.
There's not much time.
C'd poco tempo.
He hasfewfriends.
Ha pochi amici.
trtote
girl
ctascuna ragazza
no alternative
5he has several English friends.
Ho troDpe cose da fare.
>
llefore a fem in ine nou n sta rtino with a conso nant use ciascu na and nessuna.
You can also use parecchio and parecchia to talk about
ciascun and nessun
He made no comment.
z or s + another
consonant
use
ciascuno and nessuno.
ciascuno studente
each student
nessuno spagnolo
no Spanish person
see pages x-xiv.
Key poitrts
y'
(
ogni,qualche and qualsiasi always have the same form.
altro,tutto, molto, poco, parecchio, troppo and tanto change their

end ings in the
feminine and plural.
Pnoruouns 4r
Subject pronouns
D Here are the ltalian subject pronouns:
PRONOUNS
What is a pronoun?
pronoun is a word you use instead of a noun, when you do not need orwant
Singular
There are many different kinds of pronoun, and all the words underlined in the
sentences below are classified as pronouns. As you will see, theV are extremely
important and versatile words in everyday use.
I I i ked the black trousers but
couldn't afford them.
emailed hg1'my latest
lt's
mine.
nol
you (familiarsingular)
vol
vou
lui
he
loro
tney
lei
she; you
(polite singular)
rtp
lei as a polite word for you. You will sometimes see it with
capital letterwhen used in thisway.
You also use
fm not going to eat it.

You knowJack? | saw him atthe
weekend.
I
Meaning
tu
(subject pronoun; direct object pronoun)
Plural
WE
io
to name someone or someth ing d irectly, for exam ple, it, you, somebody, who, that.
Meaning
(subject pronoun)
(d i re ct o bj e ct p ro no u n)
ideas.
(indirect object pronoun)
[J
(possessive pronoun)
Note that the pronounsegli (meaning he), ella (meaning she), essi and esse
(mean i ng they) are used i n I iterary and formal written ltal ian, so you may well
come across them. Howevel they are not generally used in speaking.
Someone came to see you yesterday. (indeflnite pronoun)

There's
nothing I can do about
This is the bool( |

That's
Who's
lan.
he?
meant.
>
(indefinite pronoun)
(demonstrItive pronoun)
(demonstrative pronoun)
rl When to use subiect pronouns in ltalian

) lnEnglishwenearlyalwaysputasubjectpronouninfrontofaverb'.lknowPaul:
thev're
(interrogative pronoun)
What are those lig hts over
it.
there?
(interrogative pronoun)
the action expressed
I li ke you a lot.
Thev always go there on Sundays.
Q
>
He gave us a very
warm welcome.
see pages x-xiv.
see
poge 66.
of
a sentence.
caldo.
lt's hot.
Sono le tre.
che cos'A? -
una sorpresa.
It's three o'clock.

What is it? - lt's a surprise.
When you do use su bject pronouns, it is for one of the following special reasons:
for emphasis
Tu cosa dici?
Do
You do not use a subject pronoun in ltalian to translate it at the beginni ng
rectly affected by the action.
l'll help Vou.

They sent it to me yesterday.
- Sono noci.
For more information onVerbs,
Fa
obiect pronou ns for the person or th i ng most
know Paul.
you l<now PaulT
We know Paul.
What are they? -They're walnuts.
Conosco Paul,
Conosci Paul?
Conosciamo Paul,
Cosa sono?
clearwho orwhat is the
lnltaliantheverbendingusuallymakesitclearwhothesubjectis,sogenerally
There are two types ofpersonal pronoun:
subject pronou ns for the person or th i ng perform

bV the verb.
be
no pronoun rs necessary.
Personal pronounsarewordssuchasl,you,he,she,us,them,andsoforth,which
make it clearwho you are talking about or talking to. Personal pronouns replace
nouns when it's clear who or what is being referred to, for example,
My brothels not here at the moment. He'll be back in an hour.
nice.Withoutthe pronouns itwould not
subject ofthe verb.
What do you think?
Pago io.
l'll pay.
Ci pensiamo noi.
We'llseeto it.
42
[J
Pnonouus 43
PRoNOUNS
rhe subject pronoun can come after the verb:

. for contrast or claritv
I'm going,you dowhatyou like.
lo ci vado, tu fai come vuoi.
You open it, I can't.
Aprilo tu, io non ci riesco.
o after anche (meaning too) and neanche

Vengo anchfu.
Prendi un gelato anche tu?
Non so perchd. - Neanch'io.
Who's the best? - He is.

He's coming, but she isn't.
its me, for instance when knocking on someone's door, and to say
who someone is, Vou use the subject pronoun'
Who's that? - lt's me'
Chi dl - Sono io.
Guardal
lui.
Look, it's himl
Howto savyou in ltalian

n Engl ish we have one way of saying you. I n ltalian, the word you choose
depends on:
|
o whetheryou'retalking to one Person ormorethan

o howwellyou knowthe person concerned.
one
Use tu when you are speaking to a person you knowwell, orto a child' lf you
are a student you can call another student tu. lfyou have ltalian relations, of
course you call them tu.
noton familiarterms
to know someone better they may suggest that you call each
>> Use lei when speaking to strangers, oranyoneyou're
with.
As you get
othertu instead oflei.
Usevoiwhenyou arespeaking to morethan one person,whetheryou know

them well or not.
tu, lei andvoi aresubjectpronouns.Therearealsodifferentformsforyouwhen

it is not a su bject. These are explai ned i n the section of th is chapter on object
pronouns.
For
y' v
y'
y'
further explanation ofgrammatical terms,
:"lir"rl::l,
ro no u n i n ta I i a n. rh e ve rb
oud o n't s e n e rat y n eed to,
ending mikes it clear who is being referred to.
youuse sutrject pronouns in ltalian onlyfor emphasis orfor contrast.
There are
two d ifferent ways of sayi ng
you
when tal
ki ng
to one person:
tu for people you know well; lei for people you don't know.
ri+
>
meaning is obviously you.
(meaning neither)
l'm coming too.
Are you going to have an ice cream
too?
I don't know why. - Neither do l.
To sav
Note that lei, the polite word for Vou, also means she. This is rarely confusing,
context makes it clear - if someone speaks directly to you using lei, the
as the
when there is no verb in ltalian

Chi E il pit) bravo? - Lui.
Viene lui, ma lei no.
fl
trU
Please see pages x-xiv.
y'
youusevoi ifyou are speaking to more than one person.
44
Pnoruourus 45
PRoNOUNS
La
Object pronouns
f what are object pronouns?

)>
For more
two different ways:
when the person or thing is directlv affected by the action:

Thev admire him immenselY'
)
l
3l Lo. la.liand le
>
>
when the perion orthing is indirectlvaffected bytheaction. In English you

often use to with the pronoun in such cases.
I sent it to them Yesterday.
Thevawarded him a medal'
>
To
particularattention to how lo, la, li and le are used in ltalian.
translate it you need to choose between lo or la. Use lo if the noun referred
is masculine, and la if it'sfeminlne.
l've got a roll, do you
Ho una mela, la vuoi?
l've got an apple, do you
translate thern vou choose between li or le. Use li if the noun referred to is
le if it's fem in in e.
sto cercando i biglietti.
l'm lool<ing for the ticl<ets, have

you seen them?
Li hai visti?
Forbothdirectandindirectobjectsthereisoneformyouuseonmostoccasions.
Dove sono le caramelle?
This is called the unstressed form.
Le
Unstressed direct object pronouns
ti
lo
him,
la
her, you
ci
si
When lo and la are followed bv ho, hai, ha, abbiamo, avete and hanno, thev
drop the vowel and are spelled l'.
ieri.
labbiamo preso con
noi.
didn't see it yesterday.
Wetook itwith us.
f hanno cercato tutta la giornata. They looked for it all day.
ngular)
it
(polite singular),
it
Grammar Extra!
l<
vi
you (plural)
ti
them (masculine)
them (feminine)
le
Where are the sweets? Have you

eaten them?
hai mangiate?
Non l'ho visto
Here arethe ltalian unstressed object pronouns:
me
you (fami I iar
want it?
want it?
Ho un panino, lo vuoi?
m ascu li ne, a n d
ln the above examples, them and him are called indi rect obiects'
ml
To
to
)
p
)
You need to pay
ln the above examples, them and him are called direct obiects'
see page 49.
well.
lsawthem yesterdaY.
>
information on Where to place pronouns,
Rememberthatyou useti onlywhen speaking tosomeoneyou know
Why don't You send them a note?

In English we use object pronouns in
was looking at her.
lwas looking foryou.

We knowthem.
rw
lot.
I've lost my Purse, have You seen it?

He gave us a fantastic send-off.
He
Li conosciamo.
Object pronou ns are words such as me, him, us and them used instead of a nou n
to show who is affected lry the action of the verlr.
Do you li ke Cla ire? - Yes I like her a
guardava,
Vi cercavo.
when you are talking about the past and using the pronou ns lo, la, li and le you must make the
past partici ple ag ree with the noun bei ng referred to. Past partici ples arejust i ke adjectives
I
Indingin-o.Youchangethe-oto-aforthefemininesingular,to-iforthemasculineplural,
,rrd to -e for the femin ine olural.
viste.
ieri.
I biglietti? Li ho giA presi.
Unlike English, you usually put them before the verb.

I love you.
Ti amo.
l'm inviting him to the Party.
festa.
Lo invito alla
l'm not going to eat it.
Non lo mangio.
see Pages x-xiv'
Silvia? | met herVesterday.
For more informotion on
the Perfecttense,
is new film? l've seen
The tickets? l've already got them.
Queste scarpe? Le ho compratg anni

t
it.
ll suo ultimo film? Uho
Silvia? Lho incontrata
see
fa.
These shoes? | bought them years ago.
page rc9.
45
Pnoruourus 47
PRoNouNs
KeY
y'
y'
y'
yougeneral ly use the
nstressed
>
Points
d
rect obj ect pronoun.
interested in.
nstressed d i rect object pronouns usual ly come before the verb.

you need to pay special attention when translating it and them.
U
ln Englishsomeverbshavetobefollowed byan indirectobjectpronoun -explain

to him, write to him - but other si m i lar verbs do not: you say tell him, phone him'
In ltal ian vou have to use i nd irect object pronouns with verbs such as
(meaning to tell) and telefonare (meaning to phone)'
t>
As
>
ti
to you, you (familiar singular)

to him, him
to her, her; to you, you (polite singular)
gli
le
cl
vi
gli
)
Gli ho dato il mio numero

telefono.
Here are the unstressed indirect pronouns.
to me, me
She likes cats.

They don't care about the price,
they're rich.
lf he's interested he can
comewith me.
It is worth checking in your dictionary to see if a verb needs a d irect or

an i nd i rect object. lf you look u p the verb to give, for exam ple, and fi nd the
example to give somebody something,thea in the translation (dare qualcosa
a qualcuno) shows you thatyou use an indirect pronoun forthe person
you give something to.
will generally need to use unstressed pronouns ratherthan stressed ones.

ml
He likes ltaly.
piocciono i gatti.
Non q!! importa il prezzo,
sono ricchi.
Se gli interessa pud venire con me.
rtp
dire
with direct object pronouns, there are unstressed and stressed indirect
object pronouns.
>> You
Gli piace l'ltalia.

Le
@ Unstressed indirect obiect pronouns
You use indirect object pronouns when you are usi ng verbs such as piacere,
importare, and interessare to talk about what people like, care about or are
di
gave him my phone number.
Key points
y'
y'
to us, us
to Vou, You (Plural)
to them, them
y'
Unli ke Engl ish, you usually put these pronouns before the verb.
yougeneral Iy use the u nstressed i nd i rect obj ect pronou n.

U
nstressed i nd i rect object pronouns are used
with many verbs i n ltal ian
which do not use them in English such as chiedere (meaning to ask)

and interessare (meaning to interest).
U
nstressed i nd i rect object pronouns usual ly come before the verb.
> Just as in English, when you are telling
somebody something' giving somebody

something and so on, you use an indirect pronoun forthe person concerned.
I told herthe truth.
Le ho detto la veritri.
lgave him the map.
Gli ho dato la cartina.
>
lndi rect pronouns are also generally used with verbs to do with communicating
with people.
Gli chiederd il permesso.
Gli ho telefonato.
l'llasl< him for permission.

(literally, I' ll ask to him)
I phoned him. (literally, I phoned to him)
write to her.
lfyou see them ask them to come.
l'll
scriverd.
5e li vedi chiedigli di venire.
Le
(literally, ...ask to them...)
5l Stressed object pronouns
>
You usestressed pronounsforspecial emphasis.Theygenerallygoaftertheverb.
cercavo proprio voi.

Invitano me e mio fratello.
see pages x-xiv.
justthe people lwas looking for.
They are exactly the same as the subiect pronouns, except

instead ofio and te is used instead oftu.
You use the same words for stressed d i rect and i nd i rect objects. When you use
them as indirect objects you put the word a (meaning to) before them.
that me
DIRECT
me
te
lui
You're
They're inviting me and my brother.
lei
me
you (fomiliar forn)
him
her, you (polite singular)
is used
48
Peoruouns 49
PRoNouNs
nol
US
voi
loro
you (plural)
them
ame
(to) me
ate
(to) you (familiarform)
Ci hanno
a lui
a lei
(to) him
(to) her, you (polite singular)
(to) us
(to) you (plural)
(to) them
Vi ha salutato?
voi
>
lnvito luialla festa, ma lei no.
I'm inviting him to the party but

not her.
He wasn't looking at me, he was
looking at her.
I wrote to hel but not to h im.
I like this one but Luca prefers the
other one.
Non guardava me, guardava lei.

Ho
scritto a lei, a lui no.
Questo piace a me, ma Luca

preferisce I'altro.
aftera preposition
Vengo con te.
Sono arrivati dopo di noi.
[J
l'll come with you.

They arrived after us.
For more informotion about. Prepositions,
see
KeY
Help mel
Losciala stare.
Leave her alone.

Cive it to him (or her).
trtote
They're coming. Don't tell them

anythi ngl
that if the verb consists ofjust one syllable you double the consonant
the pronoun starts with, except in the case ofgli.
it right awayl
Fallo subito!
Do
Dille la veriti!
Dimmi dov'6.
Dacci una mano.
Dagl! una mano.
Tell herthetruthl
Tell me where it is.
Give us a hand.
Give him a hand.
when you are using a pronounwith the infinitive(theform oftheverb

ending in-re in ltalian).The pronoun isjoined ontotheverb.
Could you come and get me?
I can't help you.
Devo farlq?
Do I have to do it?
You're ta ller tha n me.
Dovresti scriverlg.
You ought to
They're richer than him
Luigi? Non voglio parlarg[.
Points
Stressed obj ect pronou ns are nearly al I the same as su bject pronou ns'
vou use them for emphasis, after prepositions and in comparisonsyou general ly put stressed obj ect pronouns after the verb.
Vou use the same words for direct and
indirect objects, but add a before
them for indirect objects.
For
isjoined ontotheverb.
Non posso aiutarvi.
y'
y'
y'
y'
after the verb:
Aiutami!
Potresti venire a prendernnl?
page v2.
o afterdi when you're comparing one person with another

Sei pii alto di me.
Sono pii ricchi di lui.
Did he say hello to you?
Daglielo.
Arrivano. Non dirg!! niente!
only you.
I love
They saw us.
when you are using the imperative to tellsomeone to do something.

The pronoun
whenyou wanttoemphasizethatyou mean a particularperson and not

somebody else, and for contrast:
Amo solo te,
visto.
n some cases, unstressed pronouns come
You use stressed pronouns:
Could you help me?

Do you li ke it?
Miaiuti?
a loro
Unstressed pronouns generally come before the verb.

Ti piace?
oraftertheverbl
INDIRECT
a noi
>
o ] Before
>
see pages x-xiv.
write to her.
Luigi? | don'twant to talk to him
Notethatthefinale ofthe infinitive isdropped:prendere *mi becomes

prendermi,fare +ti becomesfarti and so on.
Stressed pronouns often come
afterthe verb.
love only you.
Amo solo te.
Invito luialla festa, ma lqi no.
l'm inviting him to the party but

not her.
PnoHoulvs 5r
50
PRoNOUNS
f
)
usinq two pronouns together

|
n Eng I ish you someti mes use
Key points
y'
y'
y'
two pronouns together, one referri ng to the
indirect object and the other to the direct object, for example,l gave him
it'
)> you often do the same kind of thing in ltalian, and must always put the indirect
obiect first.
> When Vou use two pronou ns together
when you use two pronouns together the i nd i rect object comes fi rst.
Some indirect objects change when used before a direct object.
Afterorders and the infi nitiveform, thetwo pronouns arewritten as
one word and follow the verlr.
like this, some of them change:
mi becomes me
ti
becomes
te
Orammar Extra!
ci becomes ce
vi becomes ve
Willyou give me it?

It's mine, l'm notgoing to give itto
Me la dai?
E
mia - non te la do.
Ce I'hanno promesso.
Ve lo mando
domani.
ofstatements and questions.
it
Non si sa mai.
You never know.
He sent them to them.

Carlo?
l'lltell him tomorrow.
When you use two pronouns together to give an order or when using the
i nfin itive (-re form ofthe verb), theyjoin together and are added on to the verb.
I like them but he won't buy me
Mi piacciono, ma non
[J
ki nds
Can you swim here?
Gliel'ha spedite.
Carlo? Glielo dird domani.
mandarggli?
Vou
and the reflexive form ofthe verb in ltalian for these
This is howyou do
You oromised them to her.
vuole
them.
puoi
Here's Rita's letter, can you give
it
to her?
pu6
se si
Si pud nuotare qui?
clieli hai promessi.
Non abbiamo i biglietti -
5i fa cosi.
gli/le* |s + gliela
gli/le+ 1i + glieli
gli,/le+;s+gliele
dorgllele?
Le chiavi? Daqliele.
one
They promised it to us.

l'll send it to you tomorrow.
gli/le+ lq + glielo
Ecco la lettera di Rita,
thot; Con
are used in general statements and questions such asYou don't do it like
park here?; One has to be careful.
fou and
you.
When Vou want to use gli (meaningto him or to them) and le (meaning to her)
with lo, la, li or le, you add an -e to gliand join it to lo, la, and so forth.
comprar4gli.
r) Engl ish
The keys? Give them to her.

We haven't got the tickets - can yosend us them?
trtote that the final e of the infi nitive is dropped: prendere + mi * li becomes
prendermeli, rn"n6q1q + ti + le becomes mandartele and so on.
see pages
x'xiv.
For more informotion on ReflexiveVubs, see page 87.
5z
Pnonourus 53
Pnoruouns
Possessive pronouns
Key
y'
What is a possessive pronoun?
ror more informotion on Possessive adiectives and the oefinite orticle, see pages j4
11.
Meaning
Singular
Plural
Masculine
Feminine
Masculine
Feminine
il mio
la mia
la
tmlel
i tuoi
le mie
iltuo
il suo
la sua
suol
le sue
his, hers, Vours (polite)
il nostro
la nostra
i nostri
le nostre
ou rs
il vostro
la
il loro
la loro
tua
vostra
le
vostri
le
tue
vostre
le loro
i loro
mrne
yours(familiar)
yours
thei rs
There are three ways of sayin gyours, because there are three words
you
-tu,
la
tua.
signore.
La nostra casa 6 piccola,

la vostra E
grande.
This bag's not mine, it's yours.

lt's not mine, it'syours, sir.
Our house is small, yours is big.
miei genitori e i suoi si conoscono. My parents and hers know each other'
Note that i miei.
ituoi
and isuoi are used to referto someone's parents.
Vivo con i miei.

Cosa hanno detto i tuoi?
Lucia d venuta con i suoi.
for
lei and voi.
Questa borsa non E la mia,

Non A il mio, E il fU-g,
ltalian
Here are the ltalian possessive pronouns; they are exactlythe same as
possessive adjectives, but with the defi n ite article in front of them.
and
ltalianpossessive pronouns are the same as ltalian possessive

adjectives.
ln English the possessive Pronouns are mine, yours, his, hers, ours and theirs.
You use them instead of a possessive adjective followed try a noun. For example,
i nstead of saying My ba g i s the bl ue on e, y ou say Mi ne's the blue one.
)>
points
I live
with my parents.
What did your parents say?

Lucia came with her Darents.
In ltalian, possessive pronounsagreewith the noun they're used instead of.

For examDle il mio can onlV be used to refer to a masculine singular noun.
see pages x-xiv.
y'
they are masculi

they refer to.
ne or
feminine, singular or plural, depending on what
54
Pnoruourus 55
PRONoUNS
Ne usually comes before the verb, except when the verb is an order or the
infin itive (the -re form of the verb).
ne and ci
D ne and ci are two extremely useful
pronouns which have no single equ ivalent

in English.Therearesome phraseswhereyou haveto usethem in ltalian.
When itcomes aftertheverb thefi nal -e ofthe infinitive is dropped.

Volevo parlarng.
>
is a
pronoun with several meanings.
lt meanssome,andcan be usedwithouta noun,just

Ne vuoi?
Vuoi del pane? - Ne ho
grazie.
n
-
9ot some, thanl<s.

Key points
n English, when talki ng about amounts and quantities, you can saY How much
do you want of it?, or How much do Vou wont? and How many do you want of themT '
or How mony do Vou wlnt? Ne translates of it and of them but it is not optional.
So you need to rememberto use it in sentences of the kind shown below.
l've taken half (of
it).
Ne af so means obout it/them, of it/them, with it/them, and so on, when used with
Ital ian adjectives or verbs wh ich are fol lowed by di, for exam ple contento di
(meaning happy about),stufo di (meaning fed up with),aver Paura di (meaning
to be afraid 0fl, scrivere di (mean ing to write about).
Ne e
molto contenta.
She's very happy
1l
t
>
stufi.
They were fed up
Ne hai paura?
Are you afraid of it?
scritto sul giornale.
She's
written about it in the
PaPer.
S
For
Let's talk about the
future.
Hai bisogno della chiave? No, non ne ho piir bisogno.
Do you need the l<ey?

No, I don't need it any more
ror more information on di, see Prepositions page v4.
further explanation ofgrammatical terms, Please see pages x-xiv.
credere a qualcosa to believe something, to believe in something
don't believe
it
pensarea qualcosa to thinl(aboutsomething

Non voglio nemmeno pensarE[. I don't even want to th in k about it.
far caso a qualcosa to notice something

Non ci ho fatto caso.
rl
about it.
Yes, let's tall(
with certain verbs to mean itor obout it.
Non ci credo.
have already been mentioned.
Parliamo del futuro.

parliamone
ne usuaily comes before the verb.
Ci is often used with ltalian verbs which are followed by a, for example:
> With ad iectives and verbs followed bv di, ne can be used to refer to nou ns that
Sr-,
ne is used to mean dbout it or about them and so forth with verbs and
adjectives followed by di.
Ripensandoci mi sono pentito. When I thought it over I was sorry.

Non ci credo per niente.
I d o n't bel ieve it at a ll"
Ci penserd.
l'llthinl< about it.
Non ci capisco niente.
I can't understand it at all.
Non so che farci.
I don't know what to do about it.
He doesn't realize it.
Non se ne accorge.
ne canalso be used to mean of itor ofthemwhen talking about

amou nts and quantities. Unlike English, it is not optional.
Ci is used
with it.
Are you sure (of it)?
ne can be used to mean some.
c-i
about it.
Ne sei sicura?
Ne ha
y'
I'm aware of it.
Ne sono conscio.
Ne erano
y'
y'
Do you want half (of itlof them)?

How many (of them) do you want?
I don't want many (of them).
Quanti nevuole?
Ne voglio pochi.
6ive me one of them please

Cive him two red ones.
Note that when joined to ne, mi becomes me, ti becomes te, ci becomes ce,
vi become ve and gli and le become glie.
Ne ho preso la meti.
Ne vuoi la meta?
>
lil<e English.
Would you like some?

Would you like some bread?
I've
>
Ddmmene uno perfavore.

Dagliene due rossi.
lt can referto amounts and quantities.
wanted to talk about it.
It follows any other pronoun and is written as one word with it and the verb
form.
En"
ne
didn't notice.
Note that the equ ivalent Eng lish verb may not be followed by any preposition
at all.
56
Pnoruourus 57
PRoNouNs
> With verbs followed
by a,
ci can be used to refer to nouns that have already
been mentioned.
Chosts - don'tyou believe in them?

Don't you ever think about the
future? - l'll think about it when
l'm older.
lfantasmi, non ci credi?

Non pensi mai al futuro?
Ci penserd quando sard pid
vecchio.
)
ci
Indefinite pronouns
with the verb entrare in some common idiomatic phrases.

what's that got to do with it?
Cosa c'entra?
It's nothinq to dowith me.
lo non c'entro.
is used
What is an indefinite pronoun?

An indefinite pronoun is a word like evenlthing, nobody and something which is
used to referto people orthings in a non-specificway.
>
Some ltalian
Attacca discorso con
Like ne, ci usuallV comes before the verb, except when the verb is an order,
the infinitive (the -re form of the verb) or the -ing form.
[J
Key
y'
y'
y'
ci isused to mean it or
about
be
chiunque.
niente nothing
Cosa c'd? - Niente.
What's wrong? - Nothing.
nulla nothing
qualcosa something, anything
Che cos'hai comprato?
followed by the preposition a.
ci usually comes before the verb.
Nulla.
dirti.
qualcosa?
Voglio qualcos'altro.
r
>
She'll talk to anyone.
Note that niente and nulla mean exactly the same, but niente is used more
often.
points
it.
ci isused with verbs which can
indefinite pronouns always keep the same form:
chiunque anyone
What did you buy? - Nothing.
Ho cualcosa da
I've got something to tell you.
Ha bisogno di
Do you need anything?
For more
information on Negotives,
see
Iwant something else.
ug.
page
Other indefi nite pronouns are mascul ine singularwords, with

ending in-a:
a fem in ine
ciascuno, ciascuna each

Ne avevamo uno per ciascuno. We had one each.
Letortecostanodieci euro ciascuna. The cakes costten euros each.
nessuno, nessuna nobody, anybody; none

Non d venuto nessuno.
Nolrody came.
Hai visto nessuno?
Nessuna delle ragazze d
form
Did you see anybody?
venuta.
09nuno, ognuna eacn

ognuno di voi
None of the girls came.
each
ofyou
qualcuno, qualcuna somebody; one
telefonato qualcuno.
Chiedilo a qualcun altro.
Ask somebody else.
Conosci qualcuna delle ragazze?
Do you know any of the girls?
Ha
see Pages x-xiv.
uno. una somebody

Ho incontrato uno che ti conosce.
Somebody phoned.
met somebody who knows you.
58
Pnoruouls 59
PRoNouNs
C'E una che
ti cerca.
There's somebody (mea ning o womon)
looking foryou.
alcuniand alcune (meaning some) are always used in the plural.

Ci sono posti liberi? - Si, alcuni. Are there any empty seats? - Yes, some.
Ci sono
ancora delle fragole?
Are there any strawlrerries left?
Si, alcune.
-Yes, some.
following pronouns can be singular or plural, masculine or feminine:

altro, altra, altri, altre the other one; another one; other people
Laltro d meno caro.
The other one is cheaoer.
The
Preferisco l'altra.
Non m'interessa quello che
prefer the other one.
dicono I don't care what other
people say.
glialtri.
Le
altre sono partite.
ruote that
Take another one.
altro can also mean dnyf hing
else
Vuole altro?
Do you
molto, molta, molti, molte

Ne ha molto.
molti di noi
a lot,
want anything else?
lots
He's
a
got lots.
lot of us
parecchio, parecchia, parecchi, parecchie quite a lot

C'e ancora del pane? ls there any bread left? Si, parecchio.
Yes, quite a lot.
Avete avuto problemi? - Sr', parecchi. Did you have problems? - Yes, a lot
poco, poca, pochi, poche notmuch, notmany

C' pane? - Poco.
ls there anv bread? - Not much.
Ci sono turisti? - Pochi.
Are there any tourists? - Not many.
tanto, tanta, tanti, tante lots, so much, so manv

Hai mangiato? - si, tanto!
Have you eaten? -Yes, lots!
Sono tanti!
There are so many of them!
troppo, troppa, troppi, troppe too much, too many

How much have you spent?
Quanto hai speso? -TropDo!
Too muchl
Ci sono errori?
- 5i, troppi.
Are there any mistakes?

Yes,
tutti, tutte
For
too many.
everybody, all
tutti.
Sono arrivate tutte.
Vengono
Everybody is coming.
They've all arrived (they're oll women).
see pages x-xiv.
ruotethatinEnglishyoucansayEverybodyiscoming',They'reollcoming,orAllof
them are cominq. All three sentences are translated into ltalian in the same way,
using tutti and a plural verb. tutti cannot be followed by di, so don't try to
translatedll of them -translate theyall.
o tutto everything,all
Va tutto bene?
fho finito tutto.
ls
everything okay?
l've finished it all.
Key points
y'
Some i ndefi
ite pronouns always have the same form.
" :jii#l:"finite
The others have gone.
Prendine un altro.
[f
pronouns can be masculine orfeminine, sinsular
Pnoruourus 6r
6o Pnonouls
Relative pronouns
p what is a relative pronoun?

> n Eng ish the relative pronou ns are who, which, that and whom. They are used
In English who is used both as a question word, and as a relative pronou

In ltalian:chi is used in questions, and che is used asa relative pronoun:
to specify exactly who or what is being talked about, for exam ple, The man who
hls just come in is Anna's boyfriend;The vlse that you broke cost a lot of money.
>
needs o
89o,
lot of repoirs.
>
| n Eng ish who, whom and thdt are used to tal k about people and which and t hat
are used to tal k about th i ngs. I n ltal ian you use che for al I ofthese.
I
suo padre, il quale d
In ltalian, when you use a preposition with a relative pronoun, use

ofche, and putthe preposition in front of it.
la ragazza di cui
ti
ho parlato
gli amici con cui andiamo in

vacanza
la persona a cui si riferiva
il quartiere in cui abito
ilfilm di cui parlavo
For
cui instead
She says it's

is
not herfault, which
true.
rl
his father, who is a lawyer
Roma
his sisters, who study in Rome
quale, la quale, i quali and le quali are used most often with prepositions.
l'albergo al quale ci siamo fermati
the hotel that we stayed at
la signora con la quale parlavi
the ladyyou weretalking to
gli amici ai quali mando questa cartolina the friends l'm sending this card to
la medicina della quale hanno bisogno the medicinethey need
about Prepositions,
see
poge v2.
: I quello che
> ln English you can put the one or the ones in front of a relative
pronoun such as
the girl that I told you about
who, which, that and whom. For exam ple, Thot s the one that I'd like;TheY're the ones
the friends who we go on holiday
we need.
with
They don't pay anyth ing, which

doesn't seem fair to me.
awocato
le sue sorelle, le quali studiano a
the person I admire most + la persona che ammiro di pit)

the money you lent me - i soldi che mi hai prestato
fact or situation that you've j ust
Grammar Extra!
n EngI ish you can m iss out the relative pronoun: o person I detest; the mon
thev've Irrested You can never miss outche.
Prepositions are sometimes used with relative pronouns: the mon to whom
she wIs t\lking/the mon thot she wos tIlking to; the girl who he's going out with
In English the preposition often goes atthe end ofthe phrase.
You may come across il quale used to mean who, which, thdt and whom. il quale is more formal
r lran che. il quale has fem inine and plural forms: la quale, i quali and le quali.
| n Eng I ish you often use which to refer to

mentioned. ln ltalian use il che.
Loro non pagano nulla, il che

non mi sembra giusto,
Dice che non 6 colpa sua, il che
6 vero.
che
quella signora che ha il piccolo that lady who has the little black dog
cane nero
Myfather, who's sixty, is retiring.
Mio padre, che ha sessant'anni,
va in pensione.
a person whom I detest
una persona che detesto
the man that they've arrested
l'uomo che hanno arrestato
the team which or that won
la squadra che ha vinto
the pudding you made
il dolce che hai fatto
>
la ragazza che hai visto
Relativepronounscanalsointroduceanextrapieceofinformation,forexample,
Peter, who is o brilliant painter, wants to studv ott;Their house, which was built in
>
Who's going to the concert?

the girl (that) you saw
Chi va al concerto?
the person he was referring to

the area in which I live
the film which I was talking about
see pages x-xiv.
>Tosaytheoneinltalianusequellotorefertomasculinenounsorquellatorefer
to feminine nouns. The relative Dronoun is che.
quello che non funziona.

quello che preferisco.
E quella che parla di pii.
E
That's the one wh ich isn't workinq.
That's the one I prefer.

5he's the one who talks most.
Pnonour.rs 63
6z PnoHouls
To say the ones in
ltalian
use
quelli for masculine nouns or quelle for feminine
nouns.The relative pronoun is che.

Sono quelli che sono
senza
pagare.
partiti
che
Queste scarpe sono quelle

ha
>
With
They're the ones who left

paying.
ordinato.
These shoes are the ones you
nterrogative pronou ns
What is an interrogative pronoun?
lnEnglishtheinterrogativepronounsarewho...?,which...?,whose...?,wh0m...7
and what...l.TheV are used without a noun, to asl< questions.
ordered.
preposition use cui instead of che. Putthe preposition in front of cui.
quello a cui parlavo.
Sono quellia cui
lwas tall<ing to.

Are they the ones to whom you were
He's the one
ti riferivi?
referri ng
Sono quelli di cui abbiamo
[|
without
t
D
The interrooative pronouns in ltalian

These are the interrogative pronouns in
bisogno. They're the ones we need.
trtote that in English the relative pronoun can be left out, for example,
Thot's the one I wdnt instead of Thdt's the one thot I want.ln ltalian the relative
pronoun che can never be left out.
y'
checan referto both people and things in ltalian.
What?
Cosa?
What?
che cosa?
What?
Quale?
Which?Which one?What)
How much?
How many?
Who is it?
Who are they?
What do you want?
What does he want?
What do they want?
e?
Chi sono?
Che vuoi?
cui i nstead ofche after a preposition.
" #:J:;J;fl:Ti;[::d
Che?
chi
;fffi:*","?!ll,1l,li,l'll5hich
querre are used to sav the
Who?Whom?
Chi, che, cosa, and checosa neverchangetheirform.
and that can be reft out in Ensrish'

Use
chi?
Quanto?
Quanti?
Key points
y'
ltalian:
one
or
Cosa vuole?
the ones
Che cosa vogliono?
E|
Note thatthere is no difference lretween che, cosa and che cosa.
D Quale is used for the mascul
ine and femi nine singular, and
quali
is used
for masculine and feminine plural.

Conosco sua sorella. - Qualel
Ho rotto dei bicchieri. - Qualil
For more
know his sister. -Which one?
broke some glasses. -Which ones?
information on Question words, see page 65.
Quanto and quanti have feminine forms.
vuole?
sera
Farina? Quanta ce ne
Quantg di loro passano la
a
For
see pages x-xiv.
leggere?
Flour? How much is needed?
How many ofthem spend the

evening reading?
64 Pcottoutts
Pnoruouus 55
p_] che cos'A or qual
Demonstrative pronou ns
E?
che cos'6? and qual e? both mean whot isl but are used in different ways:
Use che cos'd? or che cosa sono?
What is a demonstrative pronoun?

ln Eng lish the demonstrative pronouns are this, that, these and
when you're asking someone to explain
those. They are

used instead ofa noun to point out people orthings, for example, Thdt's my brother
or identify something.
Che cos'C questo?
Che cosa sono questi?
What's this?
What are theseT
Sono funghi.
They're mushrooms.
Usequal E? orquali sono?, notche,when you askwhot is?,orwhat lre?

to find out a Darticular detail, number, name, and so on.
What's her address?
Qual il suo indirizzo?
Qual d la capitale della Finlondia? What's the capital of Finland?
What are their names?
Quali sono i loro nomi?
p
}
These are the demonstrative oronouns in
Singular
Plural
>
chir
Use chi for
both who and whom
Whowon?
Whom did you
see?
Masculine
Feminine
Meaning
quello
questa
quella
this, this one

that, that one
questi
quelli
queste
quelle
these, these ones

tnose. tnose ones
wh o were yo u ta lki ng to
A chi si riferiva?
To
Usedi chi
A?
E
whom was he referring?
This is my hustrand.
Qual d la sua borsa? - QUella.

Quelli quanto costano?
Which bag is yours? -That one.

How much do those cost?
This is my bedroom.
These are my brothers.
Which shoes are you going to wear?
Note that quello and quella can also be used to mean
Dice sempre bugie quello.

Conosci quella?
ordi chi sono? toaskwhothings belongto.

Whose is this bag?
questa borsa?
Di chi sono queste chiavi?
Di chi
is replacing
-These ones.
Who did you give itto?
Con chi parlavi?
with the noun it
Questo e mio marito.

Questa E comera mia.
Questi sono i miei fratelli.
Quali scarpe ti metti? - Queste.
When there is a preposition in your question put it in front of chi.

A chi I'hai dato?
ltalian:
questo
The demonstrative pronoun must agree
"
Chi hai visto?
Using demonstrative pronouns
Note that quale becomes qual in front of a vowel
Chi ha vinto?
Whose are these keys?
t)
For more
thlt
man and that woman
That man is always telling lies.

Do vou know thatwoman?
information on Demonstrotive adje*ives,
see
page 3c..
Key points
Pronouns in
; Hffi;;
For
";::t*il]'n""on"'ue
see pages x-xiv.
y'
y'
The demonstrative pronouns In ltalian are questo and quello.

Qu_esto and
quello have mascul i ne, fem
forms,
y'
They agree
with the nouns they replace.
n i ne, si n g u
lar and plu ral
Venas 57
>
VERBS
What is a verb?
verb is a word which describes what somebody or something does, what they
are, or what happens to them, for exam ple, play, be, disappelr.
n ltalian, nouns are used as the subject of verbs just as they are i n English,
but pronouns are used much less often. This is because the end ing of an ltalian
verb often shows you who the subject is.
Mia sorella gioca a tennis.
My sister is playing tennis.
|
gjsle
bene.
She plavs well.
For more information on Subject pronouns, see poge 41.
D ltalian
verb forms also change dependi ng on whether you are talking about
the present, past or future: credq means I believe, credevo mean sl believed and
crederd means lwill believe.
Overview of verbs
or with somebody's name, for exam ple

playing
football. In English, pronouns such as
Children like stories; lason's
t, Vou and she often come in front of verbs, for example, She knows my sister.
Verbs are frequently used
with a noun
)> Verbscanrelatetothepresent,thepastorthefuture;
*
)
For more informotion on Nouns and Pronouns,
see
pages t ond 4o.
irregular: theirforms do notfollowthe normal rules
Almost all verbs have
form called the infin itive that isn't present, past or
future,(forexample,wolk, see,hear).ltisusedafterotherverbs,forexample,
You should walk;You c\n see; Kirsty wants to come. In Eng lish, the infin itive is
usually shown with the word to, for example ,to speak, to elt, to live.
Inltaliantheinfinitiveisalwaysjustonewordthatinmostcasesendsineither
-are, -ere or-ire: for example, parlare (meaning to speak),credep (meaning
to believe) anddormire (meaning to sleep).
Regular English verbs can add three endings to the infinitive: -s (wolks), -ing
(walking) and -ed (wolked).
ltal ian verbs add endings to the verb stem, which is what is left of the verb
when you take away the*are, -ere or-ire ending of the infinitive.This means
the stem ofparlare is parl-, the stem ofcredere is cred-, and the stem of
dormire isdorm-.
)
)
ltalian verb endings change according to who orwhat is doing the action.
The person orthing thatdoes the action is called the subjectofthe verb.
ln English you nearly always put a noun or a pronoun in front of a verb to show
is do ing the action, for exam ple ldck s peoks ltolion; She's pllYing tennis.
who
For
see
For Verb
tables,
see
reqular: theirformsfollowthe normal rules
OR
>
for example, you do not add -ed to speak, 90,

to make the past tense. In the same way, some ltalian verbs do not follow
the usual patterns.These irregular ltalian verbs include some very important
and common verbs such as andare (mean ing to go), essere (meaning to be) and
fare (meaning to do or to moke).
or
thisiscalledtheirtense.
Verbsareeither:
o
>
> ln English some verbs are irregular,
see pages x-xiv.
supplement.
Key points
y'
ltalian verbs have differentendings depending on theirsubjectand

ther r tense.
y'
y'
Endings are added to the verb stem.
vouoften do not need to use a pronoun lrefore
verlr in ltalian.
58
Venas 69
Venes
The present simple tense
The present tenses

The Dresent tenses are the verb forms
t ] Howto makethe present simpletense of regular-are verbs

> Verbs that have an infi n itive ending n -are, such as parlare, abitare and
t'm a student; t trTvel to college by troin;The phone's ringing.
D Tomal<ethepresentsimpletenseofregular-areverbstalceoffthe-areending
What are the present tenses?

that are used to tal k about what is true at
the moment, what generally happens and what is happeninq now; for example'
studiare have a particular pattern ofendings.

to oet the stem ofthe verb.
>
In English thereare
twotensesyou can useto talkaboutthe present:
(without-are)
Infinitive
Meaning
Stem
the Dresent simPle tense
parlare
to speoK
parl-
I live here.
They always qet up early.
abitare
to live
abit-
studiare
to study
studi-
o the Dresentcontinuoustense
He is eatino an apple.
You aren't
Then add the correct end i ng for the person you're tal
listening.
Here are the present simple end ings for
> n ltal ian there is also a Dresent simple and a present continuous tense.
) As in English, the present simDle tense in ltalian is used to talk about:
. thingsthatare generallYtrue
lci
ng about.
regular-are verbs:
It's cold in winter.
D'inverno fa freddo.
what people and things usuallY do

Giulia non mangia la
carne.
Giulia doesn't eat meat.

These cars use a lot of petrol.
Queste macchine consumano

molta benzina.
We often ge to the cinema.
Andiamo spesso al cinema.
the Dresent si m ple tense i n ltal ian can be used to tal l( about:
what is happening right now
It's raininq.
Piove.
What are you doinq?
Cosa fai?
U nl i ke i n
Engl ish,
n ltal ian the present conti nuous is also used to tal k about th I ngs
sto pensando.
Present simple
parlare
-o
(io) parlo
-l
(tu) parli
you speak/are speaking
-a
(luillei) parla
helshy'it
(lei,/Lei) parla
you speak/are speaking
-tamo
(noi) parliamo
we speal(/are speakinq
-ate
(voi) parlate
you speak/are speaki ng
-ano
(loro) porlano
they speak/are speaking
Parli inglese?
Chi parla?
Pdrlano bene italiano.
Meaning: to speok
speak/am speaking
spea
ksl
pea ki
Do you speak English?
Who's speal<ing?
They speal< good ltal ian
that are
happening right now.

Ci
of
Present simple
endings
rtp
l'm thinkino about it.
When you are talking about a male, a female or a thing, or are using
lei as the polite word for you, you use the same verb form.
For more information on the use of the Prcsenttenses, see plges 59 ond 8t.
rw
ti)
the ltalian present simple to translate both the English

simple present and the English present continuous.
It's raining.
It rains a lot"
For more
informotion on Ways of saying'you' in ttalian,
see
page 42.
You can use
For more
information on Howto usethe present simpletense,
Forfurtherexplanation ofgrammatical terms,
Please see Pages x-xiv.
see page
(rl
Note that in ltalian there's often no need to use a subject pronoun such as
io (meaning l) ortu (meaning you) because the verb ending makes it clear
who is doing the action. However, when you're talking about people you can
use the pronouns lui, lei or loro with the verb for the sake of emphasis or to
make things clearer.
70
Vrnas 7r
vERBs
Parla italiano lui?
Does he speak ltalian?
Lei parla bene inglese, ma
lui no.
>
ere are
TheV neverspeak.
When you're talking about things you ALWAYS use the verb by itself, with no
Dronoun.
Vedi I'autobus? - Si, arriva.
Vuole queste? - No, costano
Do you want these? - No, they cost

too much.
For more information on Subject, pronouns,
y'
I:ff.d,
see
page
41.
of
Present simple
credere
-o
(io) credo
-l
(tu) credi
you believe
-e
(lui,/lei) crede
(lei,/Lei) crede
helshe believes
you believe
*ramo
(noi) crediamo
we believe
-ete
(voi) credete
you believe
-ono
(loro) credono
theV believe
Non ci credo,
Crediai fantasmi?
the -are end i ng off the i nfi n itive of a regular verb you set
Lo credono
tutti.
Meaning: to befieve
believe
don't believe it.
Do you believe in ghosts?
They all believe
it.
one of these endings to the stem:-o, -i, -a, -iamo, -ate or
youonlyusea pronoun with theverbforemphasisorto bespecially
ei as the polite word for you, you use the same verb form.
clear, but only when tall<ing about people.
p-] How to make the present simple tense of regular:erq verbs
> Verbs that have an
i nfi nitive end i ng i n -ere, such as credere, ricevere and

ripetere have their own pattern ofendings.
> To mal<e the present simple
tense of regular-ere verbs take off the -ere ending

to get the stem and then add the correct end i ng for the person you're tal ki ng
about.
Infinitive
Meaning
stem (without -ere)
credere
to believe
cred-
ncevere
to receive
ncev-
ripetere
to repeat
ripet-
Note that in ltalian there's often no need to use a subject pronoun such as io
(meaning l) ortu (mean ing you) because the verb ending makes it clear who
is doing the action. However, when you're talking about people you can use
the pronouns lui, lei or loro with the verb for the sake of emphasis or to mal<e
things clearer.
Lui non ci crede.
Lei crede ai
fantasmi, io no.
Loro lo credono
tutti.
The io, tu and noi end ings you add to the stem of-ere verbs are the same as
-are verb end i ngs. The other end i ngs are d ifferent.
see pages x-xiv.
He doesn't believe it.

5he believes in ghosts, I don't.
Theyall believe it.
When you're talking about things you ALWAYS use the verb by itsell with
no Dronoun.
La
minestra? Non sa di nulla.
The soup? lt doesn't taste
of
anything.
Le piante? Crescono bene.
for reg u lar -ere verbs:
endings
Key points
si m ple end i ngs
Can you see the bus? -Yes, it's coming.
troppo.
" L,r.?:*:
the present
Present simple
doesn't.
Loro non parlano mai.
5he speaks good English, but he
For more
The plants?They're growing well.
informotion on Subject pronouns, see page
41.
72
Vrnes 73
VERBS
It depends.
It's rain ing.
KeY
y'
y'
y'
Points
tf youtake the-ere ending offthe infinitive ofa regularverbyou get

the stem.
Vouadd one of these end i ngs to the stem: -o, *i, -e, -iamo,
Vouonlyuse a pronounwiththeverbforemphasis
clear, butonlywhen talking about people.
-ete
or
>
orto bespecially
Stem (without
fin-
pulire
capire
to understand
cap-
dormire
to sleep
dorm-
servrre
to seNe
serv-
ple end
The end ings of these verbs are as follows:
-ire)
Present simple
Present simple of
endings
dormire
-o
(io) dormo
(tu) dorm!
You sleeP,/are sleePing
-e
for regu lar -ire verbs:

of
Meaning: to sleep
sleep/am sleeping
(luillei) dorme
helshe,/it sleeps/is sleepi ng
(lei,/Lei) dorme
you sleep/are sleeping
-iamo
(noi) dormiamo
we sleep/are sleeping
-ite
(voi) dormite
you sleep/are sleeping
-ono
(loro) dormono
they sleep/are sleeping
Present simple
Present simple
endings
finire
-tsco
(io) finisco
-rscl
(tu) finisci
you finish/are fi
-tsce
(luillei) finisce
helshe/it
(lei,/Lei) finisce
you fi nish/are fi nishing
Dormo sempre bene.
-tamo
(noi) finiamo
we fin ish/are
A che cosa serve?
What's it for?
-ite
(voi) finite
(loro) finlseqte
finishing
you fi nish/are finishing
Quando part!1q?
Soffrqne molto-
When are you leaving?
they fin ishlare fi n ish i ng
Meaning: to finish
finish/am finishing
is
-iscono
For
understands me.
They preferthe otherone.
Some common -ire verbs do not add -isc- to the stem. The most important
ones are dormire (meaning to sleep), servire (meaning to serve), aprire
(mean ing to open), partire (mean ing to leave), sentire (mean ingto hear) and
soffri re (mea n ing to suffer).
pul-
gs
He never cleans the car.

She always
ll primo treno? - Parte alle cinque. Thefirsttrain? ltgoesatfive.

When do lessons finish?
Le lezioni quando finiscono? They finish at four.
Finiscono alle quattro.
-ire verbs take off the -ire end ing to
Meaning
si m
They don't understand.
When you're talking about things you ALWAYS use the verb by itself, with
no oronoun.
to flnish
to clean
Here are the present
macchina.
sempre.
Loro preferiscono I'altro.
get the stem ofthe verb.
lnfinitive
finire
They're finish ing the work.

I never clean the car.
Do you prefer the other oneT
Lui non pulisce mai la

Lei mi capisce
-ono.
Mostverbs that have an infinitive ending in -ire, such asfinire (meaning to

flnish), puf ire (meaning to cleln) and capire (meaning to understand)followone
pattern of end ings in the present. Some common verbs such as dormire and
servire have a different Dattern.
To make the present si mple tense of all
The fl lm finishes at ten.
Finiscono il lavoro.
Non pulisco mai la macchina.
Preferi5c[ l'altro?
Non capiscono.
Note that in ltalian there's often no need to use a subject pronoun such as io
(meaning l) or tu (meaningyou) because the verb ending makes it clear who
is doing the action. However, when you're talking about people you can use
the Dronouns lui, lei or loro with the verb for the sa ke of em phasis or to mal<e
things clearer.
[3] How to make the present simple tense of regular-ire verbs
>
llfilm finisce alle dieci.
further explanation of grammatical terms, please
ishi ng
fi n ishes/
finishing
see pages x-xiv.
fl
Note that these endings are the same as -ere verb end ings, except for the
second person plural (voi).
always sleep well.
They are suffering a lot.
74
Vrnes 75
VERB5
ri+
Here are the present simple forms of produrre:

Present simple
ei as the polite word for you, you use the same verb form.
f
points
tl
J/
A few common -ire verbs add these endings to the stem:-o, -i, -e,
-iamo, -ite, -ono.
(tu)
produci
you produce/you are producing
he/she,/it produces/is producing
produce
Vou produce/are producing
(noi)
produciamo
we produce/are producing
(voi)
producete
Vou produce/are producing
(loro)
producono
thev produce/are produci ng
The present tense ofall verbs ending in -porrefollow the pattern

and all verbs end ing in -durre follow the pattern of produrre.
youonlyusea pronoun withtheverbforemphasisorto bespecially

clear, but only when talking about people.
s I where to put the stress when savinq
>
!!_l Infinitives that end in -rre
All regularverbs have inflnitivesending in-are, -ere, or-ire.

A
few common i rregu lar verbs have i nfi n itives end i ng
comporre
to compose
porre
to put
proporre to propose
suPporre to suppose
D
Here are the present simple forms
condurre
produrre
ridurre
tradurre
-rre. For exam ple;

to lead
to produce
to reduce
to translate
Meaning: to compose
compongo
(tu)
componl
compone
He doesn't
Non riesco a dormire.
want to speak.
can't sleep.
When you say the infinitive of most -ere verbs the stress goes on the syllable
that comes before the ending.
They've got to sell their house
Could you repeat that?
-ere verb
Meaning
avere
to have
you compose/you are composing
cadere
to fall
he/she/it composes,/is composing
dovere
to nave to
persuadere
to persuade
potgre
to be able
flmanere
to remoin
vedere
to see
compone
you compose/are composr ng
(noi)
componiamo
we compose/are comPosrng
componete
you compose/are composi ng
compongono
they compose,/are composi ng
Non vuole parlare.
Pu6 ripqtere?
r)
For
the infinitive
When you say the i nfi n itives of -are and -ire verbs the stress goes on the a
or i ofthe ending:
Devono vgndere la casa.
compose/l am composing
(leilLei)
(loro)
ofcomporre,
However, there are a number of very i mportant i rregular -ere verbs which have
the stress on the fi rst e ofthe end i ng.
(io)
(voi)
>
ofcomporre
Present simple of
comporre
(lui,zlei)
produce/l am producing
produco
(leilLei)
11 Take the-ire ending off the infinitive of a regular verb to get the stem.
For most-ire verbs the end ings you add to the stem are: -isco, -isci,
-isce, -iamo, -ite or-iscono.
Meaning: to produc?
(io)
(lui,/lei)
Key
of
produrre
see pages x-xiv.
ind you don't fall.
Fa'attenzione a non cadere.
Non puoi avere il mio.
You can't have mine.
For more
information on the lnfinitive, see poge
13,8.
Venes 77
76
VERBS
ffl
Howto makethe present simpletense of common irreoularverbs
There are manv verbs that do not follow the usual patterns. These i nclude
some verv common and importantverbs such asavere (meaning to have)
fare (meaning to do ot to make) and andare (meaning to go).
Here arethe presentsimpleforms ofavere:

Present simple
avere
he / she/
vou nave
(lui,zlei)
(lei,/Lei)
ha
(noi)
abbiamo
we have
(voi)
avete
Vou have
(loro)
hanno
tney have
helshe/it has
you have
Ci
Vanno
two sisters.
l've got
Have you got enough money?
Abbiamo tempo.
Hanno i capelli biondi.
They have blonde hair.
offare:
of
do, to mdke
faccio
ldo,/am doing, I make/am making
fai
you dolare doing, you make/

are making
he/she/itdoes/ is doing, he/she/

it makes/is making
(lui,zlei)
fa
you dolare doing, you mal(e/
facciamo
For other irregulor verbs in the present simple tense, seeVerbtobles in the supplement
z I How
fanno
The present si mple tense is often used in ltalian in the same way as in English,
but there are also some important d ifferences.
As in English, you usethe ltalian
Faccio troppi errori.

Fa
caldo.
Fanno quello che possono.
thingsthatare generallytrue
La
frutta fa bene.
Fruit is good foryou.
o currentsituations
Vivono in Froncia.
They live in France.
what people and things usually do
we dolare doing, we make/
Si blocca spesso.
It often jams.
they dolare doi n9, they make,
I make too many mistakes.

What are you doing this evening?
It's hot.
They're doing what they can.
fixed arrangements
Comincia domani.
see pages x-xiv.
It starts tomorrow.
> U nli l<e in English, the ltalian present si mple is used to talk about:
o what is happening right now
Arrivol
I'm coming!
Non manoi niente,
You're not eating anyth ing.
whatyou are going to do

E rotto, lo butto via.
Ci penso io.
presentsimpletotalkabout:
They always quarrel.
are making
Cosa fai sta sera?
to use the present simple tense in ltalian
>
are making
(loro)
al concerto.
Litiqano sempre.
you dolare doing, you make/
fate
tutti
are making
are making
(voi)
We've got time.
Meaning: to
That's okay.
They're all going to the concert
Va bene.
Hai abbastanza soldi?
fare
I often go there.
Where are you going?
vado spesso.
Dove vai?
Ho due sorelle.
(noi)
s goi n9
have/have got
(lei,zLei)
Meaning: to hdve
hai
(tu)
it goes /
you golare going
(tu)
(io)
ofandare:
of
ho
Present simple
you golare going
(io)
It's broken, l'm going to
l'll see to it.
throw it away.
78
Venss 79
VERBS
pred
Se
essere and stare
ictions
fai cosi lo rompi.
lf you do
l'll pay.
ln English the perfecttense is used to say how long someone has been doing
something, or how long something has been happening. In ltalian you use
da and the present si m Dle tense for th is ki nd ofsentence.
the
use
l've been
l::ffi::?t
waiting forthree hours.
of tenses with da,
see
essere
stare
(io)
sono
sto
tam
(tu)
sel
stai
you are
(lui,/lei)
(lei/Lei)
sta
(noi)
stamo
stiamo
we are
(voi)
siete
state
you are
(loro)
sono
stanno
thev are
page ry4.
points
>
Meaning: to
Pronoun
How long have you been learning

Italian?
Key
that both mean to
ln the present tense they follow the patterns shown below:
AsDetto da tre ore.

Da quanto tempo studi
I'italiano?
> In ltalian there are two irregularverbs, essere and stare,
offers
Pago io.
that you'll break it
he/she/it is
you are
essere is the verb general ly used to translate to be:

Cosa sono?
simple tense in ltalian is used as in Enslish, and has a few
simple with da to talk about how lons somethins has
;::jHl,fisent
italiana.
What are they?

She's ltalian.
Sono io.
It's me.
un problema.
siete pronti?
Are you ready?
It's a problem.
> However, stare is used for to be in some common contexts:
to sav or ask how someone is
Come stai?
How are you?
Sto bene, grazie.
I'm fine thanks.
Mio nonno sta male.
My grandfather isn't well.
to sav where someone is

Luigi sta a casa.
Star6 a Roma due giorni.
to saywhere something is situated

La casa sta sulla collina.
The house is on the hill.
with the adjectives zitto and solo

Vuole stare solo,
He
wants to be alone.
Be
quietl
to make continuous tenses

Sta
studiando.
Stavo andando a casa,
see pages x-xiv,
l'll be in Romefortwo days.
Sta'zitto!
Luigi's at home.
He's
I
studying.
was going home.
For more information on the Present continuous, see page 81.
be
be.
8o Vrnas
Venes 8r
Key points
y'
y'
essere is generally used to translate to be.
The present continuous tense
>
stareis used to talk about health, where people and things are and
with some adjectives.
y'
present simple to talk

| n ltalian the Dresent continuous is used instead of the
about what is happening at the moment, when you want to emphasize that it's
Theyarecoming
They're coming!
Arrivano.
Stanno arrivando!
stareis also used to make continuoustenses.
The ltalian present continuous is made with the present tense of stare and the
gerund ofthe verb. The gerund is a verb form that ends in -ando (for -are verbs),
or -endo (for -ere and -ire verbs) and is the same as the -ing form ofthe verb in
En g ish, for exam ple, walking, swimming.
I
Sto cercando il mio
t)
>
passaporto.
l'm looking for my passport.
writing.
Sta scrivendo.
He's
Stanno dormendo.
Cosa stai facendo?
They're sleeping.
What are you doing?
For
moreinformationon store,
see
p\ge7g.
To make the geru nd ofan -are verb, take offthe end i ng and add -ando,
for exam ple, mangiando (mean ing eating), cercando (me aning looking for)To make the gerund ofan -ere or -ire verb, take offthe ending and add -endo,
for example, scrivendo (meaning writing), partendo (meaning leaving).
For more information on the Gerund,
see
page
14.
Only use the ltalian present continuous to talk about things that are
happening at this very minute. Use the present simple tense to talk about
things that are continuing, but not necessarily happening at this minute.
l'm studying medicine.
For more
information on the Present simple tense,
see
plge 69
Key points
y'
y'
For
see pages x-xiv.
Onty use the present conti nuous i n ltal ian for actions that are
To makethe present continuous, use the presenttense of stare and
the gerund ofthe main verb.
82
Vrnas 83
VERBS
The imperative
What is the imperative?
An imperative is the form of the verb used to give orders and instructions,
for exam ple, Sit down!', Don't go!: Let's stlrt!
[l
>
lmperative of
Usins the imperative

n ltal ian, you use a d ifferent form of the i mperative depend i ng on whether
vou are:
|
o telling someone to do something

o telling someone not to do something
o speaking to one person or more than one person
o speaking tosomeoneyou calltu
o speaking formally
)
Example
Meaning: to take
prend!
Prendi quello, Marco!
Take
prenda
Prenda quello, signore!
Takethatone, Sirl
prendiamo
Prendiamo quello.
Let's take
prendete
Prendete quelli, ragazzil
Take those ones. ch i ld ren!
prendano
Prendano quelli, signori!
Take those ones, lad ies and
[J
su
ggestions. Th is form
p How to tell someone to do somethino

) You make the imperative of regu lar verbs by add ing end ings to the verb stem,
The endingsfor
most-ireverb imperatives are-isci (tu form), -isca
Notethatsci is pronounced likeshe;sca is pronounced

Example
Meaning: to finish
finisci
Finisci l'esercizio, Marco!
Finish the exercise, Marco!
finisca
Finisca
Finish itall, Sir!
finiamo
tutto, signore!
Finiamo tutto.
finite
Fi
finiscano
Finiscano
Let'sfinish irall.
nite i compiti, ragazzil
Finish your homework,
childrenl
is what is left when you take away the -are, -ere or-ire. There are
ifferent endings for-are, -ere and -ire verbs:
tutto signori!
Finish it all, ladies and

gentlemen!
The endi ngs for verbs that do not add -isc to the stem, such as partire
(meaning to leove), dormire (meaning to sleep) aprire (meaning to open) and
sentire (meaning to listen) are -i, -a, -iamo, -ite and -ano.
The endings for-are verb imperatives are -a (tu form), -i (lei form),
-iamo (let's), -ate (voi form) and -ino (polite plural). For example,
aspettare + aspett- + aspetta.

lmperative of
aspettare
Example
Meaning: to wdit
aspetta!
Aspetta Marco!
Wait Marco!
aspetti!
Aspetti, signore!
Wait Sir!
>
aspettjemq
Aspettiamo qui.
Let's
aspettale!
Aspettate ragazzil
Wait children!
aspettjne!
Aspettino un dttimo signorit
Wait a moment ladies and

gentlemen!
Dormi Giulia!
Co to sleep Ciulial
Partiamo.
Let's go.
For more
informotion on Regular -ire verbs,
see
page 72.
Some ofthe commonestverbs in ltalian have irregular imperativeforms.

H ere are the forms for some im oortant verbs:
wait here.
see pages x-xiv.
sko.
finire
which
that one.
lmperative of
is like let's in English.
that one Marco!
(lei form), -iamo (lets), -ite (voi form) and -iscano (polite plural).
For example, finire - fin- - finisci.
imperative.
You can also use a form of the i mperative to make
prendere
gentlemenl
The pronouns tu, lei (the formal way of sayi ng you) and voi all have thei r own
forms of the imperative, although you don't actually use these pronouns
when giving orders and instructions.There is also a formal pluralform of the
i n gs for -ere verlr i m peratives are -i (tu form), -a (lel form), -iamo
(lets), -ete (voi form) and -ano (polite plural).
For example, prendere + prend- + prendi.
The end
dare
dire
essere
fare
(tu)
da'! ordai!
di'!
sii!
fa'! orfai!
va'! orvai!
(lei,/Lei)
dia!
dica!
sia!
faccia!
vada!
(noi)
diamo
diciamo
stamo
facciamo
vadanol
(voi)
date!
dite!
siate!
fate!
andate!
(loro)
diano!
dicano!
siano!
facciano!
vddano!
andare
Vrnas 85
84 Vsees
Sii bravo, Paolo!
Faccia pure, signore!
Dite la
Be
good Paolo!
> Pronouns also come AFTER the -iamo form of the
veriti, ragazzil
Tell the
truth, childrenl
For more informotion on the imperltives of lrregulor verbs, seeVerb tobles.
y'
y'
There are fam
iI
>
Let's send it to them
iar and pol ite forms of the i mperative.
the -iamo form is used to translate lefs.
For more
In ltalian pronouns comeAFTERthe imperative in
Cive me a kilo of grapes please.

Take it, sir.
Trya bit, ladiesand gentlemen!

Tal<e a seat!
information on Reflexive verbs,
see
poge 87
Key points
y'
y'
y'
n Engl ish, pronouns such as me, it and them always come after the i mperative,
for example Wotch me!;Tlke it!; Cive them to me!
thetu and voiforms:
Pronouns come after the tu, voi and -iamo forms of the i m perative.
Pronouns wh ich come after the i mperative
join onto it to make one word.
Pronouns come beforethe polite imperative, and do not join onto it.
The pronounjoinswith the imperativeto makeoneword,

Look at me, mum!
Guardami, mammal
Aspettdteli!
Waitforthem!
Whenthe imperative isonlyonesyllable mi becomes-mmi,ti becomes

-tti. lo becomes -llo and so on.
Tellme!
Dimmi!
Do it immediately!
Fallo subito!
When the pronouns mi, ti, ci and vi are followed by another pronoun they
become me-, te-, ce- and ve-, and gli and le become glie-.
Mandameli.
Daolielo.
Send
methem.
Give
itto him.
4]
>
For more informotion on lndireaobjectPronouns,
see
see pages x-xiv'
with the inflnitive(the-are, -ere,-ireform) oftheverb

Don'ttell liesAndreal
Non dimenticare!
Don't forgetl
use non
Non dire bugie Andrea!
i) For more information on the tnfinitive, see page 38.

. if there is also a pronoun, join it onto the infinitive, or put it in front
Non toccarlq! OR
Non lo toccarel
Don't touch it!
Non dirglieleloR
Non glielo dire!
Don'ttell him about itl
Non far4fl ridere! OR
page 46.
fl
Howto tell someone NOTto do something
When you are tell ing someone you call tu NOT to do somethi ng:
ln ltalian you always put the indirect object pronoun first.
For
perfavore.
prenda, signore.
Ne assaggino un po', signori!
Si accomodi!
ofthe imperative and the polite plural form.
La
Where do pronouns go?
it
try itl
Let's
Mandiamooliela!
Mi dia un chilo d'uva,
points
p
l
mperative, joini ng onto
Proviamolo!
Pronouns come BEFORE the lei form

Key
to mal<e one word.
Carry on, sir!
Non mifar ridere!
Don't mal<e me laugh!
Non preoccuparli! OR
Non ti preoccupare!
Don't worryl
Non bagnar!i! OR
Non ti bagnare!
Don't npt \ /ptl
ruote
thatthe infi nitive usually drops the fi nal e when the pronoun joins onto it.
Vrnes 87
86 Vrnes
use non
with the imperative
Non dimenticate
Don't forget children.

Don't be afraid, madam.
agazzi.
Non abbia paura, signora.
Non esaoeriamo!
Don't let's go too farl
join pronouns onto the end of the voi and -iamo forms
Don't look at them.
Non ditemelo!
Don't say it to me!
Non mangiomolitutti.
Don't let's eat them all.

Don't let's give it to them.
Key
y'
y'
to tella person you
infinitive.
Points
call tu not to do something'
is a reflexive verb?
Reflexive verbs in English are ones where the
su bj ect and object are the same,

and wh ich use reflexive pronouns such as myself , yourself and themselves,for exam ple
I've hurt myself; Look after yourself!;Ther/re enjoying themselves.
rl
put pronouns in front of the lei and polite plural forms of the imperative
Don't lool< at them. madam.
Non liguardi, signora.
Don't worrv ladies and gentlemen.
Non si preoccupino, signori.
y'
What
of the imperative
Non guarddteli!
Non diamoglielo.
Reflexive verbs
other cases, to tell someone not to do somethi ng:
n all
Usino reflexive verbs
The basics
Thereare more reflexiveverbs in ltalian than in English.The infinitiveform of

a reflexive verb has -si joined onto it, for example, divertirsi (meaning to enjoy
oneselfl.fhis is the way reflexive verbs are shown in dictionaries. si is a reflexive
pronoun and means himself herself , itself , themselves and oneself .
>VerbsthatarereflexiveinEnglish,suchastohurtoneselfortoenjoyoneselfare
reflexive in ltalian. In addition, many verbs that include get, for example to get
up, to get dressed, to get annoyed, to get. bored, to get tInned, are reflexive verbs i n
use non
with the
Italian. Here are some imoortant ltalian reflexive verbs:

accomodarsi
fo tell all other people notto do something use non with the imperative.
To say Let'snot use non with the-iamoform.
addormentarsi
alzarsi
annoiarsi
arrabbiarsi
chiamarsi
chiedersi
divertirsi
farsi male
fermarsi
lavarsi
perdersi
pettinarsi
preoccuparsi
prepararsi
ricordarsi
sbrigarsi
svegliarsi
see pages x-xiv.
get up
get bored; to be bored
9et angry
be called
to wonder
to enjoy oneself to have fun

to hurt oneself
to stop
to wash; to get washed
to get lost
to comb one's hair
to worry
to get ready
to rememDer
to nurry
to wal(e up
to dress; to get dressed
5i accomodi!
Tal<e a
Mialzo alle sette.
Non vi Dreoccupate!
to
sit down;to take a seat

90 to sleep
vestirsi
Come ti chiami?
For
to
to
to
to
to
5!rqa!i!
seat!
get up at seven o'clock.
What are you called?
Don't worryl
H u rry up!
88
Venas
Veeas 89
Ci prepariamo.
We're
Matteo si annoia.
Matteo is getting bored.
A fatta male.
bambini si divertono.
getting ready.
Lucia si
Lucia hurt herself.
The children are enjoying themselves
ruote that in English, you can often add a refl exive pronoun to verbs ifyou want
to, for example, you can say Don't worry vourself! or He didn't hurry himself. Whenever
youcandothisinEnglish,theltalianequivalentislikelytobeareflexiveverb.
Some ltalian verbs can be used both as reflexive verbs, and as ordinaryverbs
with no reflexive pronoun. lfyou are talking about getting yourself ready you use
prepararsi; ifyou are tal ki ng about gettting the d inner ready you use preparare.
Mi preparo alla maratona.

Sto preparando il pranzo.
l'm getting ready for the marathon.
Mi chiedo cosa stia facendo.

Chiedia Lidia perchd piange.
doing.
Ask Lidia why she's crying.
>
wonderwhat
My sister's getting dressed.
For more
get up early.
They're always com plai
information on the Presenttense,
see
The fol lowi no table shows the refl exive verlr

Reflexive forms of divertirsi
l'm getting lunch ready.

I
Mia sorella si veste.

Si lamentano sempre.
ng.
The present tense forms of a refl exive verb are j ust the same as those of an
ordinary verb, except for the addition ofthe reflexive pronoun in front ofthe verb
t)
D
Mialzo presto.
divertirsi
in ful l.
Meaning
mi diverto
l'm enjoying myself
ti diverti
you're enjoyi ng yourself
si
he's
poge 68.
diverte
he is enjoying himself
she is enjoying herself
you are enjoying yourself

ci
Note thatchiedersi literally meansto oskoneself
divertiamo
we're enjoying ourselves
vi divertite
si
you're enjoying yourselves
divertono
they're enjoying themselves
Grammar Extra!
Some reflexive verbs i n ltal ian add the pronou n ne after the reflexive pronoun. The most
important ofthese verbs is andarsene (meaning to go away, to leove).
Me ne vado.
Votlene!
Ce ne andiamo.
Se ne sono
l'm leaving.
3-l
Co away!
t)
Subject pronoun
(io)
Reflexive pronoun
Meaning
ml
(tu)
ti
myself
yourself
(lui), (lei), (lei,zLei), (loro)
sl
mse lf, herself,
cl
ourselves
VI
vou rsetves
r)
awicini, signore.
see pages x-xiv.
ragazzi.
Non si lamenti, dottore.

The pronoun comes after the verb if
used positively:
Svegliati!
see pogeSz.
someone NOTto dosomething
Non vi awicinate troppo
>
plge 69.
Come closer. sir.
Formore information onthelmperotive,
o an imperativetelling
itself,
see
the polite imperative
Divertitevil
l'm getting used to the work.
For more information on the Present simple tense,
Si
rst, decide wh ich refl exive pronou n to use. You can see how the refl exive
pronouns correspond to the subject pronouns in the following table:
yourself, themselves
For
Are you enjoying yourself madam?
diverte signora?
Mi abituo al lavoro.
Fi
(noi)
(voi)
The reflexive pronoun usually goes in front of the verb, but there are some
exceptions. The pronoun goes in front ifthe verb is:
Si
z I Howto make the Dresenttense of reflexive verbs
where to out reflexive pronouns
o an ordinary tense, such as the present simple
Let's be off.
Thev've left.
andati.
The pronouns mi, ti, si, ci and vi become me, te, se, ce and ve when they are followed by
another pronoun, such as ne.
Don't come too close children.

Don't complain, doctor.
it
is
thetu orvoi form
of the imperative,
Wake up!
Enjoy yourselves!
90
>
Venas 9r
VERBS
In the case of the infi nitive, used with non to tell someone NOT to do something,
the Dronoun can either:
go in frontofthe infinitive
join onto the end ofthe infinitive
y'
t
OR
Non
tj bruciare!
Key points
Reflexive verbs are commoner in ltalian than in English.
verbs
that i nclude
9et are
often translated by an ttat ian refl exive
SirnJlr,
y'
Don't burn yourselfl
OR
Reflexive pronouns usually go infrontoftheverb.
Non bruciargl!
ti preoccupare! OR
Non preoccupar!i!
Don't worrV!
Non
trtote that, when tell ing someone not to do someth ing, you use non
with the
infi nitive for people you call tu.
using a reflexive verb.
two options when you use the infinitive of a reflexive verb after
verb such aswant, must, should or c0n't.The pronoun can either:
There are also

a
go infrontofthe mainverb
join onto the end ofthe infinitive

Mi voglio abbronzare.
Voglio abbronzarmi.
Ti devi alzare.
Devi alzarli.
OR
OR
want to get a tan.
Put your coat on!
rotta la gamba.
She's broken her leg.
ruote that you do not use possessive adjectives in this l<ind ofsentence.
Instead you use the definite article il, la, iand so on with the noun. and
Mi lavo le mani.
.)
I'm washing my hands.
For more information on Aiticles,
see
poge rc.
You ought to get ready.
Dovreste prepararyi.
lwashmyhaireverymorning.
a reflexive verb.
You must get up.
Vi dovreste preparare. OR
Non mi posso fermare molto.
Non posso fermarmi molto.
Milavolcapelliognimattina.
Mettiti il cappotto!
Si E
OR
>
4 Using reflexive verbs with parts of the bodv and clothes

> n ltalian you often talk about actions to do with your body or your clothing
OR
can't stop for long.
l How to use reflexive
>
The Eng lish perfect tense, for example, I hove burnt myself , and the English sim ple
past, for exam ple I burnt myself yesterday, are both translated by the ltal ian perfect
rense.
the same wav, in conti nuous tenses, the refl exive pronoun can either:
t)
go in front ofthe verb stare
verbs in the perfect tense
is
For more
information oboutthe Perfecttense,
see
poge'ro8.
OR
join onto the gerund

Ti stai annoiando?
OR
Are you
stanno alzando?
Stanno alzdndosi?
OR
Are they
Mi sono fatto male.
>
up?
ruote that the pronoun is always joined onto the gerund when
in a continuous tense.
caso,
molto.
Pettinondomi ho trovato un
capello bianco.
For
getting
it
is not used
Incontrandoci per
Meeting by chance, we had a
abbiamo parlato
long talk.
When I combed my hair lfound a
white hair.
see pages x-xiv.
with the verb essere and the
past participle.
getting bored?
Stai annoidndoti?
Si
The perfect tense of reflexive verbs is alwavs made

I've
hurt myself
Thepastparticipleusedintheperfecttenseofreflexiveverbshastoagreewith
the su bject ofthe sentence. You change the -o end i ng ofthe partici ple to -a if
the subject is femi n ine. The masculine plural end ing is -i, and the feminine
Dlural is -e.
Silvia si ealzatetardi stamattina. Silvia gotup latethis morning.
Vi siete divertit! ragazzi?
Did you have a nice time, childrenl
Mie sorelle si sono
abbronzate.
Mv sisters have qot tanned.
92
Vrrns
VERBS
The future tense
ri+
What is the future tense?

future tense is a tense used to talk about someth ing that will happen, or will
be true in the futu re, for example He'll be here soon; I'll give you a call; lt will be sunny
feminine adjective when you are talking

aboutyoursell and always makethe past participlefemininewhen you
are talking aboutwhatyou have done.
I woke up, got up and got dressed.
Mi sono svegliata, mi sono
alzata e mi sono vestita.
lf you are female always use a
The
rcmorrow.
l!
D
@ other
uses of reflexive pronouns
usinq the present tense to talk about the future

Sometimes, both in ltalian and in English, you use the present tense to refer
to the future.
ci. vi and si are used to mean eoch otherandone another.

Ci
We love each other very much.
vogliamo molto bene.
Si vede che si
You can see thev hate one another.
odiano.
Do
Vi conoscete?
ll corso comincia domani.
The course starts
Quando partite?
When are vou leavinq?
n the
following cases the present tense is used i n ltalian, while the future is
used in English:
vou know each other?
o to saywhatyou'reaboutto
do
Paoo io.
T'P
Prendo un espresso.
Rememberthatwhen
you is used to mean people in general,
it
is
cosi.
Non si tocca!
You do it this way.
fa
Come si dice
You can't touch them!
"genitori" in inglese? How do you
say
"genitori" in
English?
KeY
y'
y'
with the defi n ite article to tal k about wash i ng

your hair, breaki ng your leg, putting on your coat, and so on.
Refl exive verbs are used
Dove lo metto?
Where shall I put it?
Cosa facciamo?
What shallwe do?
Q For more information on the Present simpte, see page 69.

> n ltal ian the futu re tense is used after quando n cases where when is fol lowed
|
bythe present in English.

Quando finird, verrd da te.
Lo comprerd quando avrd
abbastanza denaro,
Points
The perfect tense of reflexive verbs is made with essere, and the past
participle agrees with the subject of the verb.
l'll pav.
l'll have an espresso.
o toaskforsuggestions
often
translated by si.
Si
tomorrow.
)
D
When I finish l'll come to yours.

l'll buy itwhen I've got enough
money.
I How to make the future tense

| n En g I ish we ma ke the future tense by putti ng will,'ll or shall i n front of the
verlr. ln ltalian you change the verb endings: parlo (meanin g I speak), becomes
parf erd (meaning I will speak) in the future.
To make the future of regular-are and -ere verbs take the stem, which is
what is left of the verb when you take away the -are, -ere or -ire end ing of
the infinitive and add the following endings:
)
For
see Pages x-xiv.
erd, erai, erri, eremo, erete, eranno

For example, parlare + parl- + parler6.
The following tables show the future tenses of parlare (meaning to speak) and
credere (mean ingto believe).
93
94
Vrnes 95
vERBs
Pronoun
Future tense of parlare
(io)
parlerd
l'llspeak
(tu)
parlerai
you'llspeak
parlerd
helshe'll speak
you'llspeak
(lui,/lei)
(lei,/Lei)
(noi)
parleremo
we'llspeak
(voi)
parlerete
you/l speak
parleranno
(loro)
(io)
crederd
l'll believe
(tu)
crederai
Vou'll believe
(noi)
we'll believe
(loro)
crederanno
theV'll believe
Non ti crederanno.
trtote
They
si n gu
Thei r end
gs
following table shows the future tense of some of these verbs which you
Meaning
to
tu
lui,/lei
nol
vol
loro
ro go
andrd
andrai
andrri
andremo
andrete
andranno
1."d"*
to fall
cadrd
cadrai
cadrti
cadremo
cadrete
cadranno
lo rre
to say
dird
dirai
dirA
diremo
direte
diranno
loovere
to have to dovrd
dovrai
dovrri
dovremo
dovrete
dovranno
re
lr"*
to do/
farai
fard
faremo
farete
faranno
l_
potere
make
t..
to
J-
be able
fard
potrd
potrai
potra
potremo
potrete
potranno
sapro
sapral
sapr.t
sapremo
saprete
saPranno
l'1!:',"
to know
lvedere
to see
vedrd
vedrai
vedrii
vedremo
vedrete
vedranno
l",r"11
to live
VIVTO
vtvral
vtvfo
vtvremo
vivrete
vtvranno
t-.
l'll go with them.
Andrd con loro.

Pensi che diranno la
won't believe you.
that there are accents on the fi rst and th i rd person
"
andare
crederemo
you'll believe
The
Verb
helshe'll believe
you'llbelieve
crederete
rd, rai, ra, remo, rete, ranno
l-
credeni
(voi)
in
should learn.
Meaning: tospeok
Future tense ofcredere
(leirzLei)
>
l'll soeakto him tomorrow.
Pronoun
Some verbs do not have a vowel before the r of the future end
are:
they'll speak
Gli parlerd domani.
(lui,/lei)
Meaning: tospeak
veritd?
Do Vou thinl<
thev'll tell the truth?
Noncredochefarribeltempo. ldon'tthinktheweatherwillbenice.
lar forms,
Lo saDremo
domani.
We'll know tomorrow.
to show that you stress the last vowel.
To malce the future of regu lar

end ings:
-ire verbs
ta ke
the stem and add the following
o ird, irai, ird, iremo, irete, iranno

For example,
finire
fin-
(mean ing to finish).
Future tense offinire
Meaning: to fnish
(io)
finird
l'llfinish
(tu)
finirai
you'llflnish
finird
helshe'llfinish
you'llfinish
(noi)
finiremo
we'llfinish
(voi)
finirete
finiranno
you'llfinish
(loro)
Quando finirai il lavoro?
Meaning
they'llfinish
When will vou finish the work?
see pages x-xiv.
their
tu
lui,/lei
nol
flmarral
rimarrd
nmarremo rimarrete
nmarrann(
terrd
terrai
terrA
terremo
terrete
terranno
to
nmanere to remarn rimarrd
Pronoun
(lei,/Lei)
Some verbs have no vowel before the future end ing, and they also change
stem. for examDle:
Verb
finir0.
> The following table shows the future tense of finire
(luillei)
vol
loro
tenere
to hold
ventre
ro come
verro
verral
verrd
verremo
verrete
verranno
volere
to want
vorrd
vorral
vorrd
vorremo
vorrete
vorranno
with infi nitives that end in -ciare and -giare, for example, parcheggiare
(meaning to park), cominciare (meaning to stlrt), mangiare (me aningto eot)
and viaggiare (meaning to trovel) drop the ifrom the stem in the future.
Forexample, mangiare* ffiohg-+ manger6.
Verbs
Comincerd domani.
Manqeranno alle otto.
l'll start tomorrow.

They'll eat at eight o'clock
96
>
Venss 97
VERBS
with infin itives that end in -care and -gare, for example cercare
(meaning to lookfor, to try), seccare (meaning to onnoy), pagare (meaning to pdy)
and spiegare (meaning to explain) add an h before the future ending in the future.
For example, pagare + pagh- * pagher6.
Verbs
Cercherd di aiutarvi.
difficile.
It'll be difficult.
won't be disappointed by it.
Non ne sarai deluso.
You
lwon't
Non avrd tempo.

Lo avrai
domani.
have
time.
You'll have it tomorrow.
l'll try to help you.

They'll pay me on Saturday.
Mi pagheranno sobato.
Sard
For more informotion on Spelling,see
pageEl
Grammar Extra!
ln English we sometimes use will or'll to say what we th ink must be true, for exam ple,You'll be
tired after that long journey; lt'll be about three miles from here to the town centre.
rw
The future tense in ltalian is used in the same wav.
You usevero to translate will it? and vero or no to translate won't it?
and so on at the end ofsentences.
Non costerri molto, vero?
Arriveranno fra poco, no?
Saranno venti chilometri.
It'll be twenty kilometres.

He'llbefifty.
Avri cinquant'anni.
won't cost much, will it?

They'll be here soon, won't theyl
It
ORvero?
Key points
y'
The futu re end i ngs of reg
lar-are and -ere verbs
are era,
erai, erri,
eremo, erete, eranno.
y'
Grammar Extra!
Will you is used in English to ask someone to do something: Will you hurry up?;Will you stop talking!
You use the ltalian imperative, orthe verbvolere (meaning to wdnt) to translate this sort ofrequest.
Willyou be quiet!
Willyou stop thatl
Sta'zitto!
Vuoi smetterla!
I J_l
The future tense of essere and avere
essere (meaningto be)andavere (meaning tohave) have

Pronoun
irregularfutureforms.
Future tense
Future tense
ofessere
Meaning
ofavere
Meaning
(io)
saro
t'il be
avro
l'llhave
(tu)
saral
you'llbe
avral
Vou'll have
(luillei)
(leilLei)
sara
helshe/it will be
you'll be
avra
he/she/itwill
you'll have
(noi)
saremo
we'llbe
avremo
we'llhave
(voi)
sarete
you'll be
avrete
you'll have
(loro)
saranno
they'llbe
avranno
they'll have
see pages x-xiv.
have
The future end i ngs of
iranno.
regular-ire verbs are ird, irai, irti, iremo, irete,
98
Venns 99
VERBS
The conditional
parlare
What is the conditional?

conditional is used to talk about th ings that wou ld happen or wou ld
The
be
true
under certain cond itions, for exam ple, I would help you if I could.
It is also used in requests and offers, for example,Could You lend me some money?;
I could give you a
would pay the money back as soon as possible.

him he'd probably say yes.
lf Vou asked
You could stay here for a
while.
ln ltalian the conditional is used in this kind ofsentence. Likethe presentand

the future tenses, you make it by adding end ings to the verb stem, which is
what is left of the verb when you take away the -are, -ere or -ire ending of the
l'd speak
crederei
l'd believe
parleresti
you'd speak
crederesti
Vou'd believe
crederebbe
hy'she'd believe
you'd believe
parlerebbe
parleremmo
we'd speak
crederemmo
we'd believe
(voi)
parlereste
you'd speak
credereste
you'd believe
(loro)
parlerebbero
they'd speak
crederebbero
thev'd believe
Con chi parleresti?
Who would you speak to?
Non ti crederebbe.
He
ruote that the same form
To make the
>
The
Farebbe finta di capire.
He'd Dretend to understand.
Mia madre non me lo
MV
finirei
l'd
(tu)
finiresti
you'd
difficult.
motherwouldn't let me.
You use the cond itional ofthe verbs Potere (mean ingto be able) and dovere
(meaning to hove to) to say what could or should happen or could or should
be
true.
Potremmo andare in Spagna
il prossimo anno.
Dovresti studiare di pii.
We could go to Spain next year.
finish
helshe'd finish
finirebbe
Vou'd
finish
finiremmo
we'd
(voi)
finireste
you'd
(loro)
finirebbero
they'd finish
Non finiremmo in tempo.
finish
(noi)
permetterebbe.
forthe pronouns lui, lei and Lei.
(io)
(leilLei)
be
is used
following table shows the cond itional of finire (mean ing tu finish).
(lui,zlei)
true.
Itwould
ofthe verb
wouldn't believe you.
conditional ofregular-ire verbs take the stem and add the

following endings: -irei, -iresti, -irebbe, -iremmo, *ireste, -irebbero.
> You use the cond itional of any ltalian verb to say what wou ld happen or wou ld
Sarebbe difficile.
he/she'd speak
Vou'd speak
(noi)
>
infinitive.
be
Meaning
parlerei
In English, when you'retalking aboutwhatwould happen in certain

circu mstances, or saying what you cou ld or would like to do, you usewould,
'd or could with the infinitive (the base form of the verb).
I
credere
(tu)
(leilLei)
lift.
Meaning
(io)
(lui,zlei)
f!_l Usino the conditional
conditional of
Conditional of
trtote
that the same form of the verb
We wouldn't
is used for
finish
finish
finish in time.
the pronouns lui, lei and Lei.
The conditionals of volere. potere and dovere
> You use the cond itional of the verb volere (mean ing to wlnt) to say what you
You should study more.
would like.
p Howto make the conditional

) To make the cond itional of regular -are and -ere verbs take the stem and add
thefollowing endings: -erei, -eresti, -erebbe, -eremmo, -ereste, -erebbero.
For
The fol lowi ng table shows the cond itional of parlare (mean
credere (mean ing to believe).
see pages x-xiv.
g to speak)
and
Vorrei un'insalata.
l'd li ke a
sa
lad.
> You use the conditional ofvolere with an infinitive to saywhatyou would
to do.
Vo,ffgmnne ven i re con voi.
Vorrebbero rimanere qui.
We'd like to come
with yor..
They'd I i ke to stay here.
like
IOO
Venss 'tot
VERBS
rtp
I
n ltal ian there are
The conditional of potere is as follows

Conditional of
potere
two wavs of sayi ng I' d like to: vorrei and mi piacerebbe.
Vorreivederequelfilm.OR
I'dliketoseethatfilm.
Mi piacerebbe vedere quel film.
potrei
(tu)
potresti
you could
(lui,zlei)
(lei,zLei)
The conditional of volere is irregular:
conditional of
volere
Meaning
(io)
vorrel
|d tike
(tu)
vorresti
you'd like
vorrebbe
helshe'd like
you'd like
(noi)
vorremmo
we'd like
(voi)
vorreste
Vou? like
(loro)
vorrebbero
theyd like
(lui,zlei)
(lei,uLei)
could
he/she/it could
potrebbe
you could
(noi)
potremmo
we could
(voi)
potreste
you could
(loro)
potrebbero
they cou ld
You use the
Meaning
(io)
conditional ofdovere (meaning to have to)
to saywhatyou orsomebody else should do

Dovrei fare un po'di
ginndstica.
Dovresti telefonare ai tuoi.
You should phone
totalkaboutwhatshould bethe
Dovrebbe arrivare verso le
rw
Dovrebbe essere
ln English, the conditional Whotwould you like?is more polite than

do Vou want? ln ltalian there is no difference in politeness'
whlt
Vuoi un gelato?
Would you like OR

Do Vou want an ice cream?
Vuole altro, signora?
Would you like anything else,

madam?
You use the conditional ofthe verb potere (meaningto
be
Lble)with an Infinitive.
o to saywhatcould bethe case, orcould happen.

Potresti avere ragione.
Potrebbe essere vero.
Potrebbero vendere la casa.
You could be
right.
It could be true.
They could sell the house.
o to ask if somebody could do something.

Potresti chiudere la finestra?
Could Vou close the window?
see Pages x-xiv.
bello.
your parents.
case, orshould happen.
dieci,
He should arrive at around ten

This should be qood.
The conditional of dovere is as follows:

Conditional of
dovere
should do some exercise.
Meaning
(io)
dovrei
lshould
(tu)
dovresti
you should
(lui,zlei)
(lei,zLei)
dovrebbe
helshe/it should
you should
(noi)
dovremmo
we should
(voi)
dovreste
you should
(loro)
dovrebbero
they should
rO2
Venes to3
VERBS
@ lrregular conditionals
>
Some common verbs do not have a vowel before the r of the cond
1] The conditional of essere and avere
> essere (meaning to be) and avere (meaningto
itional ending,
their endings are rei, resti, rebbe, remmo, reste, rebbero.

Meaning
Verb
tu
ro
lui,/lei
andresti
andrebbe
nol
Conditional of
vot
andremmo andreste
andrebbero
ogo
andrei
cadere
to fall
cadrei
cadresti
cadrebbe
cadremmo cadreste
cadrebbero
sapere
to know
saprel
sapresti
saprebbe
sapremmo sapreste
saprabbero
vedere
to see
vedrei
vedresti
vedrebbe
vedremmo vedreste
vedrebbero
to live
VIVETE
vivresti
vtvrel
vivrebbe
vtvremmo vivreste
Sapreste indicarmi la strada

per la stazione?
Conditional of
avere
(io)
sarel
t'd be
avrel
l'd have
(tu)
saresti
Vou'd be
avresti
Vou'd have
sarebbe
he/she/
itwould be
avrebbe
he/she/
itwould have
(leilLei)
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
don't know if itwould be okay.

Could you tell me the way to
the station?
Non so se andrebbe bene.
Meaning
(lui,zlei)
vivrabbero
Nonvivrei mai in un Paesecaldo. l'd neverliveinahotcountry.
Some verbs have no vowel before the cond

for examDle, rimanere, tenere, venire:
itional end ing, and change thei r stem,
uillei
nol
vol
\,leaning ro
ftmanere
o remain nmarrel 'imarresti 'imarrebbe flmarremmo rimarrest rimarrebberc
lenere
o hold
terrei
!erresti
terrebbe
terremmo
terreste
terrebbero
ventre
o come
verrel
/erresti
,rerrebbe
verremmo
verreste
verrebbero
:u
you would be
you would have
we'd be
avremmo
we'd have
sareste
you'd be
avreste
you'd have
sarebbero
they'd be
avrebbero
they'd have
Sarebbe bello.
Non so se sarei capace di farlo.
Itwould
Non avremmo tempo.

Avresti paura?
We
y'
Meaning
saremmo
be lovely.
don't know if I'd be able to do it.
wouldn't have time.
Would you be frightened?
loro
/erb
irregular conditionals.
essere
loro
rndare
have) have
Key points
fne
ltal ian cond
itional
is
often the eq u ivalent of a verb used with would
t::i:i,t;:,
,outdandshourd are transrared by the
cond itionars ofvorere,
potere and dovere.
*
D
For more i nformation on verbs which change their stem, see page 7 5'
Verbs such as (ominciare (mean i n g to stdrt) and mangiare (mean i n g to edt),

which end in -ciare or-giare, and which drop the i i n the future tense also drop
Grammar E><tra!
the i in the conditional.

When would it start?
Would vou eat those mushrooms?
Quando comincerebbe?
Manoeresti quei funghi?
*
}
For more informatton on the Future tense, see page 93.
Verbs such as cercare (mean ing to look for) and pagare (mean ing to pay), wh ich
end in -care or-gare, and which add an h in the future tense also add an h in
conditional we have looked at so far is the present cond itional. There is also the perfect
cen!!j!ional, wh ich is used to talk about what would have happened in the past.
The
The perfect conditional is made up ofthe conditional ofavere oressere, and the past participle
Verbs which form thei r perfect tense with avere, such as fare (mean ing to do) and pagare
(meani ng to pay) also form their perfect conditional with avere. Those form i ng their perfect
with essere, such as andare (mean ing to go) also form their perfect cond itional with essere.
r)
the conditional.
4
For
for more informotion on Spelling,
see
How much would you pay me?

plge :9l.
see pages x-xiv.
Non l'avrebbero oaoato.
I wouldn't have done it like that

Theywouldn't have paid it.
ci saresti andato?
Would Vou have gone?
Non I'avreifatto cosi.
He'd probably look for an excuse
Probabilmente cercherebbe
una scusa.
Quanto mi pagheresti?
FormoreinformationaboutthePetecttenseondthePostparticiple,seepagesrcS-tog.
n ltalian, unlike in English, the perfect
conditional
is used
to report what somebody said
detto che mi avrebbe aiutato.

He said he would help me
Hanno detto che sarebberovenuti. Theysaid theywould come.
Ha
in the past
ro4
VEnas ro5
VERB5
The imperfect tense
What is the imperfect tense?

The imperfect is a tense used to saywhatwas happening, what used to happen
in the past and what things were like in the past, for example, I was speoking to
mv mother.
f
)
You make the imperfect tense of regular-are, -ere and -ire verbs by knocking
offthe-re from the infi nitive to form the stem ofthe verbs and add ing -vo, -vi-,
-va, -vamo, -vate, -vano.
The following tables show the im perfect tense of three reg u lar verbs: parlare
(meaning to speok),credere (meaning to believe) andfinire (mean ing to f,nish).
when to use the imperfect tense
lmperfect tense
InEnglishvarioustensesareusedtotalkaboutwhatthingswerelikeinthepast,
forexample, Itwasroining;lusedtolikeher;ldidn'tknowwhatto do' In ltalianthe
imperfect
>
:_l How to make the imoerfect tense
is
the tense you use to translate the verbs in all three ofthese sentences.
Usethe ltalian imperfecttense:

o to describe what things were
felt in the Dast.
Faceva caldo.
Aspett4vano im pazienti.
Eravamo
ofparlare
Meaning
lmperfect tense
ofcredere
(io)
parlavo
lwas speaking
credevo
(tu)
parlavi
you were speaking
credevi
you believed
parlava
speaki ng
you were speaking
credeva
(lui,zlei)
li ke,
what people were doing and how people
tutti felici.
It was hot.
They were waiti ng impatiently.
(lei/Lei)
we were speaking
credevamo
we believed
(voi)
parlavate
you were speaking
credevate
you believed
(loro)
parlavano
theywere speaking credevano
(io)
offinire
finivo
finivi
didn't knowwhatyou meant.

Ithought itwas him.
o todescribewhatwas
going onwhen an eventtook

Guardavamo la partita quando We were watching the match when
place.
Mentre parlavi mi sono ricordato
he came in.
lt happened while they were asleep'
While you were talking I remembered
di qualcosa.
something.
successo mentre
dormivano.
Grammar Exira!
The imperfect continuous is made with the imoerfect tense ofstare and the gerund"The imperfect
continuous is used to describe what was going on at a particular moment.
Che stavano
facendo?
dormiva.
Non stava studiando,
fi
they believed
lmperfect tense
to savwhat used to happen orwhat people used to do in the Past.

We met everv Friclay.
Ci trovavamo ogni venerdi.
Vendevano le uova al mercato. They used to sell eggs in the market.
you believed
parlavamo
lwas hungry.
Non sapevo cosa volevi dire.

Pensavo che fosse lui,
entrato lui.
he,/she believed
(noi)
o to say what people knew, thought or meant in the past.
believed
Wewereallhappy.
Avevo fame.
helshe was
Meaning
What were they doinq

He wasn't studying, he was asteep.
?
For more information on the Gerund, see page ]23.
(tu)
(lui,zlei)
was finishing
you were
finishing
finiva
he,/she was finishing

you were finishing
(noi)
finivamo
we were
(voi)
finivate
you were fi ni sh i ng
(loro)
finivano
they were fi n ish ing
(lei,/Lei)
finishing
Con chi parlavi?

Credevamo di aver vinto.
Who were you talking to?
Loro si divertivano mentre

io lavoravo.
Una volta costava di pir).
They had fun while I was working.
: ] Perfect tense or imperfect tense?

D The ltal ian perfect tense is used for what
Oggi ho giocato male.
Ha
see pages x-xiv.
Meaning
finto di non conoscermi.
We
thoughtwe'd won.
It used to cost more.
happened on one occasion.

played badly today.
He pretended not to recognize me.
I
106
Venes ro7
VERBS
The ltalian imperfect tense is used for repeated actions or for a continu ing state
Orammar Extra!
of affa i rs.
Da studente oiocavo a calcio.
Fingevano sempre di avere
capito tutto.
Mi sentivo male solo a pensarci.
Non sorrideva mai.
When lwas a student I played football.

They always pretended they'd
understood everythi ng.
im perfect tense is used to
translate sentences
su ch as How long had thev known each
She never smiled.
gii
da tre
ore.
ill
since lastyear
By then he'd already been waiting for

three hours.
Guidavo dalle sei di mattina.
l'd been driving since six in the morning.
Da quanto
How lono had he been ill?
tempo stava male?
For more information on da, see page V4.
The im perfect of essere (mean ing to be) is irreg ular:

(io)
ero
lwas
(tu)
erl
you were
(luillei)
you were
(noi)
eravamo
we were
(voi)
eravate
you were
(loro)
erano
tneywere
Era un ragazzo
molto
Key points
y'
he/she/it was
era
(lei,zLei)
simpatico.
ltolia.
Erano le quattro.
is used for actions and situations that continued for

some ti me in the past.
He was a very nice boy.
lt was four o'clock.
bere (meaning to drink), dire (meaning to soy),farc (meaning to do, to make)

and tradurre (meaning to translate) arcthe most common verbs which have
the normal imperfect endings added onto a stem which is irregular. You just
have to learn these.
(io)
Verb
bevevo
bere
(tu)
bevevi
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
beveva
bevevamo
bevevate
bevevano
(lui,zlei)
dire
dicevo
dicevi
diceva
dicevamo
dicevate
dicavano
fare
facevo
facevi
faceva
facevamo
facevate
facavano
tradurre
traducevo
traducevi
traduceva
traducevamc traducevate traducevan(
Di solito bevevano solo acqua.
They usually only drank water.
Cosa dicevo?
Whatwas lsaying?
Faceva molto freddo.
It was very cold.
Traducevo la lettera.
was translating the letter.
see pages x-xiv.
youmake the i mperfect tense of reg ular verbs by knocki ng off the fi nal
-re ofthe i nfinitive and add ing end ings: -vo, -vi, -va, -vamo, -vate,
/ ;::;r"rfect
We were in ltaly.
Eravamo in
For
talian
A quel punto aspettava
lfelt illjustthinking about it.
@ Verbs with an irreqular imperfecttense
other?;They hod been going outtogether for a year when thqt got engaged; He hod been
The words for and since are translated by da.
Did vou believe it?
Ci credevi?
The
Venas ro9
1O8 VERBS
pl
The perfect tense

What
is
the perfect tense?
In English the perfect tense is used to tall< about

for example We've won, I haven't touched it.
what
has or hasn't happened,
How to make the past participle
The past participle is alwavs part of the perfect tense.
>
To make the past partici ple

infinitive and add -ato.
ofa
reg u lar
-are verb, take offthe -are ofthe
parfare (meaning to speak)-parlato (spoken)
[l
)
In English the perfect tense is made up of the verb to hove followed by a past
participle, such as done, broken, worked, orrived.lt is used to tall< about:
o
o
usino the perfect tense
Q
D
credere (meaning to believe)
what vou've done at some ti me i n the past, fo r exam ple,wdye bggn to Australil what you've done so far, for exam ple, I'W-gaten half of it.
itllst
o the present tense ofavere (meaning to have) followed by a past participle

o the present tense ofessere (meaning to be), followed by a past participle'
>
o what vou've done so far.

So
far we've only done the present.
Unli ke in English, the ltal ian perfect tense is ALSO used to say what you
some particular time, orwhen exactly something happened.
Ho visto quel film s4bato scorso. I saw that film last Saturday.
lwent outwith him last night.
Sono uscita con lui ieri sera.
It happened yesterdaY.
successo ieri.
rw
Do not use the perfect tense to say since when, or how long you've been
doing something -da and the presenttense is used forthis in ltalian'
For
information on da,
see page
g tu fi nish)
+ finito
-ire verb,
tal<e off the
-ire of the
(fl nished)
To make the perfect tense
with avere:
choose the presenttenseform ofavere

Sentence.
that matches the subjectofthe

to make
it agree with the subject.
whatvou've done at sometime in the past.

l've already seen that film.
Ho gil visto quel film.
lye_Ueen_s!_twith him a couple of
Sono uscita con lui un paio di
times.
volte.
For more
lar
o add the past participle. Do not change the end ing of the participle
The ltal ian perfect tense is used to say:
nire (mean
(believed)
How to make the perfect tense with avere
FormoreinformationonthePresenttenseofavereondessere,seepagesrcgandnz.
slsduto
night; lt roined a lot yesterday'
twoways of making the perfecttense:
Finora abbiamo fatto solo il

Presente,
To make the past partici ple of a reg

infinitive and add -ito.
fi
In ltalian there are
InEnglishthesimplepast,nottheperfectisusedtosaywhenexactlysomething
happened, for example, We met last summer; I ate
To make the past participle of a regular-ere verb, tal<e off the -ere of the
infinitive and add -uto.
74.
see pages x-xiv.
id
at
The perfect tense of parlare (mean ing to speok) is as follows:

Present tense
avere
of
Past participle
Meaning
(io)
ho
parlato
I spoke or have
(tu)
hai
parlato
you spoke or have spoken
(lui,zlei)
(lei,zLei)
ha
parlato
he/she spoke or has spoken

(noi)
spoken
abbiamo
parlato
we spoke or have spoken
(voi)
avete
parlato
(loro)
hanno
parlato
theV spoke or have spoken
Non gli ho mai parlato.
l've never sooken
Roberta gli ha parlato ieri.
Roberta spoke to him yesterday
to him.
IIO
Venss
VERBS
@ verbs with irregular past participles
o
.
As in English, some very com mon verbs have irregu lar past participles. These are
some of the most imDortant ones:
aptirc (to open)

coprire (to cover)
chiudere (to close)
deciso (decided)
dire (to say)

fare (to do,to make)
friggere (to flry)
detto (sdid)
fatio
+
reflexiveverbs
in
promettere (to promise)

morire (to die)
offrire (to offer)
promesso (promised)
r)
(reod)
messo (put)
morto (died)
offerto (offered)
g to go),
Note that in English the verb to hove canbe used on its own in replies such as
No, he hasn't, and question phrases such ashaven't. you? -avere cannot be used
thiswav in ltalian.
(done, mode)
letto
to make the perfect tense of:
certai n verbs that do not take a d i rect object, such as andare (mean
venire (mean i ng to come) and diventare (mean ing to become).
Te l'ha detto?
Has he told you?
Lo hai
You've done it, haven'tyou?
frirto fried)
leggere (to read)

mettere (to put)
- No.
fatto, vero?
For more information on Questions, see
plge
- No, he hasn't
..52.
ol When to make the past participle agree
preso (taken)
>
ALSO
sorprendere (to surprise)

rispondere (to reply)
sorpreso (surprised)
risposto (replied)
When you make the perfect tense with avere, the past participle never agrees
with the subiect.
>
ALSO spendere (to spend)
speso (spent)
You must make the past participle agree with the object pronouns lo and la
(mean ing him, her and it) when they come in front of the verb.
prendere (to take)
rotto
rompere (to bredk)

scegfiere (to choose)
scrivere (to write)
vincere (to win)
ALSO
(broken)
vinto
apert4 la banca?
on Adie*ives,
un bel film, lo hai visto?

lt's a good film, have you seen it?
Hai visto Lucia? - Non I'ho vista. Have you seen Lucia? - No, I haven't
(won)
fried potatoes
ls the banl< open?
patate fritte
see
Have you seen Marco? - Yes, l've seen
convinto (convinced)
visto (seen)
convincere (to convince)
visto.
nrm.
scritto (written)
trtote that, as in English, some ltalian past participles are also used as
adjectives. When they are adjectives they agree with the noun they go
Hai visto Marco? - Si, l'ho
scelto (chosen)
vedere (to see)
(opened)
decidere (to decide)
ALSO
El
aperto
coperto (covered)
chiuso (closed)
ALSO
You do not useavere
seen her.
>
with.
You must mal<e the past participle agree with the object pronouns li and le
(meaning them) when they come in front of the verb.
|
fiammiferi? Non li ho presi.

The matches? | haven't taken them.
mangiate tutte. The strawberries? l've eaten them all.
Le frdgole? Le ho
plge 20.
Key points
@ when to make the perfect tense with avere
You use avere to make the Derfect tense
ofmost verbs.
got the ten o'clock train.
Have vou put it in the fridge?
Ho preso il treno delle dieci.

[hai messo in frigo?
PerchE l'hai
fatto?
Carlo ha speso
pi! di me.
Why did you do it?

Carlo spent more than me.
Abbiamo comprato una mocchina. We've bought a car.

Where did vou park?
Dove avete parcheog iato?
They didn't want to help me.
aiutarmi.
Non hanno voluto
see pages x-xiv.
ttt
y'
meltal ian perfect tense
is used
to translate both the
En g
ish perfect,
and the English simple past.
y'
lneltalian perfect tense
is made
with avere oressere and the past
parti ci ple.
y'
mepast participle does notagree with the subjectwhen the perfect

tense is made with avere, except when certa in object pronouns come
in front ofthe verb.
Venes rr3
1I2
VERBS
f
)
How to make the perfect tense with essere
>
The most
andare
with essere:
choosethe presenttenseform ofesserethat matchesthe subjectof
To make the oerfect tense
add the past participle. Mal<e the ending of the participle aqree
partire
riuscire
with
scendere
the subject.
stare
The perfect tense of andare (meaning to go) is as follows:
usctre
Present tense
ofessere
Past participle
(io)
sono
andato orandata
(tu)
sel
andato
(lui)
andato
helit went or has gone
(lei)
andata
she/it went
(leilLei)
andato orandata
you went or have gone
(noi)
sramo
andati orandate
we went or nave gone
(voi)
siete
andati orandate
(loro)
5()no
andati orandate
theV went or have gone
or
andata
Meaning
I
went
arrivare
entrare
rimanere
salire
to go
diventare to become
the Sentence.
important of these verbs are
to leave
to
to
to
to
succeed, manage
go down
succedere
tornare
venire
be
go
out
rimasta a casa tutto il giorno.
She stayed
Siamo riusciti a convincerla.
or have gone
Seimaistataa
Le
or has gone
[J
Bologna,Tina?
arrivate.
successo?
You make past participles agree when they follow the verb essere,
in the same way that you make adjectives agree.
Sei
pronta,
Maria?
tu, Maria?
Did you go too, Maria?
For more
stay
go up, get on
happen
come back
come
at home all day.
friends have arrived.
What happened?
wote that essere is used to make the perfect tense of piacere (mean i n g
literally to please).The past participle agrees with the subject of the ltalian
verb, and not with the subject of the English verbto like.
La musica
ti e piaciuta, Roberto?
cioccolatini mi sono piaciuti

molto.
Le foto sono piaciute a tutti.
Did you like the music, Robert?

I
liked the chocolates very much.
Everyone liked the photos.
> Use essere to make the perfect tense ofall reflexive verbs.
miei fratelli si sono alzati tardi. My brothers got up late.
Le ragazze si sono alzate alle sei. The girls got up at six.
I
Are you ready Maria?
Sei andata anche
come in
HaveyoueverbeentoBologna,Tina?
You r
Ttp
arrive
We managed to persuade her.
tue amiche sono
Cos'd
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
For more informotion
on Reflexive verbs,
see
poge 87.
information on Adje*ives, see page 2c.

Key points
y'
@
When to make the perfect tense with essere

Useessere to makethe Derfecttense ofcertain verbsthat do nottakea
direct object.
For
For more information on Direct obje*s,
y'
y'
see
plge 44.
see pages x-xiv.
whenthe
with essere the past participle agrees
with the subject ofthe sentence.
perFect tense is made
essereis used to make the perfect tense of some very common verbs
that do not take a d i rect obj ect.
essere is used to make the perfect tense of all reflexive verbs.
rr4
Venes rr5
VERBS
The past historic
Past historic
of partire
Meaning
What is the past historic?

The past historic is equ ivalent to the English simple past, except that it is only
used in written ltalian. In spoken ltalian the oerfect tense is used to talk about
(io)
partii
(tu)
partisti
you left
the Dast.
(leilLei)
Recognizing the past historic

not need to learn the past historic (il Passato remoto), since you will
never need to use it. However, you may come across it in written ltalian. To help
(meaning to be),
Vou recognize it, here are the past historic forms ofessere
(meaning to believe),
credere
parlare
(meaning
to
speak),
avere (meanin gto have),
(meaning
leove).
partire
to
and
(lui,zlei)
parti
left
helshe left
Vou left
(noi)
partimmo
we left
(voi)
partiste
you left
(loro)
partirono
they left
>> You do
Meaning
Past historic
ofavere
Past historic
ofessere
had
fui
twas
ebbi
(tu)
fosti
you were
avesti
you had
fu
he/she was
vou were
ebbe
fummo
we were
avemmo
we had
foste
vou were
aveste
you had
furono
they were
ebbero
thev had
(lei,/Lei)
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
he/she had
Vou had
fu un improwiso silenzio
quando entrai nella stanza.
There was a sudden silence when
Non ebbero nessuna sPeranza.
They had no hope.
Ci
Past historic
ofparlare
came into the room.
Past historic
Meaning
ofcredere
Meaning
(io)
parlai
credei orcredetti
(tu)
parlasti
you spoKe
credesti
you believed
parld
he/she spoke
vou spoKe
cred6 or
credette
helshe believed
you believed
(noi)
parlammo
we spoKe
credemmo
we believed
(voi)
parlaste
you spoKe
credeste
you believed
(loro)
parlorono
they spoke
crederono or
credettero
they believed
(lui/lei)
(leilLei)
spoke
see pages x-xiv.
He spoke slowly.
Non lo credettero.
They did not believe
Parti in fretta.
He left hastily.
Key points
Meaning
(io)
(lui,/lei)
Parld piano.
believed
y'
y'
You
will come across the past historic in written ltalian.
lt
translated by the English simple past.
is
it.
Venas rr7
116 VERBS
Non gli avevo mai parlato
Sara gli aveva parlato il
The pluperfect or past perfect tense

What
The pluperfect tense is used to talk about what had happened or had been true
at a point in the past, for example, l'L-fugonSn to send her o card.
before
Note that you use the same form of avere for lui, lei and Lei.
For more informotion on Verbswith irregulor past participles, see page
flo
rw
Using the pluperfect tense
f
>
l'd never spoken to him before.

Sara had spoken to him the day
pflma.
the pluperfect tense?
is
prima.
giorno
Do not use the pluperfect tense to say since when, or how long you had
been doing someth ing - da and the imperfect tense is used forth is in ltalian.
When talking aboutthe pastwe sometimes referto things that had already
happened previously. In English we use hod followed by a past participle such

as done, broken, worked, arrived to do this. This tense is called the pluperfect or
Abitavamo li dal
Dast Derfect.
> Theltalianpluperfecttenseisusedinasimilarway,butliketheperfecttense,
For more
rggo.
We'd lived there since r99o.
information on da,
see
Prepositions poge y4.
it can be made with eitheravere oressere, and the past participle.
For more information on Post porticiples, see poge
Avevamo
d
gii mangiato quando
Thev'd otrviously managed to solve

the Droblem.
To mal<e the pluperfect tense
As
to make the pluperfect tense with avere
with the perfect tense, you
use avere
to make the pluperfect tense of most
verbs.
>
You do not useavere
to makethe pluperfecttense of:
o reflexiveverbs
r certai n verlrs that do not take a d
i rect object, such as andare (meani

venire (meaningto come),diventare (meaning to become).
How to make the pluperfect tense with avere
.
.
Q
We'd already eaten when he arrived'
arrivato.
Ovviamente erano riusciti a

risolvere il problema.
p
)
s I When
rc9.
g to go),
owiamente avevo sbaqliato. I'd obviously made a mistake.

Avevano lavorato molto il giorno They'd worked hard the day lrefore"
with avere:
that matches the subject of the sentence.

add the past participle. Do not change the ending of the participle to make
it agree with the subject.
prima.
choose the i mperfect form ofavere
[)
them) when they come before the verb.
ror more informotion on the tmperfecttense of avere and Past participles, see poges
rc6 ondrcg.
The pluperfect tense ofparlare (meaning to speak) is as follows:
ruote that, as with the perfect tense, the past participle agrees with the
ob iect pronou ns lo and la, (mean ing him, her and it) and li and le (mean ing
Non l'avevo vista.

Le lettere?
r
Non le aveva mai
For more informotion on
objea
lette.
hadn't seen her
The lettersl He'd never read them.
pronouns and the Perfecttense, see pages 44 and rc8.
lmperfect tense
(io)
(tu)
(luillei)
(lei,/Lei)
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
For
ofavere
Past participle
Meaning
AVEVO
parlato
I had
spoken
AVEVI
parlato
Vou had spoken
aveva
parlato
helshe had spoken

you had spoken
avevamo
parlato
we had spoken
avevate
parlato
Vou had spoken
avevano
parlato
theV had spoken
Please see pages x-xiv'
Key points
y'
y'
y'
tnepl u perfect tense is used to tal k about what had al ready happened
in the past.
meltalian pluperfecttense is madewith the imperfect ofavere or
essere, and the past participle.
avereis used to make the pluperfecttense of mostverbs.
r18
Venes rr9
VERBS
@ How to make the pluperfect tense with
To make the pluperfect tense
The passive
essere
with essere:
What is the passive?
. choose the mperfect form of essere that matches the su bj ect of the sentence.
o addthepastparticiple.Maketheendingoftheparticipleaqreewiththesubject.
i
> The pl uperfect
tense of andare (mean
g to go) is as fol lows:
lmperfect tense
ofessere
Past participle
(io)
ero
andato
(tu)
(lui)
erl
andata
andato orandata
era
andato
vou nad gone

he/it had qone
(lei)
era
andata
she/it had gone
era
andato or andata
andati orandate
andati orandate
andati orandate
vou nad gone

we had gone
(leilLei)
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
eravamo
eravate
erano
Meaning
I had
or
loro.
Silvia era andata con

Tutti i miei amici erano andati alla
The passive is a verb form that is used when the subject ofthe verb is the person
or th ing that is affected by the action, for example, Everyone was shocked by the
incident;Two people were hurt;The house is being demolished.
festa.
gone
using the passive
L Verbs can be active or Dassive.

> In a sentence with an active verb the subject of the sentence does the action:
you had gone

they had gone
Subject
Active verb
object
She
does
most of the work
A dog
bit
him
In a sentence
Silvia had gone with them.

All myfriends had goneto the party.
that
a passive verb the action is done by someone or something

subject ofthe sentence.
with
is not the
Who/what the action is
when to make the Pluperfect tense with essere
)> when essere
is used
to make the perfect tense of
verb, you also use essere to
make the pluperfect.
For
with
ore i nformotion on Moking the perfect tense
essere, see
erano
Fortunatamente non si era fatta
male.
y'
y'
For
by a dog.
when Vou wanttofocuson the person orthing affected bytheaction

lohn was injured in an accident.
when you don't know who is responsilrle for the action

MV car was stolen last week.
ctu res.
arrived at five, but they'd

already gone.
Luckily she had n't hu rt herself
Verbs that mal<e thei r perfect tense with essere also make thei r
pluperfect tense with essere.
wnen the plu perfect tense i s made with essere the Past partici ple
agrees with the subject ofthe sentence.
essereis used to make the pluperfecttense of reflexive verbs and
certai n verbs that do not take a d i rect obj ect.
by her.
was bitten
You use passive rather than active verbs:
Key points
y'
is done
He
who or what is responsible for the action in a passive sentence you use
byin English.
gii partiti.
Most of the work
To show
l<e
piaciuti iquadri.
Sono arrivata alle cinque, ma
done by
age 12.
the plu perfect of al I refl exive verbs, and of certai n verbs

that do not take a direct object, such as andare (mean ing to 4o), venire
(mean ing to come), riuscire (mean ingto succeed), diventare (me aningto become)
and piacere (meaning to like).
He obviously hadn't liked the
Owiamente non glierano
>> Use essere to ma
Passive verb
subject
see pages x-xiv.
I How to make the passive
> ln English we use the verb to bewith
a past
participle (is done, wos bitten)to
make the passive.
>
| n ltalian the passive is made in exactly the same way, using essere (mean ing
to be) and a past Darticiple
.
For more rnformation on the Post participle, see page
rc9.
r2O
Venes tzt
VERBS
Siamo invitati ad una festa a

casa loro.
We're invited to a party at their

nouse.
The electricity was cut off yesterday
L'elettricitti E stata taoliata ieri.

The match has been postponed.
La partita C stata rinviata.
E stato costretto a ritirarsi dalla He was forced to withd raw from the
competition.
gara.
When you say who or what is responsi ble for the action you use da (mean i ng by).
I
ladri sono stati catturati
dalla
You can change the tense

Vou
Sarete
Q For more informatton on Adiectives, see plge 20.

) Here is the perfect tense of the -are verb invitare
(io)
For more
(meaning to invite) in its
Perfect tense
ofassere
Past
Participle
Meaning
venire (meaning to come) and rimanere (meaningto remain)

essere to make the passive.
sono stato
sono stata
was, have been
nvited
you were, have been
stato
(lei)
C stata
invitata
she was, has been
(leilLei) - masculine
stato
invitato
you were, have been
stata
invitata
you were, have been
- masculine
- feminine
sei stato
sei stata
siamo stati
invitati
nvited
nvited
we were, nave Deen
invited
-feminine
siamo state
invitate
(voi)
- masculine
-feminine
invitati
Vou were, have been
siete state
invitate
you were, have been
nvited
- masculine
sono stati
invitati
they were, have been
invitate
nvited
theywere, have been
invited
i
- feminine
sono state
see pages x-xiv.
rimasto ferito in un incidente stradale.
He was
rimasta stupefatta dalla scena.
She was amazed by the scene
iniured in
a car
accident.
anactiveconstruction
morte.
macchina
Due persone sono

Mi hanno rubato la
Two people were killed.

Mv car was stolen last week.
la settimana scorsa.
c'erano delle microspie nella
stanza.
The room was bugged
Dicono che sia molto
invited
(loro)
It would be discovered.
i n ltalian as they are in English. I n many cases,

where we would use a passive verb, one of the following alternatives would
be used in ltalian:
nvited
siete stati
He'll be criticized by everyone
sl Avoidinq the passive

D Passives are not as common
we were, have been

i
criticato da tutti.
They were checked everv six months
nvited
invited
- masculine
sometimes used instead of
rimanere is used very often with ferito (mean ing injured), and with participles describ ing
emotion, such as stupefatto (m eaning amazed) and deluso (meaning disappointed).
he was, has been
(noi)
are
When are thev changed?
mesi.
Verrebbe scoperto.
invited
i
- femin ine
plge no.
i s used i n the present, i mperfect, futu re and cond itional to ma ke passives, but not i n
the perfect or pluperfect.
VerrA
(tu)
see
Grammar b<tn!
Quando venoono cambiate?

Venivano controllati ogni sei
(lui)
- feminine
information on trregutor past participtes,
venire
invitato
invitata
invitato
invitata
invitato
- masculine
You'llall be invited.
I don't know if she would lre invited.
Some past participles are irregular.
passive form.
pronoun)
tutti invitati.
Non so se sarebbe invitata.
the
Note that the past partici ple ag rees with the subject of the verb essere i n the
same way an adjective would.
(subject
ofthe verb essere to make whatever passive tense
want.
police
polizia.
[J
The thieves were caught by
>
ambizioso.
He's said
to
be verv
ambitious.
an ordinaryverb made passive by having si put in front (this is known as the
si passivante)
Qui si vende il pane.

5i parla inglese.
English spoken.
Dovesitrovanoimigliorivini?
Wherearethebestwinestolrefound?
Bread is sold here.
r22
Vrnas rz3
VERBS
In ltalia il prosciutto si mongia

col melone,
Gli spaghetti non si mangiano
spaghetti should not
with
con le dita!
"comodo" si scrive con una
solo m.
In ltaly ham is eaten with melon

be eaten
The gerund
What is a gerund?
In English the gerund is a verb form end ing in -ing which is used to make
continuous tenses, for exam ple,Whlt are you doing? lt can also be used as a noun
oran adjective, forexample,l love swimmina',0 skating rink.
one's fingers!
"comodo" is spelled with only

one m.
Note that wherever the subject comes in the sentence the verb has to agree
with it.
ll_l Usino the oerund
o an imDersonal construction
with si
5i dice che non vada molto bene. lt's
Non si fa
id not to be going very well.

That's not how it's done.
cosi.
sa
In ltalian the gerund is a verb form ending in -andoor -endo. lt is used to make
continuous tenses.
Ttp
When you want to say someth i ng I i ke I was told, ot
She was given
t)
Alternatives to the passive are often used in ltalian.
The gerund fol lows the present tense of stare to make the Dresent continuous.
For more
lavoro?
l'm writing a letter.
Areyou looking forajob?
informotion on the Prcsent continuous, see page 8t.
The gerund follows the imperfect tense of
ll bambino stava pianaendo.

Stavo lavando i piatti.
KeY
Points
mepassive is made usingessere with the Past participle
tnepast participle must agree with the subject ofessere.
What are you doing?
Stai cercando
me)''
y'
(
y'
l'm working.
Cosa stai facendo?
sto scrivendo una fettera.
use an
activeconstruction in ltalian: Mi hanno detto (meaningtheytold

Le hanno dato (meaningthey gove her).
Sto lavorando.
stareto make the past continuous.
The little boy was crying.

I
was washing the dishes.
Note thatthe ltalian past particiDle is sometimes used where the gerund
is used i n En g I ish: essere disteso means to be lying: essere seduto means
to be sitting and essere appoggiato means to be leoning.
,Ela_dj$eEq s u I d iva n o.
Era seduta accanto a me.
La scala era
appogoiata al muro.
He
was lying on the sofa.
sitting next to me.

The ladderwas leaning againstthe
wall.
She was
The gerund can be used by itself:
to saywhen something happened

Entrando ho sentito odore di
When lcame in lcould smellfish.
Pesce.
Ripensandoci, credo che non

fosse colpa sua.
to saywhy something happened

Sentendomi male sono andato
a
parlargli.
see pages x-xiv.
Because I felt ill I went
to bed.
that he was on
came to speak to him.
h is
letto.
Vedendolo solo, d venuta a

Thinking about it, I don't reckon

itwas his fault.
Seeing
own she
r24
Venes rz5
VERBS
to sav in what circumstances something could happen

Volendo, potremmo
comprarne
un altro.
lf we wanted to, we could buy

another one.
l{
)
lnEnglishthe-ingformcanfollowotherverbs,forexample,Shestartedcrying;
He insisted on poying;They continued working.
rtp
when not to use the gerund
In ltalian the gerund is not used in th is way. A construction with a preposition

and the infinitive is used instead.
Ha
The gerund never changes its form to agree with the subject ofthe
sentence"
,)
|
:l_l
Howto make the gerund
> To make the gerund
of-are verbs,
getthe stem, and add-ando.
For
the-are ending of the infinitive to
lnfinitive
Stem
Gerund
Meaning
lavorare
lavor-
lavorando
working
andare
and-
andando
going
dare
d-
dando
giving
stare
st-
stando
bei ng
Note that the only-are verb that does not follow th is rule isfare, and verbs
made offare with a prefix, such as rifare (meaning to do again) and disfare
(mea n i n g to u ndo).f he geru nd offare i s facendo.
of-ere and -ire verbs, take off the -ere or-ire end ing of
the infinitive to get the stem, and add -endo.
To make the geru nd
lnfinitive
[J
tal<e off
Stem
cerund
cred-
credendo
believing
?5Sere
ess-
essendo
being
dovere
dov-
dovendo
having to
finire
fin-
finendo
finishing
dormire
dorm-
dormendo
sleeping
trtote that the only-ire verb that does not follow this rule isdire (and verbs
made ofdire with a prefix, such as disdire (meaning to clncel) and contraddire
(meaning to contrldict).The gerund ofdire isdicendo.
se pages x-xiv.
She
started laughing.
Have you finished eating?
For more informotion on Prepositions after verbs, see page u3.
lnEnglishweoftenuse-inqformsasnouns,forexample,driving,skating,clelning.
>
ln ltalian you cannot use the-ando and -endo forms like this. When talking
about activities and interests you use nouns, such as il giardinoggio
(meaning gardening),la pulizia (meaning cleoning) and il fumo (meaning
smoking).
A mia madre piace molto
My mother loves gardening.
il giardinoqgio.
Facciamo un po'di pulizia.
llfumo fa male.
Let's do a bit of cleaning.

Smoking is bad foryou.
>
ln ltalian you can neverputone noun in frontofanothernoun.
n English you can put an -ing noun in

skating rink.
front of another noun, for example,
Often you linktwowordstogetherwith a preposition:
calzoncini da bagno
una borsa per la spesa
un istruttore di guida
Meaning
cradere
cominciato a ridere,
(i mangiarel
Hai finito
swimming trunks
a
shopping bag
driving instructor
Sometimesthere isoneword in ltalianfortwo Englishwords:

the driving licence
la patente
una Discina
swimminq pool
When you want to translate this kind of English two-word

combination it's a good idea to look it up in a dictionary.
Vrnss rz7
126 VERBS
Where to out pronouns used with the gerund
>
Pronouns are usually joined onto the end of the gerund.

When she sawthem she burst into
tears.
Vedendoli E scoppiata in
lacrime.
Ascoltandolo mi sono
lmpersonalverbs
What is an impersonal verb?
In Eng lish an im personal verlr has the su bject it, but th is'it'does not refer to any
specifi c thing; forexample, It's golng to rain; lt's nine o'clock.
Listening to him, lfellasleeP.
addormentato.
>>
Incontrondosi Per caso sono
Meeti ng each other by chance, theY
andati al bar.
went to
a caf6.
when the gerund is part of a continuous tense the pronou n can either come
before stare or bejoined onto the gerund.
I'm tall<ing to you.
Ti sto parlando OR
Sto parlandoti.
Si sta
He's
vestendo OR
t
L
Verbs that are alwavs impersonal
Verbs such as piovere (meaning to roin)and nevicare (meaning to snow), are

always impersonal because there is no person, animal or thing doing the action.
> Theyareusedonlyinthe'it'form,theinfinitive,andasagerund(the-ingform
ofthe verb).
getting dressed.
Sta vestendoti.
Theywere showing me it.
Me lo stovano mostrando OR
Stovano mostrdndomelo,
@
Key
y'
Points
Usethe gerund in continuoustenseswith stere, and by itselfto say
-ing formsi n
En g
It's raining.
Nevicava da due giorni.

Pensi che nevicherri?
It had been snowing for two daYs.

Do you think it'll snow?
ls
Ha piovuto or E piovuto molto
Aveva nevicato orera

durante la notte.
I ish are not always translated by the gerund'
z I Verbs
D fare
to talk about the weather and time of day:
freddo.
Faceva bel tempo.

Fa semPre
Fa
brutto temPo.
notte.
r0p
Fa
further explanation of grammatical terms, please
see pages x-xiv.
lt ra ined a lot yesterday.

lt had snowed during the night.
that are sometimes impersonal
is used imDersonallv
Fa
ieri.
nevicato
fa caldo.
For
it raining?
It started to rain.
N ote that the perfect and pl u perfect tenses of verbs to do with the weather
such as piovere, nevicare, grandinare (meaning to hoil) and tuonare
(meaning to thunder) can be made either with avere or essere.
when or why something haPPened.
y'
Piove.
Sta piovendo?
Ha iniziato a piovere
niente means lt
doesn't matter.
It's hot.
It's cold.
Itwas good weather. OR
The weatherwas good.
The weather's always bad.
It's getting dark.
I28
Venes tz9
VERBS
d, and othertenses ofessere are used impersonallv, like it's and othertenses
to be in English.
E
tardi.
It's three hours now

been waiting.
Forse va
that they've
It was Easter.
Itwasn't like herto act like that.
Non era da lei fare cosi.
bene, ma non
Pare che sia stato lui.

Sembra che tu abbia
ragione.
There is no ltalian eouivalentfor"it".

essere is used in impersonal constructions with adjectives, for example:
trtote that the ltalian construction

adv erbs a pparently and seemingly.
with
va.
with
Apparently itwas him.

Seeminglyyou're ri9ht.
a
verb can often be translated by the
Basta?
ls
Bisogna prenotare?
ls
that enough?
it necessary to
or do
you have to
book?
Bisogna arrivare un'ora Prima.
facile capire che qualcosa non

lt's easy to see that someth ing's wrong.
Mi A impossibile andarvia adesso. lt's impossible for me to leave now.
E stato stupido buttarli via.
It was stupid to throw them away
Sarebbe bello andarci.
so.
Other verbs used i m personal lV are bastare (mean ing to be enough), bisognare
and occorrere (both meanin gto be necessIry), irnportare (meaning to be
important).
with an adjectivefollowed byan infinitive

E
tutto
- lt seems
Did he believe it? -Apparently not.

Maybe everything's okay, but it
doesn't look like it.
sembra.
>
Just use the verb by itself when tall<ing about the time or the weather.
Are they happy?
Sono contenti? - Pare di si.

L'ha credutol - Pare di no.
It was early.
da tre ore che aspettano.
Era Pasqua.
parere and sembrare (both meaning to seem) a,e often used impersonally.
It's late.
Era presto.
E
of
It would be nice to go there.
Oggi o domani, non importa.
fl
an adjective followed by che
vero che sono stato impaziente. lt's true that l've been impatient.
Era bello che c'eravamo tutti.
lt's nice that we were all there.
E
You have to get there an hour before.
It should be done at once.

tomorrow it doesn't matter.
Occorre farlo subito.
Today or
trtote that these verbs can be replaced by i m personal constructi ons

essere and an adjective.
E
necessorio prenotare?
ls
with
it necessaryto book?
Sarebbe opportuno farlo subito.
It would be best to do it at once
Vieni? - Pud darsi.

Pud darsi che vincano.
Are you coming?
Grammar Extra!
When an impersonal construction with che is used to refer to something that is a possibility
rather than a fact, the following verb must be i n the subi unctive.
The
following impersonal expressions refer to what might, should, or could
than what
It's possible
Epossibileche..
E
be the case,
possibile che abbia sbagliato
Non
Non
possibile che...
A possibile che sappiano
tu.
Q
For
they'llwin.
lt's possible that you made a mistake

It's impossiblethat.
It's im possible that they should l(now. OR
They can't possibly know.
likelythat...
likelythat it'll rain. OR
Efocileche...
E facile che piova.
It's
It's
difficite che...
E difficile che venga.
It's unlikelythat...
It's unlikelV that he'll come.
- Maybe.
It's possible or maybe
that
It'll probably rain.
rather
is the case, and therefore thev are always fol lowed by the subju nctive:
For more information on the Subjunctive, see page 13o.
see pages x-xiv.
y'
y'
Key Points
lmpersonalverbs and expressions can only be used in the'it'form,

the infinitive and the gerund.
lmpersonal verbs are often used when talking about the weather.
r3o
Venas r3r
Venas
The subjunctive
rtp
tu, lui and lei forms of the present subjunctive are all the same.
The noi form of the present subjunctive is the same as the present simple.
The io,
What is the subjunctive?

The subjunctive is a verb form that
is often used in ltalian to express wishes,

thoughts and beliefs. In English the subjunctive is only used occasionally,
main ly in formal language, for example, lf I were Vou...; So be it; He osked thlt they
For more
information on the Presentsimple,
see poge 69.
be removed.
The following table shows the present subjunctive of three regular verbs:
parf are (meaning to spelk),credere (meaning to believe)andfinire (meaning
[
:.1 Usino
the subiunctive
to frnish).
lfyou have the word che (meaning thot) in an ltalian sentence you often have
to use the subjunctive.
The subjunctive is used
afterche:
fol lowi ng verbs such as pensare (mean i ng to think), credere (mean

to believe/think) and sperare (meaning to hope).
in
giusto.
Ithink it'sfair.
partano
domani.
I think they're leaving tomorrow.
Credo che
Spero che Luca arrivi in tempo. I hope Luca arrives in time.
Penso che sia
lnfinitive
io, tu, lui, lei
nol
vol
loro
parlare
parli
parliamo
parliate
porlino
credere
creda
crediamo
crediate
credano
finire
finisca
finiamo
finiate
finiscano
Non voglio che mipqrlino.

Pud darsi che non ti creda.
E meglio che lo finisca io.
don't want them to speak to me.
Mavbe she doesn't believe you.
It'll be best if lfinish it.
Some common verbs that are irregular in the ord inary present tense also have
irregular present subj unctives:
Whereas in English you can say either I think... or I thinkthat... in ltalian

you alwavs say che.
following the verb volere (meaning to want).

Voglio che i miei ragazzi
siano
want my children to be happy.
felici.
Vuole che la aiuti.
she wants me to help her
How to make the present subjunctive
> To make the present su bj unctive of most verbs,
take off the -o end
g of
the
io form and add endings.
l For-are verbs the endings are -i, -i, -i, -iamo, -iate, -ino.
> For -ere and -ire verbs the end ngs are -a, -a, -a, -iamo, -iate, -ano.
[J ruote that in the case of-ire verbs which add -isc in the io form, for example
i
finisco (mean ing I flnish) and pulisco (mean ing I clean),-isc

the noi and voi forms.
For
see pages x-xiv.
is not added in
io, tu, lui, lei
nol
vol
loro
vada
andiamo
andiate
vddano
abbia
abbiamo
abbiate
abbiano
dare to give
dia
diamo
diate
diano
dire to
dica
diciamo
diciate
dicano
dovere to have to
debba
dobbiamo
dobbiate
debbano
essere to be
sta
stamo
siate
srano
fare to do/make
faccia
facciamo
facciate
facciano
ootefe to
possa
possiamo
possiate
possano
scegliere to choose
scelga
scegliamo
scegliate
scelgano
stare [o
stia
stiamo
stiate
stiano
tenere to hold
tenga
teniamo
teniate
tengano
tradurre to translate
traduca
traduciamo
traduciate
traducano
lnfinitive
andare
to go
avercto
have
sdy
be able
De
uscireto
go out
esca
uscramo
usciate
escano
venire to
come
venga
ventamo
veniate
vengano
volere to wdnt
voglia
vogliamo
vogliate
vogliano
r32
Vrnes r33
VERBS
pud darsi che it's possible (that)
E meglio che tu te ne vada.

Vuoi che lo traduca?
You'd better leave.
E facile che scelgano quelli rossi.

Spero che tua madre stia meglio
They'll probably choose those red ones.

I hope your mother is better now.
Do you
want me to translate it?
ora.
Credi che possa essere vero?
Do Vou
Key
y'
Wnenyou express
y',
fo I I ow
rn
think it can
be true?
points
wish, hope, or belief with

rt'
t
:''0.0"':, 1: _r,l_ol' "

:|"
che cannot be missed out in ltalian.
a verb +
che, the verb
It's possible that he won't come.
Pud darsi che non venoa.

un peccato
che it's
pity (that)
E un peccato che non sia potuto

venire.
It's a pitv he couldn't come.
It is best to learn the irregular subjunctives of common verbs such as

avere (meanin gto h1ve), essere (meaningto be), andare (meaning to go)
and fare (meaning to make or do).
che is not always followed by the subjunctive. Use the ordinary present, future
and so on, when you're saying what you know, or are sure of.
@ When to use the present subiunctive
So che d
)
)
Sono certo che
Use
the present subjunctive when you're saying what you think, feel or hope.
tuo.
5a che vale la pena.
She l<nows it's
verri.
pensareche tothink(that)
Pensano che abbia ragione
Pensi che sia
giusto?
io.
think l'm right.

you think that's fair?
They
Do
worth it.
I'm sure she'll come.
The following are com mon verbs and expressions used td express opin ions and
hopes. They are used with che followed by the su bj unctive:
know it's yours.
Key points
y'
y'
Usethe presentsubjunctive+cheto saywhatyou think,feel orhope.

Do
notusethesubjunctive*cheto saywhatyou knoworaresureof.
credere che to believe/think (that)
Credechesiastatauna
Hethinksitwasaredcar.
Grammar Ertra!
macchina rossa.
supporre che to suPPose (that)
Suppongo che quello sia il padre. I suppose he'sthefather.
verbs and verbal expressions that express thoughts and hopes are followed bV di + the infinitive,
Instead ofche + the subiunctive ifthe subject ofthe sentence is thinl(ing, hoping orfeeling
,,omething about themselves.
sperare che to hope (that)
( ompare the following examples: in the sentences on the left side the two verbs have the same
\u bect - 1... 1... and so on. These use di + infin itive. I n the sentences on the right the two verbs
Spero che vada

essere
bene.
contento che to
be glad
hope it'll be okay.
(that)
Mi dispiace che non vengano.
l'm sorry they're not coming.
facile che it's likely (that)

facile che piova.
It'll probably rain.
1...
they... and so on. These use che
Penso di Doter venire.
!thinklcan come.
midispiace che I'm sorry (that)
lnfi nitive construction
sonocontento chefaccia beltempo. l'm glad theweather's nice.
lrave different subjects
see pages x-xiv.
Credo di aver sbaqliato.

think I've made a mistake.
E contenta di esser Dromossa,
She's glad she passed.
Vi dispiace di partire?
Are vou sorry vou're leaving?
I
subj unctive.
subjunctive construction
Penso che possano venire.
think that thev can come.
Credo che abbiamo sbagliato.
! think we've made a mistake.
Sono contento che sia stata promossa.
l'm glad she passed.
Ti dispiace che loro p.rrtanoT
Are vou sorry thev're leavingl
I
Venes t35
134 VERBS
@ Infinitive
)
)
or subjunctive after volere?
volere can be used with eitherthe infinitive orthe subjunctive'

As in English, the infi
nitive
is used
in ltalian to say what you want to do'
want to be happy.
We want to helD her.
Voglio essere felice.

Vogliamo aiutarla.
>'
l ] How to make the perfect subjunctive
To make the perfect subj u nctive you si m ply use the subj unctive of avere
(meaning to have) or essere (meaning to be) with the past participle.
For example, fare (mean i ng to moke or to do) makes its ord i nary perfect tense
and its perfect subjunctive with avere, wh ile essere makes its ord inary perfect
tense and its perfect subjunctive with essere.
However, when you're sayi nq what you want someone else to do, or how you
be, you use che followed by the present subiunctive.
For more information on the Perfecttense and Past porticiples,
want something to
ordinary perfect
I want everything to be readY.

Voglio che tutto sia Pronto'
He wants you to do your best'
meglio.
Vuole che tu faccia il tuo
We
want them to 90 away'
Vogliamo che loro vadano via.
fare
else to do in the past, or how

present
subjunctive to the imperfect
the
vou wanted something to be, change
subiunctive.
Volevo che tutto fosse pronto. I wanted everything to be ready'
She wanted them to 90 away'
Voleva che loro andossero via.
[t
prima che before

Vuoi parlargli prima che Parta?
which include che

Do you
o
a
wantto speakto him before he
goes?
He spoke to me before he
>
tu
sono stato, sono stata

sei stato, sei stata
lui
lei
leilLei
l'll give you twenty euro so tnat you can
comprarlo.
buV
it.
un less Vou
want it'
sia
sia
sia
sia
sia
stato, sia stata

stato, sia stata
stato
stata
stato, sia stata
siamo stati, siamo state
siate stati, siate state
siano stati, siano state
stata una buona idea. I think itwas
possibile che abbiano
cambiats
>
you come to Rome'
lt's possible they've cha nged their
minds.
Instead of using expressions such as penso che and d possibile che with the
perfect subjunctive, you can use secondo me (meaningin my opinion) or forse
(meaning perhops) with the ordinary perfect tense to saywhatyou think or believe
Secondo me
For more information on Coniunctions, see page 187.
stata una buona idea. In my opinion it was a good idea.
Forse hanno cambiato idea.

t
see pages x-xiv'
a good idea.
hope she didn't hurt herself.

| hope you told the truthT
I
I ] Avoidino the perfect subiunctive
nelcasoche incase
sono stati, sono state
idea.
a meno che unless
Roma.
loro
male.
Spero che abbia detto la verita?
affinchE sothat
nel caso che venqa a
voi
stato, C stata
siamo stati, siamo state
siete stati, siete state
Penso che sia
lspoke to him before lwent.
tu lo voolia. l'll ta ke it,
stato
stata
Spero che non si sia fatta
Tidoilmionumeroditelefonol'llgiveyoumyphonenumberincase
For
to
to be
When you want to say what you think or hope about something i n the past,
use a verb such as penso che and spero che, followed by the perfect subiunctive.
went.
Ti do venti euro affinch6 Possa
Lo prendo io, a meno che
assere
ol When to use the perfect subiunctive
Notethatprimadi andtheinfinitiveisusedifthetwoverbshavethesamesubject
Mi ha parlato prima di Partire.
Gli ho parlato prima di Partire.
abbiamo fatto
abbiate fatto
dbbiano fatto
fatto
avete fatto
hanno fatto
Non credo che l'dbbiano fatto loro. I don't think they did it.
E possibile che sia stato un errore. lt might have been a mistake.
Grammar b&ra!
o
rc8to9.
perfect subjunctive
abbiamo
nol
pages
fatto, hai fatto, ha fatto abbia fatto
noi
For moreinformotion on the tmperfeftsubjunctive, see pageB6'
The subjunctive is used after certain conjunctions
ho
voi
loro
to do/make
>. when you're saying what you wanted someone
tu,lui, lei
io,
see
i,
For more
informotion on the Perfect tense,
Perhaps they've changed

see
page rc8
their minds.
Venas r37
136 VERBS
>
you can also avoid usi ng the perfect subj u nctive by sayi n g what you th i n k fi rst,
and adding a verb such as Penso, credo or spero to the end ofthe sentence
You told
veriti, spero?
Hanno fatto bene, penso.
Hai detto la
thetruth,
They did the right
Se
Se
hope?
lf lwereyou lwouldn't pay it.
fossi in te non lo pagherei.

fosse piD furba verrebbe.
lf she had more sense she'd come.
The imperfect subjunctive of the other important irregular verbs - bere

(meaning to drink), dare (meaningto give), dire (meaning to say), fare (meaning
thing, I think.
to make or to do) and stare (mean ing to be)

KeY
y'
Points
whenyou express a wish, hope, or belief about something in the past,

the verb following che should be in the perfect subj unctive.
y'
You can someti mes reword sentences to avoid usi n g the perfect su bj unctive.
@ How to make the imperfect subjunctive

D The imperfect subjunctive is made by addi ng end ings to the verb stem'
Theendingsfor-areverbsare-assi,-assi,-asse,-assimo,-aste'and-4ssero;
the end ings for-ere verbs are -essi, -essi, -esse, -essimo, -este, and -essero;
the end ings for -ire verbs are -issi, -issi, -isse ' -issimo, -iste and -issero.
parlare
Thefollowingtableshowstheimperfectsubjunctiveofthreeregularverbs:
(meaning
toflnish)'
(meaning
andfinire
to believe)
(meaning to speak),credere
pa
rlare
credere
finire
(io)
parlassi
credessi
finissi
(tu)
parlassi
credessi
finissi
(lui,zlei)
(tu)
(lui,zlei)
(noi)
(voi)
bevessi
bevessi
bevesse
bevessimo
beveste
bevessimo
dare
dessi
dessi
desse
dessimo
deste
dessero
dire
dicessi
dicessi
dicesse
dicessimo
diceste
dicessero
fare
facessi
facessi
facesse
facessimo
faceste
facessero
stare
stessi
stessi
stesse
stessimo
steste
stessero
Voleva che gli dessero il

permesso.
s ] When
He wanted them to give him

permission.
to use the imperfect subiunctive
The imperfectsubjunctive is used totalkaboutwhatyou wanted someoneto

do in the past, or about how you wanted things to be.
Voleva che fossimo pronti
alle
Volevano chetuttofosse in
(noi)
parlassimo
credessimo
finissimo
Volevo che andasse
(voi)
parlaste
credeste
finiste
(loro)
parlassero
credessero
finissero
Volevano che parlassicon I'inquilino. Theywanted me to speakto the tenanL

Anche se mi credesse, non farebbe Even if he believed me hewouldn't
do anything.
niente.
se solo finisse prima delle
ottol
lf only it fi
ished before eight o'clockl
The imperfect subj unctive ofessere is as follows:
(luillei)
(lei/Lei)
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
He
wanted us to be ready at eight.
otto.
finisse
(tu)
(loro)
lf only he drank less!
solo bevesse meno!
credesse
(io)
follows:
(io)
parlasse
(lei,zLei)
is as
bere
Se
fossi
fossi
fosse
fosse
>
pii
wanted him to go faster.
| n Engl ish, when you are tall<ing about what you would do in an imagi ned
situation, the Dast tense is used to describe the situation, for example,
Whatwould you do if you won the lottery?
>
In ltalian the imperfectsubiunctive is used forthis kind of imagined situation,

which is often introduced byse (meaning i[).
bisogno, te lo darei. lf you needed it l'd g ive it to you.

lf he knew he'd beverydisappointed.
Se lo sapesse sarebbe molto
deluso.
lf only I had more money!
5e solo avessi pi! denaro!
Se ne avessi
Key points
fossimo
foste
y'
fossero
y' ne imperfect subjunctive
ordine. Theywanted everything to betidy.
veloce.
see pages x-xiv.
Thei m perfect su bj u nctive is used when talki ng about what you

wanted someone to do, or how you wanted thi ngs to be.
is used
to talk about imagined situations.
r38
Venes r39
VERBS
The Infinitive
What
is
the infinitive?
walk, see, heor'

ln English the infinitive is the basic form of the verb, for example,
i s often
nitive
i
nfi
The
con.
and
must
should,
as
lt is used after other verbs such
live.
to
to
eat,
s\eak,
used with to:to
p
D
For more
information on the tmperotive,
see
poge 82.
prepositionsarefollowed bythe infinitive.

Prima di aprire il pacchetto,
Before opening the packet, read
the instructions.
leggi le istruzioni.
In ltalian
andato via senza dire
niente.
He
a
trtote
Dopo aver telefonato E
uscita.
went away without saying
nyth i ng.
After making a phone call she went out.
In English the -ing form of the verb can be used as a noun, for example,
ltalian the infinitive, not the gerund, is used as a noun.
They enjoy dancing. In
ASSS!1aIq la musica d
l The infinitive is the form of the verb shown in dictionaries'

> In ltalian the infinitive is used in the following ways:
o afteradjectives and nounsthatare followed bydi
Don't touch itl
sometimes dropped'
ple,
that there are a few verbs with i nfi n itives end i ng i n -urre, for exam
(mean
i n g to prod uce) and ridu rre
u
rre
g
translote),pnod
(mea
i
n
to
n
rre
trad u
(meaningtoreduce)'-urreverbsfo||owthePatternofprodurre,whichyou
can find i n the verb tables at the back ofthe bool('
fl
Don't do anything sillyl
Non toccarlo!
form of the verb, for exampl e, before leaving, ofter eating.
word, for exam ple, speak' or two words'

I n Engl ish the i nfi nitive
is always one word, and is the vertl
infinitive
the
ltalian
speak.In
t
o
for example,
speok)'
form that ends in -are, -ere, or -ire, for example, parlare (meaning to
of
the
nal
-e
fi
The
to
flnish)'
credere (meaning to believe),finire (mean ing
may be one
is
Non fare sciocchezzel
{ tnfinitiveorqerundl
D lnEngfish,prepositionssuchasbefore,afterandwithout,arefollowedbythe-ing
using the infinitive
infinitive ending
to tell someone you call tu not to do something
rilassante.
Camminare fa bene.
Sono contento di vederti.

Sono sorPreso di vederti qui.
I'm glad to see You.
rrp
I'm surprised to see You here'
Remember to use the infi
Sono stufo di studiare.

Ho voglia di uscire
Non c'E bisogno di Prenotare.
l'm fed up of studYing.

I feel lil<e going out.
activities you like:
Listening to music is relaxing.

Walking is good foryou.
itive with mi piacewhen saying what
Mi piace cavalcare.
like riding.
There's no need to book.
afteranotherverb
Non devi andarci se non vuoi.
You don't have to go if You don't
wantto.
Grammar Efrra!
Can lcome in?
Posso entrare?
Cosa ti piacerebbe fare?
Preferisce sPendere i suoi soldi
Whatwould you like to
in vestiti.
clothes.
do?
He prefers to sPend his money on .
otogiveinstructionsandorders,particular|yonsigns,onforms,andin
well as the ordinary infin itive there is also the perfect infinitive. In English this is made with
+ the past participle, for example He could hove done better; He claims to have
ten,an eagle.ln ltalian the perfect infin itive is made with avere or essere + the past participle.
As
r
he i nfinitive hdve
Pu6 aver
avuto un incidente.
He may have had an accident.
Dev'essere successo ieri.
It must have happened yesterday.
reciPes and manualS
Rallentare.
Spinoere.
Scaldare a fuoco lento per
slow down.
Push'
cinque
eat gently for five m inutes'
minuti.
pages x-xiv'
For further explanation ofgrammatical terms, please see
Key point
y'
n tta lia n th e infi n itive is one wo rd.
r4o
Venas r4r
vERBs
p_l Linking verbs together
n Eng t ish both the i nfi n itive and the -ing form can fol low after another verb,
p e, D o Vou want to come? ; They stopped workin a.
fo r exa m
Ci dispiace
directly
Volete asDettare?
o
o
Do you
with the preposition a

Hanno cominciato a ridere,
with the preposition di
want to wait?
ta I ki ng.
di,
see
pages
v4 and v6.
I was about to go out when the

pnone rang.
squillato iltelefono.
fl
nu
mber of very com mon verbs are fol lowed
dovere to
E
dovuto partire.
It must be late.
I can't help you.
Could you open the window?
It might be true.
Do you l<now how to do it?

He couldn't swim.
Non sapeva nuotare.
volere towant
Voglio comprare una mocchina
nuova. I want to buy a new car.
rtp
vof er
dire (literally to wontto soy) is the ltalian for to mean.
Non so che cosa vuol
dire.
ldon't l(nowwhat it means.
following common verbs are also followed directly
by
the infinitive:
to
De necessary
to want
to hate
to Prefer
Some verv common verbs can befollowed bva'dnd the
infinitive
andare a fare qualcosa

venire a fare qualcosa
imparare a fare qualcosa
cominciare a fare qualcosa
continuare a fare qualcosa
abituarsi a fare qualcosa
riuscire a fare qualcosa
to go to do something
Sono venuti a trovarci.
They came to see us.
to come to do something
to learn to do something
to start doing orto do something
to go on doing something
to get used to doing something
to manage to do something
Siamo riusciti a convincerla,

see pages x-xiv.
car repaired.
had my hair cut.
sl Verbs followed bv a and the infinitive
>
sapere toknowhowto,can
Sai farlo?
Odio alzarmi presto al mattino. I hate getting up early in the morning.

Desiderava miqliorare il suo inglese. He wanted to improve his English.
You need to book.
Bisoona prenotare.
I prefer not to talk about it.
Preferisco non parlarne.
potere can, may

Non oosso aiutarti.
The
capelli.
preferire
rectlv bV the i nfi n itive:
He had to leave.
Potresti aprire la finestra?

Potrebbe essere vero.
fatto riparare la mocchina. I had the
bisognare
desiderare
odiare
have to, must
Dev'essere tardi.
talking.
trtote that far fare qualcosa and farsi fare qualcosa both mean to hdve
something done:
Mi sono fatta tagliare i
We listened to him
fare (meaning to make) and lasciare (meaning to let)

Don't make me laugh!
Non mifar ridere!
Let me do it.
Lascia fare a me.
Ho
lt_j Verbs that are not linked to the infinitive bv a preoosition
vedere (meaning to see), ascoltare (meaning to listen to) and sentire

(m ea n i ng to hear)
He saw us arriving.
Ci ha visto arrivare.
I heard you singing.
Ti ho sentito cantare.
Other I i n l<i n g prepositions are someti mes used, for exam ple, stare per far
quafcosa (meaning tobe Iboutto do something).
Stavo per uscire quando ha
You'd best set off early.
L'abbiamo ascoltato parlare.
When I came in they stopped
For more information on the Prcpositions a ond
They started to laugh.
Quando sono entrato hanno

smesso di Darlare.
We're sorry to be leaving.
andarvia.
Ti conviene partire presto,
Inltalianonlytheinfinitivecanfollowanotherverb.Verbsaregenerallylinked
tothe infinitive in oneof thesethreewavs:
verbs such as piacere, dispiacere and convenire

I like cycling.
Mi piace andare in bici.
Dovr6 abituarmi ad alzarmi
presto.
We managed
to persuade her.
l'll have to get used to getting up early.
I42
Venes r43
VERBS
As in English, you can put an object between the verb and the i nfi
nitive:
aiutare qualcuno a fare qualcosa to help somebodv to do someth ing

invitare qualcuno a fare qualcosa to invite somebody to do something
insegnare a qualcuno a fare qualcosa to teach somebody to do someth
ruotethat insegnare takes an indirectobject.

Hanno invitato Lucia a
al loro tdvolo.
Ho
aiutato mamma
sedersi
piatti.
Ha inseqnato a mio fratello a
Verbs followed by di and the
be
followed by di and
dimenticare di fare qualcosa

smettere di fare qualcosa
ricordarsi di aver fatto qualcosa
negare di aver fatto qualcosa
fumare.
to
to
to
to
to
to
>
With some verbs the ltalian preposition may not be the one you would expect'
For example, to in English is not always a in ltal ian, di is not always translated
by ofland so forth. The most important ones of these are shown in the examples
For more information on Verbs used
with a preposition ond the infinitive,
deny doing something
Non mi ricordo di aver detto
don't remember saying anything
una cosa del genere.
forgot to take my key.
He's
dimenticato di prendere la
ke
lVerbsfollowed bva
with the ind irect object of verbs such as dire (meaninq to sdy) and
dare (meaning to give).
a is used
that.
dare qualcosa a qualcuno
chiave.
dire qualcosa a qualcuno

mandare qualcosa a qualcuno
ri+
scrivere qualcosa a qualcuno
mostrare qualcosa a qualcuno
that goes with im portant verbs.

t
Key points
ltal ian verbs can be followed by the infi nitive,
with orwithout
preposition.
y'
thefollowing pages.
When Vou learn a new verb, check if there's a preposition that goes
with it, and learn that too.
remember having done something
trying to stop smoking.

decided not to go.
y'
ltalianverbscan befollowed bytwoprepositions.

parlare a qualcuno di qualcosa to talk to someone about something
i'
try to do something
decide to do something
forget to do someth ing
stop doing something
Learn the lin king preposition
went into the classroom
see pqge 141.
Ho deciso di non andarci.
Ho
We
As in English,
on
that can
the infinitive:
cercare di fare qualcosa
decidere di fare qualcosa
entrare in to go into
Siamo entrati in aula.
>
infinitive
The following are the most common verbs
Cerca di smettere di
Ihe same is true of ltalian verbs, which are often followed by prepositions.
taught my lrrotherto swim.
He
nuotare.
pl
>
hev'll write to him, He was accused qf murder.
their
helped mum wash up.
TheV invited Lucia to sit at
table.
a lavare i
Prepositions after verbs

> Inglishverbsareoftenfollowedbyprepositions,forexample,l'mrelvingonyou,
ltalianverbs are not followed by the gerund.
a li
nking
For more
see pages x-xiv.
to write something to someone

to show sgmething to someone
information about. lndirect objects, see page 46.
rtp
In English you can sayto give someone something. ln ltalian you cannot
leave out the preposition - you have to use a with the person who is the
indirect object.
to give something to someone

to say something to someone
to send something to someone
144
Venes r45
VERBS
Herearesomeverbstakingainltalianwhenyoumightnotexpectit,sincetheEnglish
equivalent either does not have the preposition to or has no preposition at all:
arrivare a (una cittri)
to arrive at (d town)
awicinarsi a qualcuno
to approach someone
chiedere qualcosa a qualcuno
to ask someone for something
far male a qualcuno
to hurt someone
giocare a qualcosa
to play someth ing @ame/sport)
insegnare qualcosa a qualcuno
to teach somebody something
partecipare a qualcosa
to take part in something
rispondere a qualcuno
to answer someone
rivolgersi a qualcuno
to asl< someone
somigliare a qualcuno
to lool< like someone
permettere a qualcuno di fare qualcosa to allow someone to do somethi ng
pJoibire a qualcuno difare qualcosa to forbid someone to do something
rubare qualcosa a qualcuno
to steal something from someone
ubbidire a qualcuno
to obey someone
Chiedi a Lidia come si chiama

il suo cane.
Ask Lidia what her dog's called.
Quandiarrivi a Londra?
Parteciperai alla gara?
When do you arrive in London?

Are you going to take part in the
Non permette a Luca di uscire.
competition?
She doesn't allow Luca to go out.
Forverbssuchospiocere,mancareandrincrescere,seeVerbalidiomsonpageu6.
ridere di qualcosa,/qualcuno
to laugh at something/someone
stufarsi di qualcosa,/qualcu no
stupirsi di qualcosa
to get fed up with someth i ng,/someone

to be amazed by something
trattare di qualcosa
to be about something
to boast about somethi ng
vantarsi di qualcosa
Non mi fido di lui.
Ho bisogno di soldi.
Discutono spesso di politica.
Mi sono stufato di loro.
don't trust h im.
need money.
They often discuss politics.

I
gotfed up with them.
:] Verbsfollowed bUlla
> Here are some verbs taking da in ltalian when the English verb is not followed
byfrom:
{
L
dipendere da qualcosa/qualcuno
giudicare da qualcosa
scendere da qualcosa
sporgersi da qualcosa
to depend on something/someone
to judge by something
Dipende dal tempo.
It deDends on the weather.
to get off something (bus, train, plone)

to lean outof something
Verbs that are followed bv a preposition in English but not in ltalian

Although the English verb is followed by a preposition, you don't use a
preposition with the following ltalian verbs:
to look at something,/someone
to listen to something/someone
to look for somethi n g/someone
to askforsomething
to wait for someth ing,/someone
to pay for something
g uardare q ualcosa,/q ualcu no

ascoltare qualcosa/qualcuno
rw
cercare qualcosa/qualcuno
Remember that you often have to use a preposition with an ltalian

verb when there is no preposition in English.
p_l Verbs followed bv di
chiedere qualcosa
aspetta re q ualcosa,/q ua lcu no
pagare qualcosa
Guarda la sua foccia.
Look at his face.
Mi stai ascoltando?
sto cercando la chiave.
Ha chiesto qualcosa da mangiare,
Are you listening
Aspettamil
Waitfor mel
For
Herearesomeverbstakingdi inltalianwhentheEnglishverbisnotfollowedbyof
accorgersi di qualcosa
to realize something
aver bisogno di qualcosa
to need something
aver voglia di qualcosa
to want something
discutere di qualcosa
to discuss something
fi darsi di qualcosa/qualcuno
to trust someth i ng,/someone
intendersi di qualcosa
to knowaboutsomething
interessarsi di qualcosa
to be interested in something
lamentarsi di qualcosa
to complain about something
ricordarsi di qualcosa/qualcuno
to remem ber someth i ng/someone
see pages x-xiv.
Ho
y'
/
gii pagato il biglietto.
vanvuarian verbs ar.

a
J[T".r*e
l've already paid for
notfoili;:i,luilt
preposition with
to me?
l'm looking for my key.

He asked for something to eat.
or.o"r,tion
myticket.
you would expect.
verb in ltalian, but not in English, and
146
Venas r47
VERBS
Verballdioms
Some important ltalian verbs behave differentlyfrom their English equivalent,

for example:
Mi piace l'ltolia.
Mi piocciono i cani.
like ltaly.
like dogs.
Do Vou like the mountainsT

(literally: are the mountains pleasing to
Sono vecchi, non gli piace
They're old, they don't like this music.

(literally: this music isn't plelsing to them)
you?)
questa musica.
> Both English sentences have the same verb like, which agrees with the subject, l.
L The ltal ian sentences have d ifferent verbs, one si ngular (piace) and the other
Vi piacciono le montagne?
For moreinformotion on
Use
plural (i cani).
you lil<e:
Remem ber to
turn the sentence around
poge 46.
the infinitive, not the gerund, when tall<ing about the activities
Mi piace
ifferent verbs: ltaly is
n th is way
see
rq
plural (piocciono).This is because the verb piacere literally means to be pleasing,

and in one sentence what's pleasing is singular (l'ltalia) and in the other it's
lf you use this wording in Engl ish you also get two
pleasing to me; Dogs are pleasing to me.
lndireaobjeapronouns,
Ci piace
cucinare.
camminare.
like cooking.
We like walking.
lf it is not used with the pronouns mi, ti, gli, le, ci, or vi, piacere isfollowed by
the preposition a.
when talki ng
aboutwhatvou like in ltalian.
Il
giardinaggio piace a mia sorella. My sister likes gardening.

(literolly: gordening is pleosing to my
sister)
f
)
l
[l
Present tense of piacere

When talking about likes and dislikes in the present use piace if the subject
of the verb is singular, and piacciono if it is plural.
Use the
suoi film non piocciono a tutti.
everyone)
Do your parents like ltaly?

(literally: Is ltaly pleosing to your porents?)
L'ltolia piace ai tuoi?
appropriate indirect pronoun: mi, ti, gli, le, ci, orvi.
Note thatgli means both to him, and to them,so it is used to saywhat he likes,
and what they like.
Questo colore non mi piace.
Ti piacciono le mie scarpe?
don't like this colour.
You can use piacere in
anytense.
Credi che la casa piaceri a sara?
Do you
Doyou likemyshoes?
Questo libro ti piacerebbe.

Da giovane gliptgggva nuotare.
You'd like this book.
He doesn't like desserts.
(literally: desserts are not pleIsing to

him)
Le piace
2 Othertensesofpiacere
>
(literally: this colour is not pleasing to me)
(literolly: are my shoes pleasing to you?)

Non gli piacciono idolci.
l'ltolia, signora?
Not evervone li kes his films.

(literally: his fllms are not pleasing to
Do
you like ltaly, madam?
think
Sara
will like the
When hewasyoung he liked
swimming.
ll concerto A piaciuto a
tutti.
Non credo che il colcio piaccia

al professore.
Evervone liked the concert.

I
don't think the teacher likes football.
(literally: is ltaly pleasing to Vou?)

Ci piace il mare.
We lil<e the sea.

(literally: the seo is pleasing to us)
Mi dispiace means l'm sory. Change the pronoun to gli, le, ci and so on
if you want to say He's sorry,She's sorry orWe're sorry.
For
see pages x-xiv.
house?
r48
E
>
VERB5
NEGATIVES
Otherverbs like piacere

There are a number of other important verbs that are used with an indirect
pronoun, or are followed by the preposition a.

>> As
with piacere, the person who
is
What is a negative?
the subject of the verb in English is the
convenire (literolly)to
never
be advisable
Ti conviene partir Presto.

Non conviene a nessuno fare cosi.
You'd better set offearlY.
>
Fammi sapere se ti manca

qualcosa.
Let me know
Mi manchi.
lmissyou.
interessare to beofinterest
Se ti interessa Puoi venire
Do you
importare to be imPortant
Non mi importa!
>
Non i qui.
Non d venuta.
think Luigiwould be
don't carel
restare to be left
Mi restano cinquanta euro'
A Maria restano solo ricordi.
Positive
it
Negative
Lavorano.
Lo
vuole.
Thevwork.
He wants it.
Non lavorano. They don't work.

Non lo vuole. He doesn't want it.
over.
l've got
fifty euro left.
Maria only has memories left.
KeY
It's not here.

idn't come.
My parents haven't got a car.
She's not very tall.
didn't before the main verb, but in ltalian you always j ust add non to the verl:
We're sorrywe can't do it.
don't mind l'd like to think
ltalian non comes in front of verbs.

She d
miei non hanno la mocchina.
molto alta.
can't come.
ln English we sometimes make sentences negative byadding don't,doesn'tor
My husband doesn't care.
lf you
Haven'tyou gotthe key?

Ciuliana doesn't live here
n English not or nt comes after verbs. I n
nterested?
rincrescere (literally)to mal<e sorry

Ci rincresce di non Poterlo fare.
Se non ti rincresce vorrei
pensarci su.
y'
y'
Non posso venire.

Non hai la chiave?
Giuliana non abita qui.
Lei non 6
Non importa a mio marito.
The ltalian word non (mean ing not) is the one you need to make a statement
ora question negative:
ifyou need anything.
lf you're interested you can come.
llnon
Nobody should behave like that.
mancare (literally) to be missing
Pensi che interesserebbe a Luigi?
question or statement is one which contains a word such as not,

or nothing'. He's not. here', I never eot meIt: She's doing nothing \bout it.
A negative
indi rect object i n ltalian.
Points
lurnthe sentence around when using verbs like piacere'

Usethe preposition a, oran indirectobjectpronoun.
ri+
N EVER
use the verb fa re to
translate don't. doesn't or didn't in
negatives.
words such as mi, ti, lo, la, ci, vi, li or le in frontofthe verb, non goes
immediately in front of them.
lf there are
Non I'ho visto.
Non mi piace il calcio.
didn't see it.

don't lil<efootball.
lfyou have a phrase consisting ofnotwith anotherword or phrase, such as nof

now,or notVet, use non before the otherword.
see pages x-xiv'
non
non
non
non
adesso
ancora
sempre
dopo sobato
not now
not yet
not always
not after Saturday
15O
>
>
Necnrrves t5t
NEGATIVES
want to be more emphatic, or to make a contrast, use no instead of

non, and put itafterthe otherword.
NotALWAYS, but sometimes
Sempre no, ma qualche volta.
BUT, if you
You use no instead
non...nessuno/nessuna+noun no0rnot...any
Non c'd nessun bisogno di andare. There's no need to go. or
There isn't any need to go.
ofnon in certain phrases:
Non escono
In the Phrase o no (meaning or not)
Areyou coming or not?

whether he likes it or not
Vieni o no?
che gli piaccia o no
Ha
don'tthink
hope not.
He said
detto di no.
pii
so.
venuto.
p other neqative Phrases
Niente 6 cambiato.
him.
>> ln English you only use one negative word i n a sentence: t havenJ evgl seen
ln ltalian vou use non followed by another negative word such as niente
(meaning nothing), or mai, (meaning never).
BUT
The
following
It never hapPens.
She d idn't say anything.
I never see ner.
Non la vedo mai.
Nobody came.
Nothing has changed.
n ltalian you can have more than one negative word
Non fanno mai niente.

!!qn si confida mai con
lqsgu_nq.
two parts of the perfect tense'
Non I'ho mai vista.

Non ci siamo mai stati.
non ... niente
NsI hanno fatto nieite'

non ... nessuno
Non ho visto nessuno.
non ... da nessuna Parte
Non riuscivo a trovarlo
da nessuna Parte.
For
I've never seen her'

We've never been there'
nothi ng or not ...anYthing

They didn't do anythi ng.
nobody or not ... anYbodY

I d id
n't see any[:odY.
nowhere or not.... anywnere

I
couldn't fi nd it anvwhere.
further explanation ofgrammatical terms, Please see
Pages x-xiv'
following a negative verb.
They neverdo anything.

He never confides in anyone.
As in English, negative words can be used on their own to answer a question.
Cos'hai comprato? - Niente.
What did you buy? - Nothing.
Chiti accompagna? -
Who's going with you? - Nobody.
Nessuno.
rtp
You put mai between the
niente,
Non e venuto nessuno.

Non E cambiato niente.
'
never 0r not ever
non... mai
Neither Chiara nor Donatella

are coming.
lf you beg in a sentence with a negative word such as nessuno or

do not use non with the verb that comes after it.
not.
are the most com mon phrases of th is kind
neither ,.. nor
non ...n6... n6...
Nessuno
Non succede mai.

Non ha detto niente.
They're not going out together any

more.
insieme.
Non verranno n6 Chiara

n6 Donatella.
ln the phrase di no after some verbs:
Credo di no.
Spero di no.
no longer0rnot... any more
non... piO
Key points
y'
y'
negative put non in front of it.

it is good grammar to fol low non with
another negative word.
To make a verb
untit<e Eng I ish, i n ltal ian
Quesnorus r53
lfyou are aski ng about a person, place or th i ng usi ng a nou n, put the nou
QUESTTONS
What is a question?
A question is a sentence which
partita tua sorella?
is used to ask someone about something and
lfthe English question
beautiful?
the spaghetti niceT
ls Calabria
ls
has a pronoun such as you, they or he in it, you:
o keeD to normal word order

o don'ttranslatethe pronoun into ltalian unlessyou wanttostress
Different types of questions
Parlcno italiano?
Ha francobolli?
q uestions can be answered by yq5 or no. They are someti mes cal led ves,/no
questions. When you ask this type ofquestion your voice goes up at the end of
the sentence.
Some
ls
it raining?
ls it expensive?
ls there time?
I'awocato?
ls he a lawyer?
Va bene?
You're leavi ng tomorrow?
>
Other questions begin with question words such as why, where and when and
have to be answered with specific information.
lei?
Viene anche lui?
llhanno fatto loro?
Parla italiano
Where have vou been?

When did they leave?
How to ask ves/no questions in ltalian

lf you are expecti ng the answer yes or no, make your voice go up at the end
the ouestion.
'")
z j How
of
ls
>
that okay?
lfyou do want to stress you, he, they andso on,

it at the end ofthe sentence.
Why are you late?
f
l
Have you got stamps?
caro?
Fa
on Pronouns,
use a
pronoun in ltalian, and put
Do vou speak
ls he
ltalian?
coming too?
Did thev do it?

see
page 40.
to answer yes./no questions
I n English you can answer questions simply by sayi ng yes or no. lf this doesn't
seem qu ite enough you add a short phrase, usi ng the verb thaLstarts the q uestion.
Do you speak
ltalian?
Yes, I do.
r(+
Can he
In ltalian Vou can turn an adjective ora verb into a question simply by
making yourvoice go up on the last syllable.
Have you been to Romel
No, I haven't.
Are they leaving now?
No, they'rc not.
Basta?
Piove?
Chiaro?
Buono?
that enough?
it raining?
ls that clear?
ls it nice?
ls
ls
>
In
swiml
Yes, he can.
ltalianyou can veryoften answerjustwith sior no.

Stai bene? -
Sr'.
Ti piace? - No.
lf you don't
Areyou ol(ay?-Yes.
Do you like it? - No.
want to answer this sort of question with a definite
can use ohrases such as:
For
see pages x-xiv'
it
Do they speak ltalian?
C'e tempo?
Do vou like olives?
>
at
Has your sister gone?
bella la calabria?
sono buoni gli spaghetti?
E
which often has the verb in front ofthe subject.
the end ofthe question.
Penso di si.
Ithinkso.
Spero di si.
Credo di no.
Spero di no.
hope so.
don't think so.

I hope not.
yes
or no you
Quesrrorus r55
I54 QuEsroNs
want to answer more fully you have to repeat the verb that's i n the ltal ian
ouestion.
Canyou swim?-Yes, lcan (swim).
Sai nuotare? - Si, so nuotare.
ls it raining?-Yes, it's raining OR
Piove? - Si, oiove.
lf you
Yes.
t l How to ask questions usino question words
The
is.
you understand? - No, I don't

(understand).
Capiscil - No, non capisco.
it
Question words
dove? where?
Where do you live?
Dove obiti?
Do
trtotethatthereisnoltalianequivalentforanswersusingshortphrasessuch
as yes, I do; No, I don't; No, they hlven't.
following are common question words wh ich never change their form:
come? how?
come si fa?
How do you do it?
trtote that come can be translated by whatl when
y'
y'
y'
Points
Makeyourvoice go upattheend ofquestions.

Putnounsand stressed pronounsattheend ofthequestion'
is used
to mean
pardon?
5orry, what did you say?
Scusi, come ha detto?

KeY
it
quando? when
Quando parti?
When are you leaving?
o perch6? why
want to answer more fully, repeat the verb that is used in the
question.
tf you
Whv don'tyou come?
Perch non vieni?
[J
Note that perchd also means beccuse.
perchi ho fame.
Lo mangio
l'm eating it because l'm hungry.
chi? who?
chi
Who is it?
e?
Who are they?
Chi sono?
che? what?
Che giorno oggi?
What day is it today?
cosa? what?
What do you want?
Cosa vuoi?
che cosa? what?

Che cosa fanno?
t
For more
information on Conjunctions,
What are they doing?

see page
ft7
rtp
Remember to shorten che cosa (meanin gwhat) and come (meaning
how,whot)to che cos'and com'when they are followed by
What is it?
How did it happen?
Forfurther explanation ofgrammatical terms,
Please see Pages x-xiv.
>
Some cuestion
wordsdo sometimes chanqetheirform.
vowel.
Qursrrorus r57
r56 QuEsfloNs
> You can use quale to ask for precise information alrout people or th ings. lt has
a plural
form quali, and a singular form qualwhich is used in front of
qualewith
Use
vowel:
singularnounwhen you wanttoaskwhich orwhot'

Forwhat reason?
zl How to answer questions which use question words

D lfsomeone asks you a question such as chi e? or Quanto costa?, you answer
usi ng the same verb.
Per quale motivo?
Usethesingularform qualwhen the nextword startswith avowel.

What's you r favou rite colour?
Qual iltuo colore preferito?
Which isyourroom?
Qual d la tua cdmera?
Use
chie?-ECiutia.
Which room doyou prefer?
Ouale stanza preferisci?
When you don't l<now the answer you say Non lo so, or Non so followed by the
original question.
chi
qualiwith plural nouns.

Qualisonoituoisportpreferiti? Whichareyourfavouritesports?
Use quaf e by itself when you want
to askwhich
> You can use quantoorthefeminineform

Use quanto by itself
to askhow
Quanto costa?
Quanta ne vuoi?
quantato askhow
much'.
much?
How much does it costl

How much do you want?
Use quanto as an adjective with masculine nouns and quantawith

lemrnrne noun5.
How much time haveyou got?
Quanto tempo hai?
How much material do vou need?
Quanta stoffa ti serve?
Use
quantito
ask how many. Usequantias an
adjectivewith masculine nouns
and quantewith feminine nouns.
How many do you want?

How many days?
How many nights?
Quanti ne vuoi?
Quanti giorni?
Quante notti?
o
E
Who's that? - | don't know.

I don't know who it is.
Quanto costa? - Non lo so.

Non so quanto costa.
How much does it cost? - | don't know.

I don't know how much it costs.
e?
- Non lo so.
one.
Use quali by itself when you want to ask which ones.

Which ones are the best?
Quali sono i migliori?
Non so chi E.
Which one would vou like?
Quale vuoi?
Who's that? -That's Giulia

How much does it cost? - lt costs a lot
molto.
Quanto costa? - costa
Grammar E>&ra!
I
either
he question word wh4t can be
a pronoun or an adjective. In the sentence What do you want?
It's a Dronoun and you can use che, cosa, or che
cosato translate it.
when what is an adjective, and is used with a noun, for example wh at day is it todav? Vou translate
rr by che, and NOT by cosa, or che cosa.
che giorno
What day is it?
e?
Note that when whdt? mean
[f
r)
s pordon?
it
is
translated by come?
ror more information on Adjectives and Pronouns,
see pages zo and 4o.
: ] Where does the question word come in the sentence?
>
n Engl ish, question words
atthe beginning ofthe
ke who, what, where and when nearly always come
sentence.
Who are Vou?

Who does it belong to?
Where do you come from?
For more information on Adjectives, see page 20.
What do you thinkT

Note that some verv common questions do not start with the ltalian question
word you might expect.
Quanti anni hai?
How old are you?
Come si chiama?
What's he called?
What's it like?
com'a?
>
ltalian question words often come fi rst in the sentence, but this is by no means
always the case. Here are some exceptions:
lfvou want to emphasize the person orthing you are asking about, you can
put a noun or pronoun first.
Who are vou?
Tu chi sei?
Lei cosa dice?
see pages x-xiv.
La
mia borsa
dov'il
What do vou think?

Where's mv bag?
QursroHs r59
r58 QuEsroNs
uestion, you M
U ST
put the ltal ian preposition at the start ofthe
Con chi parlavi?
Where do you come from?

Who were you tall<ing to?
A che cosa serve?
What's itfor?
Di dove sei?
uestion.
When Vou are asl<ing about the colour, make, or type of something Vou must
Di che marca
Non fa molto male, vero?
It doesn't hurt much. does it?
"ometimes
E?
When Vou are asking who owns something start the question in ltalian
questa borsa?
Di chi sono quelle scarpe
Di chi
Whose bag is this?
rosse?
lwonderwhy he did that.

I lt is tvpe ofquestion is called an ind i rect question. lt is very simple to ask i ndirect questions In
Italian: you simply add a phrase to the beginn ing of the d irect question, for example, you could
.rdd Pud dirmi (meaning Can you tell me) to the question Dove va? (meaning where ore you going?)
Pu6
I
Uostquestion words don't change theirform.

Question words do notalways comefirst in ltalian questions.
lfthereisa preposition in the ltalian questionyou MUSTput itfi rst.
@ Ouestions which
end with question phrases
InEnglishyouaddaquestionphrase(likearen'tyou?,isn'tit?,didn'tlandsoon)
to the end ofa sentence to check that an idea you have is true. You expect the
person you're speaking to will agree by saying yes (or no, if your idea is negative),
This is the house, isn't it?
You
roundabout way, for example:
is phrased in a more
can Vou tell me why he d id that?

I'd like to know why he d id that.
Who do those red shoes belong to?
Key points
y'
y'
y'
this type of question
Tell me where you are going.
Would you mind telling me where you are going?
with di.
They haven't gone, have they?
Grammar Extra!
What colour is it?

What mal<e is it?
Di che colore 6?
Non sono partiti, vero?
r)uestions such a sWhere are you going? andwhv did he do that? are direct questions.
startthe cuestion with di.
You like chocolate, don't vou?
When you expect someone to agree with you by saying no, use vero only
What time do you get up?
ti alzi?
For more information on Prepositions, see page V2.
>
This is vour car, isn't it?
Note that when you ask someone what time they do something, the question
starts with a che ora
A che ora
Questa d la tua macchina, vero?

Ti piace la cioccolata, vero?
lf there is a preposition such as with, for,from or to at the end of the English

q
won't tell anyone, willyou?
I n ltal ian, when you expect someone to sav yes to your idea, you put either no,
orvero at the end ofthe sentence and mal<e yourvoice go up as you say the word.
Mi scriverai, no?
Vieni anche tu, no?
You'llwrite to me, won'tyou?
Hai finito, no?
You've fi nished, haven't you?
You're com ing tob, aren't you?
see pages x-xiv.
lre
dirmi dove va?
Can you tell me whereyou're going?
following are other phrases that introduce an i ndi rect question:

Dimmi...
Tell me...
Vorrei sapere...
I'd
Mi domando...
lwonder...
liketo know...
don't understand...
Non capisco...
Dimmi perch6 l'hai fatto.
Tell me why you did
Vorrei saDere quanto costa.
l'd like to know how much it costs.
Mi domando cosa pensano.
wonder what they think.
Non capisco che vuol dire.
don't understand What it means.
it.
Aovenes r5r
ADVERBS
What is an adverb?
An adverb is a word used with verbs to g ive information on where, when or
how an action takes place, for exam ple, here, today, quickly. An adverb can also
add information toadjectivesand otheradverbs,forexample,extremely quick,
Adjective
Adverb
Meaning
veloce
velocemente
quickly, fast
corrente
correntemente
fluentlV
Parla correnten0en!e
very quickly.
How adverbs are used
g ive
She spealcs
ltalian fluentlv.
if the adjective ends in -le, or -re, you drop the final e before adding
Adverb
Meaning
facile
facilmente
easily
particolare
particolarmente
particularly
You useadverbs:
Adverbs are also used at the start of a sentence to

is thinl<ing or feel ing.
I'italiano.
Adjective
Puoi farlo facilmente.

Non d particolarmente buono.
o with verbs: HeSngyglthere; She smiled hlppilv.

o with adjectives: She's rlther ill; I feel a lot hoppier.
o with other adverbs: He drives reallv slowlv; l'm very well.
D
if the adjective ends in -e for both masculi ne and femi nine, just add -mente
an idea of what the speaker
You can easily do
it.
It's not particularly nice.
Don't try to make adverbs agree with anything - they always keep the
same form.
Luckilv, nobody was hurt.

Surprisinqlv, he made no objection.
.) lrregular adverbs
> ln ltalian there are two kinds of adverbs which do not behave
How to form adverbs
p the basics
l
>
n Engl ish you can mal<e an adverb from the adjective slow by add ing -ly. You can
do a similar kind ofthing in ltalian.
o
o
Here are some guidelines:

if the adjective ends i n
in -a. and add -mente
Masculine adjective
-o in the mascul
Feminine adjective
ne, take the fem in ine
the way j ust
adverbs which are completelydifferentfrom the adjective

adverbs which are exactly the same as the masculine adjective
to buono (mean i ng good) is bene (mean i ng well). The adverlr

related to cattivo (meaningbod) is male (meaningbadly).
The adverb related
form, end ing
>
Adverb
Porlano bene I'italiano.
They spea k lta
Ho giocato male.
I played badly.
Words such as
Meaning
lento
lenta
lentamente
slowly
fortunato
fortunata
fortunatamente
luckily
Cammina molto lentAmgn:le.

Fortunatannenllg non ha piovuto.
see pages x-xiv.
pfell.
fd$and hard canbe both adjectives and adverbs:
He
>
question
works very hard.
ltalian: some adverbs are the same as the

masculine adjective. The following are the most common ones:
The same kind of thi ng happens in
chiaro (adjective: cledr; adverb'. cleorly)

ll significato
ia n
fast car
a hard
He wall<s very slowly.
Luckily, it didn't rain.
You're driving too fast.
o
For
described. TheV are:
-mente
chiaro.
Giulia parla chiaro.
The meaning is clear
Ciulia speaks clearly,
Aovenes 163
162 ADVERBS
Making comparisons using adverbs

> n Engl ish, there are two major ways of compari ng things
giusto (adjective: right, correct; adverb'. correctly, right)

the right moment.
il momento giusto.
Marco answered correctlv.
Marco ha risposto oiusto.
o vicino (adjective: nedr, close; adverb: nearby, near here)

C'E
My friends live nearby.
una piscina vicino?
ls
diritto.
diritto.
certo (adjective: sure, certoin:
adv erb'.
ectiv e: alone,
Si sente
L'ho
forte
ctiv
e'. str o n g,
h a
volte.
lonely
l've only met her twice.
rd
i adv erb : fa st,
ho
E pi! forte di me.
He's
Correva forte.
He
>
strongerthan me.
was running fast.
meno velocemente
less
>
EVER change
agito pi! prudentemente
pii
sodo di
see pages x-xiv'
running faster than me.

often than he does.
Luca speaks English more correctly
than I do.
She's acted more sensibly
than I have.
prima.
They
work harder than before.
pi! piano ditutti.

She walks the slowest (of all).
ghafattomenovolentieriditutti. Hedid itthe leastwillingly.
Cammina
di
KeY
y'
y'
y'
He was
She comes less
In ltalian you can make comparisons expressing the idea of 'the most'or
'the least'by putting piD (meaning nore) or meno (meaning less) in front
of the adverb and by putting di tutti (meaning of all) after it.
Mia madre ci veniva piri

Points
vougenerally make adverbs byadding -menteto adjectives'
ndverbs neveragree with anything.
Some adverbs havethe sameform asthe masculine adjective.
quickly
You use di to sav thdn.
Loro lavorano
she doesn't come to the oflicevery often.
Note that although these adverbs lool< | ike adjectives, they

their form.
more slowly
di me.
I like that picture a lot.
You haven't eaten very much rice.
more often
pii lentamente
Ha
TheV haven't got a lot of moneY
Hai mangiato poco riso.

Viene in ufficio poco spesso.
pru spesso
Correva pii forte di me.

Viene meno spesso di lui.
Luca parla pii correttamente
l'inglese di me.
r d)
poco (adjective: little, notvery much;adverb notvery much,notvery)
ln ltalian you make comparisons expressing the idea of 'more'or 'less'by

less) in front of the adverb.
putting pii (mean ing more) and meno (mean ing
mofto (adjective: d lot of; adverb: o lot,very, very much)

Non hanno molto denaro.
Quel quadro mi piace molto.
t ] Comparatives and superlatives of adverbs
of course)
He feels
incontrata solo due
the idea of 'the most' or'the least' Vou either put-est on the end,
or most or leost in front of it: earligg soonest, most/least often. Th is wav of
comparing things is called the superlative.
To express
straight.
nelv: adv erb'. only)
solo.
(a dj e
on)
l'm not sure.

Are you coming this evening?
- Of course!
Vieni stasera? - Certo!

sof o (adj
swimming pool near here?
We kept straight on.
Non ne sono certo.
The edge is not
Siamo andati sempre
there
diritto (adjective: strdight; adverb: straight

ll bordo non
adverb, ormoreorless infrontof it: earlig!,soongI,more/less of,ten.Thisway

of comparing things is called the comparative.
He's very close,
molto vicino.
I miei amici abitano vicino.
E
To
using an adverb.
express the idea of 'more'or 'less'you either put -er on the end of the
spesso
My mother came most often.
tutti.
For more
informotion on Adjectives
see
plge 20.
Aovenes 165
164
ADVERBS
lrreqular comparatives and superlatives of adverbs
Grammar Ertra!
>> somevervcommonttalianadverbshaveirregularcomparativesandsuperlatives.
Here are the commonest oneS.
Adverb
Meaning
comparative Meaning
bene
well
meglio
better
male
badly
peggro
worse
molto
a lot
ptu
more
POCO
not mucn
meno
less
p pii
Meaning
tutti
peggio di tutti
pi! di tutti
meno di tutti
best (ofall)
Le cose vanno sempre meglio.

Mio nonno sta sempre peggio.
worst (of all)
Cammina sempre
meglio di
pii
betterthan us.
I spent more than ten Pounds.

Andrea plaved best of all.
di.... meno di...: dipi0, dimeno
rather different wavs.
You use pir) di and meno di to say morethon and lessthon when comparlng
things where you would use thdn in English.
Paolo le piace Pi! di Marco'

Leggo meno di te.
Non guadagna Pii di me.
She likes Paolo more than Marco.
Pesa meno di Luca.
He
read less than Vou.

He doesn't earn more than I do.
I
weighs less than Luca.
lf there is no than in the sentence in English use di piir and di
Costa di piB.
Quello mi piace di meno.
It costs more.
I I i ke that one less.
Ho speso di meno.
meno'
spent less.
and di meno are also used to mean rnost and ledst'

the thing she feared most
la cosa che temeva di
the one I like least
quello che mi piace di
di
pii
piit
meno
Sonoquel|icheguad4gnanoThey,retheoneswhoearn|east.
di meno.
see pages x-xlv'
lento.
My grandfather's getting worse and worse.

He's wall<ino slower and slower.
least (of all)
>TheseareVerycommonphrases,meaningmoreandless,whichareusedin
pii
Key points
y'
y'
y'
the idea of 'more'and 'most' with adverbs use

To express the idea of 'less'and 'least'use meno.
To express
t)sedito mean'than'.
so on,
Things are going betterand better.
most (of all)
They behaved worse than usual'
di dieci sterline'
Andrea ha giocato meqlio di tutti.
Ho speso
that something is getting better and better,worse and worse, slower and slower, and
",ry
r' sem pre with the comparative adverb.
Superlative
They played
Loro hanno giocato meglio di noi'

Si sono comPortati peqgio del solito'
pii.
r55
Aovenes 167
ADVERBS
Some common adverbs

| 1-l Adverbs to use in evervdav conversation
> Just as
n English, you can often answer a
The
question
si
purtroppo.
Yes,
unfortunately.
Here's the bus!
Ecco la sua birra!
Use mof
to to mean
very or very much.
Sono moltq stanca.

Ti piace? - 5i, molto.
ere's you r beer!
l'm very tired.
Ora mi sento molto meglio.
use pocoto mean notvery ot not. very much
Dov'd Carla? - Eccola!

Non vedo i libri -Ah, eccoli!
Questa mela E poco buona.

Mi piacciono poco.
Eccolo!
Here he is!
Ci
too
E venuta anche mia sorella.
o certo
certainlY; ofcourse
Ofcourse you can.

Certainly.
Certo che puoi.

Certo che si
o cosi
so, like this, like
Sono
don't go there very often.
so much.
Questo libro
This book is so boring.
Tu mi
use
troppo to mean too or too
missyou so much.
feel so much better.
much.
tropDo caro.
Le sei?
It's too expensive.
Theytalktoo much.
troppo presto.
5ix o'clock? That's too earlv
{1'] tlote that molto, poco, troppo
and tanto can also be used as adjectives.

When you use them as adverbs they do NOT agree wlth anyth ing.
reallY
It really happened.
I
perhaPs, maYlre
Maybe they're right.
Forse hanno ragione.
o proprio
Porlano troppo.
icel
It opens like this.

You don't do it like that.
successo dawero.
o forse
vado poco spesso.
Usetanto tomean soor
5he's so
E cosi simpotica!
5i apre cosi.
Non si fa cosi.
o davvero
that
n
This apple isn'tvery nice.

I don't like them very much.
A tanto noioso.
manchitanto.
Mi sento tanto meglio.
My sister came too.
you like it? -Yes, very much.

I feel much better now.
Do
Where's Carla? - Here she isl

I can't see the books - oh, here they are!
o anche
molto, poco, troppo and tanto are used with adjectives, verbs and other
adverbs;
here
trtotethatyou can sayecco (meaning hereyou are)when you hand somebody

somethinq. Ecco combines with the pronouns lo, la, li and le to mean Here she
is,Herethey oreand so forth:
[J
Adverbsthattellvou HOW MUCH
>
Ecco I'dutobus!
that it,s a qood idea to learn
- Mavbe.
following are particularly useful adverbs:
. ecco
These adverbs are such common words

as many as possl[rle.
mply by using an adverb.
Are Vou coming to the Party?

Do you really have to go? -
Vieni alla festa? - Forse.

Deve proprio partire? Si,
rtp
abbastanza quite, enough

E
really
pIqPIle
stanca.
l'm really tired.
purtroppo unfortunately
Purtroppo non posso
venire'
Unfortunately
abbastanza alta.
She's
Non studia abbastanza.
see pages x-xiv'
can't come'
quite tall.
He doesn't study enough.
appena just, onlyjust

lJho appena
fatto.
lJindirizzo ere appena
l've
leggibile.
just done it.
The address was only j ust leg ible.
Aovenes r59
168 Aovenss
piuttosto quite, rather

piuttosto caldo oggi.
piuttosto
lontano.
E
Fa
It's rather a long way.
Sono quasi pronta.
l'm nearly ready.

They've nearly fi nished.
finito.
didn't knowthat before.
spesso often
Vanno spesso in centro.
quasi nearly
Hanno qlrasi
prima before
Prima non lo sapevo.
It's quite warm today.
They often go into
subito at once
Fallo subito!
town.
Do it at once.
o tardi late
lil
Adverbs
thattellvou
Oggi mi sono alzata tardi.
WHEN
got up late today.
adesso now
Non posso farlo adesso.
ancora still, vet

Sei ancora a letto?
Silvia non E ancora arrivata.
domani tomorrow
Ci vediamo domani.
dopo after, later
Ci vediamo dopo.
gii
can't do it now.
5 I Adverbs
.
Are you
Vienivia di
o
.
l've already told you.
a
o
Have you ever been to America?
{n
Oogi andiamo al mare.
We're going to the seaside today.
r:)
Ora cosa facciamo?
poi che cos'E successo?
.
And then what happened)
presto soon, early

Arriveri presto.
Mi alzo sempre presto.
always get up early.
qui
here
Come here.
see
pogesrc and 4o.
Have you ever been there?
dappertuttoeverywhere
lontano a long way away
Abita lontano.
looked everywhere.
He lives a long way away.
o sotto underneath, downstairs

Porta una giacca con una
see pages x-xiv.
Ind Pronouns,
ci there
ci sei mai stato?
maglietta sotto.
l'm herel
Ho cercato dappertutto.
o
He'll be here soon,
qua nere
For more information on Aftictes
Whatare we going to do now?
poi then
little village up there in the mountains
Note that li has an accent to distingu ish it from the pronoun li (meani ng them)
and li has an accent to distinguish it from la (mean ing the, her or it).
ora now
Put it there.
Vieni qui.
l've never been toAmerica.
It's down there somewhere.

Itappeared overthere in the distance.
lassi uDthere
Eccomiqua!
It rained a lotyesterday.
oggi today
laqqii da qualche parte.

apparso laggii in lontananza.
li there
Mettilo li.
mai never, ever

Non sono mai stato in America.
sei mai stato in America?
Come away from there.
un paesino lass0 in montagna
you later.
ieri yesterday
leri ha piovuto molto.
li.
laggii down there, overthere

E
See you tomorrow.
already
te l'ho gii detto.
le there
still in bed?
Silvia's not here yet.
See
that telt you WHERE
ll bagno
sotto.
He's wearing a jacket with a t-sh irt

underneath.
The bathroom is downstairs.
I7O
Aovrnns
ADVERBS
Where to put adverbs
soPra up, on top

qui sopra
lldizionario E sopra quella pila
up here
The
dilibri.
dictionary
is on
lr--l ndverbs
top of that pile
>
ofbooks.
You normally putadverbs
l'll wait for you outside.
Non torno
dentro inside
indietro back
Torniamo indietro.
Let's
turn back.
want to sit at the Front.
once a week
una volta la settimana
duevolte twice
l've done it many times.
qualche
Marco always comes.

Jessica usually wins.
semDre venuto con
gii
letto.
Milano.
me,
For more information on the Perfecttense,
I've neverbeen
to Milan.
He always came
with me.
l've already read it.

see
poge rc8.
/
zl Adverbs with adjectives and adverbs
>
ritardo.
Fa
Vai
I usually get here earlier.
r'
v
front ofthe adjective or otheradverb,

troppo freddo.
It's too cold.
Put the adverb in
5he sometimes arrives late.
di solito usuallV
Di solito arrivo prima.
For
sempre.
Jessica.
l've left my keys somewhere.
qualchevolta sometimes
Qualche volta arriva in
didn't know that before.
L'ho
t
parte.
da qualche parte somewhere

Ho lasciato le chiavi da
Prima non lo sapevo.
Non sono mai stata a
o moltevolte
manytimes
fho fatto molte volte.
can't do it just now.
When you are using adverbs such as mai (meaning never), sempre (meaning
alwoys), gii (mean i n g al reo dy), pi i (m ean i n g ag oi n) and appena (mean i n g just)
with verbs in the perfect tense, you put the adverb between the two parts of
the verb:
Itried twice.
Ho provato due volte.
Marco viene
una volta once
Ora non posso.
Di solito vince
In English you sometimes use a phrase instead of a single word to give

information about time, place and so on, and the same is true in ltalian.
l'm notcoming back.
In Engl ish adverbs can come between the subject and the verb:
It often changes. Adverbs can N EVER come in this position in ltalian.
9l Adverbs consisting of more than one word
can't do it now.
rtp
davanti atthefront
Voglio sedermi davanti.
pii.
You speak ltalian well.
D lfyouwanttoemphasizetheadverbyoucanputitatthebeginningofthesentence
Go inside.
Vai dentro.
immediatelyaftertheverb.
Non posso farlo adesso.

Parli bene l'italiano.
fuori outside
Ti aspetto fuori.
with verbs
Please see pages x-xiv'
pii
piano.
as you do
Go more slowly,
in English.
t7"t
Pnrnosrrrolrs t73
The prepositions used in ltalian may not be whatyou expect, forexample,
the ltalian preposition in is used for both the following:
PREPOSITIONS
I
I
What is a preposition?
A preposition is one word such as ot, for, with, into or from, or words such as
in front of or near to, which are usually followed lry a noun or a pronoun'
Prepositions show how people and things relate to the rest ofthe sentence'
for exampf e, S he's ot home; tt's fuyou;You'll get into trouble; lt's in front of you.
miei sono in ltalia.

miei vanno in ltalia.
You sometimes need
to
My parents are in ltaly.

My parents are going to ltaly
use a
preposition in ltalian when there is no preposition
in English.
1)
Hai bisogno di qualcosa?
Do you need anything?
Chiedi a Lidia cosa vuole.
Ask Lid ia what she wants.
For more information on Prepositions ofter verbs, see plge
u3
Using prepositions
rw
When you look up a verb in the dictionary, take note oFany preposition
that is shown with the translation.
>
where they go
Prepositions are used in front of nouns and pronouns to show the relationship
between the noun or pronoun and the rest ofthe sentence'
We're going to Rome.
Andiamo a Roma.
put
In English you can separate a preposition from its noun or Pronoun and
for
example,
part
sentence,
ofa
it at the end ofa question, or at the end of
Who were you tolking to?; the people I came with.
Is
ltalian prepositionsalwaysgo infrontof anotherword and neverattheend

ofa question or Part ofa sentence:
Who did vou come with?
Con chi sei venuto?
the girl I gave the key to
la ragazza alla quale ho dato la
chiave
which preposition to use

ish certai n adjectives and verbs are always followed by particu lar
prepositions, for example, hoppy with, ofraid qL tllkto, smile 0t The same is
>> | n
En g
r)
true
in ltalian.
sono deluso del voto che ho

Andiamo in ltalia.
EJ
andato via senza
salutarci.
Sono stufo di studiare.
For
preso.
I'm disappointed
We're going
with the mark | 9ot.
to ltaly'
Note thatwhen a preposition is used in front ofthe -ing form in English, a

preposition is used in front ofthe infinitive (the -re form ofthe verb) in ltalian.
E
to congratulate
to tell someone something
I prepositions that combine with the definite article

When the prepositions a, di, da, in and su are followed by the definite article
- il, la, i, le and so on, thev combine with it to make one word.
In
con
dire qualcosa a qualcuno
Comewith me.
Vieni con me.
>'
congratularsi
further explanation ofgrammatical
He went away without sayinq

goodbye to us.
l'm fed up of studying.
terms, Please see Pages x-xiv'
+il
+lo
+la
+l'
+l
gli
+le
al
allo
alla
agli
alle
del
dello
della
all'
dell'
al
di
dei
degli
delle
da
dal
dallo
dalla
dall'
dai
dagli
dalle
tn
nel
nello
nella
nell'
nel
negli
nelle
5U
sul
sullo
sulla
sull'
sul
sugli
sulle
For more information on Articles, see page
guardava allo specchio.

la cima del monte
Sto dai miei.
Cos'hai nella tasca?
Si
y'
y'
y'
soldisono sul tdvolo.
ta
I i
re pos i t i o n s a
r.
r,
lo
l,
He was looking at himself in the mirror.
the top ofthe mountai n

I live with my parents.
What have you got in your pocket?

The money's on the table.
*"l"rurll
1l?o n, o,
orh e r wo rd.
"
Thepreposition used in ltalian maynot bewhatyou expect.

ttalian prepositions combi ne with the defi
ite article to make one word.
r74
PReeosmorus r75
PREPOSTIONS
a, di, da, in, su and per
Use a
Ea
)
a is used
at the door
in the sun
in the shade
all'ombra
Vivo al terzo piano
a
>
Use a
Have Vou ever been
quest'estate.
Use a
Ea
Luigi
casa.
to mean
in when you're
is
a is used
.
.
at home.
talking about being in
town.
with months to mean
They live in Bologna.
llive in Scotland.
He lives in Canada.
with the
in.
mdggio.
lwas born in May.
to mean owoy when you're talking aboutdistances.

three kilometres awav from here
a tre chilometri da qui
a due ore di distanza in macchina two hours awav by car
ruote
that owly canbe left out oFthis kind of phrase, but a has to
be used in
Italian.
The hotel is a kilometre from the
beach.
a is used with nouns to tellVou when.
volte
at times
time
a temPo
on
alla fine
in the end
with nouns to tellVou how.
a piedi
on
foot
a mano
!y
hand
apocoaPoco
little Dy little
Use a
with flavours.
a Selene.
Piace a me, ma a mia sorella
A che cosa stai
no.
pensandol
0
[J
see pages x-xiv.
strawberry ice cream
chocolate cake
spaghetti with tomato sauce
gave it to Selene.
like it, but my sister doesn't.
Whatareyou thinking about?
ror more informotion on Prepositions after verbs,
see
poge w3.
trtote that the unstressed pronouns mi, ti, gli, le, ci and vi come in front of
the verb and are not used with a.
Ti ha parlato?
Did she speak to you?
cliel'ho dato.
gave it
Mi piace.
like it.
to her.
Q For more information on lndirect pronouns, see poge 46.

) aisusedwiththeinfinitive(the-reformoftheverb)tosaywhatyourpurposeis.
Sono uscita a fare due passi.
a is used with nouns and Dronouns after some verbs.
|jho dato
Use a
For
What time ... must start
What time are you leaving
un gelato alla fragola

una torta al cioccolato
gli spaghetti al pomodoro
wote that if the place is a country, use in in ltalian.
lJalbergo E ad un chilometro
dalla spioggia.
Use a
n ni n g
parti?
Sono nata a
l'm going to Germany th is su m mer.
Vivo in Scozia.
Vive in Conada.
[J
to NewYork?
Useato mean dtwhenyou'retalking aboutbeing ata Dlace.

Devo essere all'aeroporto alle dieci. I've got to be at the a i rport at ten.
Scendo alla prossima fermata. l'm getting off at the next stoP.
Abitano a Bologna.
>
A che ora
a place.
Shallwe go to the cinemaT
Note that if the place is a country, use in in ltalian"
Luigi
>
that q uestions beg

preposition a in ltalian.
onTV
to mean to when you're tall<ing about qoinq to
Andr6 in Germania
>
rw
Remem lrer
on the radio
Andiamo al cinema?
Sei mai stato a NewYork?
at midday
at the weekend
at Easter
at Christmas
a Natale
He's in bed
.;
at five o'clock
mezzogiorno
al fine settimana
a Pasqua
the third floor
I live on
letto,
alla rodio
alla tivi
alle cinque
a
with nouns to tell you where
alla porta
al sole
to mean at with times and festivals.
Sono andati a fare il bagno.
I went out for a little walk

They've gone to h"ue
"
,*it.
176
Pneeosrrrorus t77
PREpOSTnONS
E_ldi
di is used to talkaboutwhoorwhatsomething belongsto.

il nome del ristorante
il capitano della squadra
E di Marco.
Di chi E?
>
diis used after milione(meaning million), and words forapproximate numbers, such
as un migf iaio(meaning obout o thousand) and una ventina(meaning obouttwenty).
Use
dito referto the person who
un milione di dollari
un migliaio di persone
una ventina di m4cchine
the name ofthe restaurant

the captain ofthe team
It belongs to Marco.
Whose is it?
di is used after certain verbs and adiectives.

Ti ricordi di Laura?
Do you remember Laura?
sono tentando di concentrarmi. I'm trying to concentrate.
Learancesono ricche divitaminaC. Oranges are rich in vitamin C
Era pieno di gente.
Itwasfullof people
made somethinq.
un quadro di Picasso
a picture Dy Picasso
una commedia di Shakespeare a play!y Shakespeare
un film di Fellini
myfriends'house
l'Otello diVerdi
Verdi's Othello
lnd
on Possessive odjectives and Possessive pronouns,
the kitchen table

the holiday season
the English teacher
theworld champion
una maglietta di cotone

una collana d'argento
dei tovaglioli di carta
paper napkins
cottonT-shirt
a silver necklace
di sometimes means flrom.
di Firenze.
Di dove sei?
Non ho bisoono di niente.

Non ho voqlia di andare a letto.
43 and zo.
I
I
don't need anything.

don't want to go to bed.
di is used with nouns to saywhen.
He's
from Florence.
un gruppo di studenti
un bicchiere di vino
Use
a group
a glass
fatto di plostica.
[|
.
'
)
)
ofstudents
on Sundays
at night
durinq the day
dito mean
in
with seasons and parts.of the
di mattina
di sera
summer
in
winter
in the morning
in the evening
di is used in comparisons to mean thdn.
Use
pir) alto dime.
He's
pii
5he's
brava dilui.
dito mean
tallerthan me.
betterthan him.
in aftera superlative.
the biggest in the world

the best i n the class
the best in ltaly
il migliore d'ltalia
rn
wote that in can also be used with seasons, for example, in estate(meaning
pii grande del mondo

la pii brava della classe
It's made o,f plastic.
dav.
in summer).
il
ofwine
see pages x-xiv.
didomenica
di notte
di giorno
d'estate
d'inverno
Where are you from?
di is used to say what something contains orwhat it is made of.
see pages
rw
see poges
When a noun such ascotton, silver, paperisused as an adjective, use di in ltalian
after verbs ond Adjeaives,
Remember that some verbs are single words in English, but in ltalian
they are phrases end ing with di, for example, aver bisogno di(mean ing
to need) and avervoglia di(meaning towlnt).
In English, when there is a connection between two things, one noun can be
used in front of another, for example the car keys, the bothroom window. In ltalian
you change the word order and use di to translate this sort ofphrase.
il periodo delle vacanze

il professore di inglese
il campione del mondo
For more information on Prepositions
52.
iltavolo della cucina
'Q
my mother's car
(literally: the car of my mother)
la casa dei miei amici
34
Fellinifilm
In English, ownership can be shown lry using a noun with's, ors'added to it,
for example th e child's name, the boytteacher.In ltalian you change the word.
order and use di to translate th is sort of ohrase.
la macchina di mia madre
a million dollars
about a thousand people
about twenty cars
For more informotion on Superlotives,
see
page 27
Pareosmons r79
r78 PREPosrroNs
da is used totalkabouthowlong something has been happening.
.
bravo di tutti and E pii brava di
He's the best and she's the best.
E
pi!
are ways
del, della, dei, delle and so on (di combined with the definite article) are used
to mean some.
aspettava.
There were some people
waiting.
Would you like some biscuits?
di is used With the infinitive (the -re form of the verb) when it is used as a noun.
I'm afraid of flying.
Ho paura divolare.
I don'tfeel like eating
Non ho voglia di mangiare.
da is used with places to mean flrom.

a tre chilometri da qui
Viene da Roma.
scesa dal
llgatto
E
saltato dal muro.
scesa dalla mocchina.
Sono cascato dal letto.
three kilometres from here

Hecomesfrom Rome.
Use
dawith ooints
in time
l've been
to mean
El
since.
Notethatda... a... meansfrorn... t0...
use da
with andare to
say you're
Vado dal giornalaio.
I'm going to the paper shop.
andato dal dentista.

Andiamo da Gabriele?
He's gone
da is used with passive verbs to mean by.
polizia.
*
P
with essere to
say you're at a shop,
orat someone's house orworkplace.

Laura's at the hairdresser's.
Sono da Anna.
l'm atAnna's house.
see pages x-xiv.
plge 69.
painted Dya greatartist

The thieves were
caughtDythe
see
page fig
da is used with the infinitive (the -reform of the verb) when you're talking
about things to do.
see
police.
For more information on the Passive,
C'E
molto da fare.
There's lots to do.
un film da vedere.
It's a
film that you've got to
see.
Non c'd niente da mangiare.
There's nothing to eat.
E, da bere?
And what would vou like to drink?
| n English you can say what something is used for by putting one noun in front
of another, for exam ple a racing car, an evenina dress. In ltalian change the word
orderand use da.

un nuovo paio di scarpe da corsa a new pairofrunning shoes
Paolo hasn't got his swimming
Paolo non ha il costume da
trunks.
bagno.
to the dentist's.
go
Shallwe
to Gabriele's house?
Laura E dal parucchiere.
waiting for you since three
He's been in London sinceTuesdav.
workplace.
Use da
a Londra da martedi.
For more informotion on the Presenttense,
going to a shop, orto someone's house or
l've been
from top to bottom

from eight to ten
dalle otto alle dieci
since then
wote that the present tense is used in ltalian to talk aboutwhat has been
happening for a period, or since a certain time.
E
Affthe balcony.
The cat jumped offthe wall.
She got out ofthe car.
fell out ofbed.
living hereforayear.
o'clock.
The plant pot fell
da cima a fondo
For
for.
Ti aspetto dalle tre.
lsobel got offthe train.
treno.
ll vaso E cascato dal terrazzo.
>
to mean
dipinto da un grande artista

I ladri sono stati catturati dalla
Use da to talk about getting, jumping or falling off something, or getting or

falling out of something.
lsobel
>
of time
Vivo qui da un anno.
ofsaying
Ea"
)
dawith oeriods
da allora
C'era della gente che

Vuoi dei biscotti?
tutti
Use
da is used when describing someone or something.
una ragazza daqliocchi azurri

un vestito da cento euro
girl with blue eyes

a dress costing a hundred euros
a
da is used with nouns to mean ds.

Da bambino avevo paura del
buio.
As a
child I was afraid of the dark.
18o
Pneposrrrorus r8r
PREPosrnoNs
El
E.lin
in with essere to mean in when you are talking about where someone or
someth ing is - except in the case of towns.
Vive in Canada.
He lives in Canada.
E nel cassetto.
It's in the drawer.
Use
trtotethat in the caseoftownsyou usea in ltalian.

Abitano a Bologna.
They live in Bologna.
with adverbs such as qui (meaning
here) and li
that in the case of towns you

Sei mai stato a NewYork?
ruote
use a in
Siamo andati in treno.

E meglio andare in bici.
silenzio.
E scritto in tedesco.
Camminavano in
ll tuo cellulare 6 sul

Mettilo sulla sedia.
[f
trlote
*
)
For more information on Prepositions afterverbs,
see
poge
u3.
in to mean in with Vears, seasons and months.

nel duemilasei
in two thousand and six
in estate
in summer
in ottobre
in October
see pages x-xiv.
betterto go
Dy bil<e.
Theywalked in silence
lt's
written in Cerman.
sulla sinistra.
Your mobile phone is on the floor.

Put it on the chair.
It's on the left.
that sul giornale means in the poper

I
read
it
in the paper.
rw
Eccoli
How did they get into the bank?

He threw it into the water
divide)
It's
qui su and qua su mean up here.li combines with su to make one word
with a double s: lassD (meaning up there).
We're up here.
Siamo qui su.
Come on, get into the car
banca?
ruote that in is also used with verbs such as dividere (meaning to

tagliare (meaning to cut).
L'ha tagliato in due.
She cut it into two
Use
pavimento.
lJho letto sul giornale.
Use in to mean into when you're talking about getting lnto something, or
putting something into something.
5u, sali in mocchina.

Come sono penetrati in
fha gettato in acqua.
WewentWtrain.
to mean on.
Use su
essere in vacanza means to be on holidav,andare in vacanza means

to go on holiday.
finish it in thirty minutes.
Et,
E
rtp
did it in six months.
in is used to say howsomething is done.
(meaning there)
to NewYorl(?
He
You can
in is used with modes of transport to mean by
ltalian.
Have vou ever been
fatto in sei mesi.
Puoi finirlo in trenta minuti.
Use in with andare to mean to when you're talking about where someone or
something ls going to, except in the case of towns.
And16 in Germdnia quest'estate. l'm going to Cermany this summer.
E andato in ufficio.
He's gone to the office.
fl
in is used with oeriods of time to mean in.

L'ha
rWt
You don't use in
Note that you can also use di with seasons (d'estate) and a with months
(ad ottobre).
and
lassir.
They're up there.
su is used with tooics to mean dbout.
un libro suqli
animali
a book
about animals
su is used with numbers
totalkaboutratios
in tre casi su dieci
due giornisu tre
in three cases out often

two davs out of three
an articleand a numberto indicatean approximateamount

costato sui cinquecento euro. lt cost around five hundred euros.
sulla trentina.
with
5he's about
thirty.
r8z
Pnenosmorus r83
Pneposrrrorus
Some other common prepositions

f One-word and two-word prepositions
LqlPer
peroften means for.

Questo E per te.
E troppo difficile per lui.
lJhocompratoDertrenta centesimi.
Ho guidato pertrecento chilometri.
per is used with destinations.

ilvolo per Londra
il treno per Roma
It's too
difficultfor him.
bought itforthirtycents.
drove for three hundred ki lometres
l've been
waiting for a while
theflightto
As in English, ltalian prepositions can be one word or consist of more than one
word, for exam ple vicino a (mean i ng near) and prima di (mean i ng ofter).
following are some of the commonest prepositions in ltal ian:

prima di before, until
prima di me
before me
prima delle sette
before seven o'clock
Non sari pronto prima delle otto. ltwon't be ready untileight o'clock.
The
ruote that when you are talking about how long you have been doinq
something you use da.
Aspetto da un pezzo.
This isforyou.
London
the train to Rome
When a preposition includes a or di remember to combine these words

with definite articles such as il.la and le.
per is used with verbs of movement to mean through.

I ladri sono entrati per la finestra. The burglars got in through the
wrn00w
Siamo passati per
Birmingham.
Der Posta
Dy
post
per via aerea

per posta elettronica
Dy
airmail
Dy
email
per ferrovia
per telefono
!y
rail
[l
qY
transportfor people,
car
andato
Der
abitudine.
Non I'ho fatto per pigrizia.

E successo per errore.
After send ing orafter she'd sent the

text she switched off the Dhone.
Note that dopo di is used with pronouns.
day by day
due per tre
two times three
one by one
time
see pages x-xiv.
They arrived after us.
For more information on Pronouns, see page 40.
Resto fino a venerdi.

Vengo con te fino alla posta.
I'm staying
I'll come
until Friday.
with you as far as the post
office.
uno per uno

giorno per giorno
una Dervolta
noi.
finoa until,asfaras
went out ofhabit,

I didn't do it out of laziness.
It happened by mistake.
per is used in some very common phrases.
E)
one at a
See
mandato l'sms ha
spento il telefonino.
DoDo aver
you after the holidays
Ci vediamo dopo le vacanze.
Loro sono arrivati dopo di
per is used to explain the reason for something.

Uho fatto per aiutarti.
ldid itto helpyou.
|Jabbiamo fatto per ridere.
We did it for a laugh.
Ci sono
ruote that prima di, like many other ltalian prepositions, can be used in front
ofan infinitive (the -re form ofthe verb).
We need to find out before startinc
Dobbiamo informarci
prima di cominciare.
or before we start.
o dopo after
byoron the phone
ruote that per is NOT used when referring to means of

in is used instead.
in macchina
went through Birmingham.
per is used to indicate how somethi ng is transported or communicated.
We
Note that Fino a quando? (meaning literally until when)is used to ask How long?
Fino a quando puoi
rimanere?
How lonq can you stay?
rrp
When a preposition includes a or di remember to combine these words
with definite articles such as il. la and le.
r84
Pneeosrrrorus t85
PREPosrroNs
fra in,between,among
l'll be back in an hour.
Fra i soprawissuti c'era anche
The pilot was among the survivors.
He was
davantia infrontolopposite
Era seduta
Torno fra un'ora.

Era seduto fra il padre e lo zio.
la casa davanti alla mia
Fra di noi ci sono
alcuni
mancini.
There are some left-handers amonq us.
dietro la porta
rtp
Doco.
E)
Note that dietro di is used with pronouns.
during the night
l'llgowith
Hai parlato con lui?
Have you spoken to him?
accantoa nextto
Sit next to me.
rw
a
When a preposition includes a or di remem ber to com

with definite articles such as il.laand le.
coat?
ine these words
wote that senza di is used with pronouns.
For more
lui.
informotion on Pronouns,
see
can't live without him.
page 4c..
contro against
Sono contro la
her.
without
Thecat hid underthe bed.

five degrees lrelow zero
Siediti accanto a me.
Ci and16 con lei.
Non posso vivere senza di
letto.
le donne sopra i sessant'anni women over sixty

cento metri soDra il livello del mare a hundred metres above sea level
sopra l'armadio
on top ofthe cupboard
con with, to
ll gatto si E nascostosotto il
cinque gradi sotto zero
sopra over, above, on top of
durante during
Are you going out
sotto under, below
'
among the injured
senza without
Esci senza cappotto?
They're sitting behind me
tra is an alternative form of fra, and can be used in exactly the same way
tra un'ora
in an hour
tra poco
500n
tra il padre e lo zio
between hisfatherand his uncle
durante la notte
behind the door
Sono seduti dietro di me.

We'll soon know.
tra i feriti
the house opDosite mine
dietro behind
fra poco means in a shorttime,or soon.
in front of me in the
When a preposition includes a or di remem ber to com bine these words

with definite articles such as il. laand le.
Note that fra di is used with oronouns.
Lo sapremo fra
sitting
Ttp
il pilota.
She was
Dtane.
and his uncle.
davanti a me nell'aereo.
sitting between his father
caccia.
l'm aqainst hunting.
wote that contro di is used with pronouns.
Non ho niente contro di lui.
l've got nothing against him.
see pages x-xiv.
verso towards, around

correva verso l'uscita.
Arriverd verso le sette.
He was
wote that verso di is used with pronouns.

Correvano verso di lui,
ror more information on Pronouns,
running towards the exit
l'll arrive around seven.
a causa
di
because
lJaeroporto
nebbia.
Theywere running towards him.

see
plge
4c..
of
chiuso a causa
della
The
airport
is closed because
offog.
t86 Pneposrrorus
CONIUNCTIONS
When a preposition includesa ordi rememberto combinethesewords
with definite articles such as il,la and le.
o malgrado
in spite of
Malorado tutto siamo
amici.
p
)
)
What is a conjunction?
A conjunction is a word such as and, but, or, so, if and because, that links two
words or phrases, or two parts of a sentence, for exam ple, Diane ond I hove been
ancora
We're
friends for yeors; I Ieft because I was bored.
stillfriends in spite of
everything.
e, ma, anche, o, perch6, che and se
Preposition oradverbl
In English some words can be used both as adverbs, which describe verbs,
and as prepositions, which go in front of nouns and pronouns.
The word before is an adverb in the sentenceWe've met before and a preposition
in the phrase before dinner.
Of course notl
L Shown
o e and, but,whatabout
preposition:
la casa
prima?
davanti
io e Dovide
David and
tu ed io
you and me
Lo credevo simpotico e non lo
o prima and davanti are advertrs

Perch6 non me l'hai detto
belowarethecommon ltalian conjunctionse, anche, o, ma, perch,
che and se and how they are used:
Q For more informotion on Ailverbs, see page $o.

) ln ltalian you don't usually use exactly the same word as both an adverb and
a
These common ltalian conjunctions correspond to common English conj unctions,

such as and and but. However thev are sometimes used differently from their
English counterparts, for example, Ma no! (literally, But no! ) means Nol, or
Why didn'tyou tell me before?
the house opposite.
prima di and davanti a are prepositions

Ne ho bisogno prima di giovedi. I need it beforeThursday.
Ero seduto davanti a lui a cena. I was sitting opposite him at dinner.
to non ci vado, e tu?
he was nice,
Cerca di capire!
Try and understand!
Vado a vedere.
l'llgo and see.
ma but
strano ma vero
Dice cosi, ma non ci credo.
thought
but he isn't.
I'm not going, what aboutyou?
trtote that you use di or a, not the conjunction e, to translate try ond, go and
ano so on.
For more information on di and d, see page
v4
strange but true
That's what he says, but I don't
believe it,
Note that ma is used for emphasis with si and no.

Ti dispiace? - Ma no!
Non ti piace? - Ma si!
- Of course not.
you
like it? -Yes of course I do.
Don't
Do you mind?
o anche also,too,even
Parla tedesco e anche francese-
She speal<s German and also French.
l'm hungry. - Me tool

Ho fame. - Anch'io!
Lo saprebbe fare anche un bambino. Even a child could do it.
a oor
For
see pages x-xiv.
due o tre volte
two or three times
Cor.r;urucnorus r89
r88 Cor.rruHcnons
Some other common conjunctions
)
when you're talking about alternatives.
Possiamo guardare la TV
ascoltare musica.
o
@
oopure
We can watch TV or listen
to music.
Non posso uscire perch6 ho molto
da fare.
to do.
can't go out because l've got a lot
quindi
L'ho
Whvareyou going?* Because it's late.
detto che fari tardi.
He said
Penso che sia il migliore.

For more
that he'll be late.
information on chefollowed by the Subjundive,
see page
5e fosse
pii furbo verrebbe.
Non so se dirglielo o no.
know (that) she likes chocolate.
Let me know jf there are any
problems.
!f he had more sense he'd come.
I don't know whether to tell him
or not.
For more information on se fotlowed by the Subjunctive,
see
poge
going
like it - bnt it's too expensive.

It's not ideal, however it'll do.
I
Yes, I
know- it's odd though.
wasn't too hopeful, but actuallV
itallwentfine.
often used foremphasis in ltalian - it isn'talwaystranslated in English.
3o.
ma
lthought itwas him but it

wasn't.
Non mi dispiace,anzi sono contento. I don't mind, in Fact l'm glad.

quando when
They play outside when the
Giocano fuori quando fa bel
weather's nice.
tempo.
For more information on the Future tense, see page 93.
mentre while
come as
successo mentre eri fuori.
Ho
see pages x-xiv.
I've already seen it, so l'm not
anzi infact
Itwas his mistake, so it's right he

should pay.
Well, as I was saying...
Note that in sentences referrinq to the future, the f,uture tense is used after
quando.
l'll do itwhen I have time.
Lo fard quando avr6 tempo.
For
is
Ho pensato chefosse lui,

invece no.
se il whether
Fammi sapere 5q c'E qualche
problema.
invece
ltalian cheis NOToptional inthisway.

piace la cioccolata.
what do vou think?
rtp
ln English you can sayeitherHe says he loves me or He savsthat he loves me

So che le
So.
so
gii visto, quindi non vado.
invece actually
Ero un po'pessimista, ma invece
C andato tutto bene.
Bo
rtp
In
lot in colloquial ltalian:
giusto
Non l'ideale, perd pu6 andare.

5i, lo so - strano peIo.
thinl< that it's the best.
perd lrut, however, though

Mi piace, per6 E troppo caro.
che that
Ha
dunque so,well
Ha sbagliato lui, dunque
che paghi.
Dunque, come dicevo...
ruote that perch also means why.
Allora,cosafacciamostasera? Rightthen,whatshallwedothisevening?
perch6 because
Perch6 vai via? - Perch6 d tardi.
following conjunctions are used

allora so, rightthen
Allora, cosa pensi?
The
fatto come hai detto tu.
It happened while you were out

Id
id as you
told me.
Note that quando and mentre tell you WH EN something happens; come tells
you HOW something happens.
r9o
coNJUNcflONS
Split conjunctions
SPELLI NG
Englishsplitconjunctionssuchaseither...orandboth...andaretranslatedby
split conjunctions in ltalian
o ... o either... or
o oggi o
either todaV or tomorrow
domani
Ti accompagneranno o Carlo
Marco,
Non mi hanno chiamato n6
Neither Claudio nor Luca has
Cloudio n6 Luca.
ohoned me.
scarponi. I didn't
o
o
Verrano sia Luigi che suo
fratello.
have either gloves or boots.
o sia... che both... and

Both Luigi and his brotherare coming.
In ltal ian the [k] sound you have in the Engl ish words kite and car is spelled in
two differentways, depending on thefollowing vowel:
n6 .,. nE neither... nor; either... or
Non avevo n6 guenti ne
Either Carlo or Marco will go with

vou.
Howto spell wordsthat have a hard kor o sound
>
cbeforea,oandu
ch before eand
This means thatthe ltalian wordfor singer is spelled cantante (pronounced

lkan-t0n-t0v): the word for n ecklace is spelled collana (pronounced lkol-la-nal),
and the word for cure is spelled cura (pronou nced [koo-ra]).
H
owever, the ltal ian word for thot is spel led che (pronounced [kay]) and the
is spelled chimica (pronounced lkee-mee-kol.
wordfor chemistry
Note that i n English a si nqular verb is used in sentences that have split
rq
conjunctions. In ltalian a plural verb is used in sentences wlth split conjunctions

ifthe two people or things involved are both the subject ofthe verb.
Non venoono n6 lui n6 sua
moglie.
Remember that the ltalian words for kilo and kilometre are spelled
with ch:
Neither he nor his wife is coming.
due chili
cento chilometri
two kilos
a
hundred kilometres
f n the same way, the hard [g] sound that you have in the English word gos is
also spelled two ways in ltal ian:
o
o
g before a, o and u
gh beforeeand i
This meansthatthe ltalian wordforcat is spelled gatto (pronouncedlga-toel:

the word for elbow is spelled gomito (pronounced lgo-mee-toel), and the word
f ot ta ste i s s pe | ed g u sto (p ro n o u nced lg o o s-to el).
|
However, the ltalian wordfor leagues is spelled leghe (pronouncedllay-gayl)

and the word for lokes is spelled laghi (pronou ncedflah-gheel.
l2J How to pronounce c + a vowel
)
)
For
see pages x-xiv.
we have seen, the

by a, o, or u.
As
ltalian letter c is pronou nced like
a [k]
when it's followed
When c is fol lowed by e or i it is pronounced I i ke the [chl in children. Th is means

that centro (meaning centre) is pronounced lchen-troland citti (meaning city)
is pronounced lchee-tohl.
r92
Sneu-rruc
SPELLTNG
p Howto pronounce q * a vowel

l The ltalian letter g is pronounced li ke the lgl in gas when it's followed by a, o,
When an ltalian verb has a [sh]or [j] sound before the infinitive ending, for
example asciare (meaningto leove) and manglare (meaninq to eot), you drop
the i of the stem before endings starting with e or i,
f
or u. When an ltalian g is followed by e or i, however, it's pronounced like the

Ul i n jet. Th is means that gente (mean i n g people) is pronou nced llen-tayl and
This means that you spell the tu form ofthe present tense ofthese verbs lasci
and mangi.
giorno (meaningday) is pronounced flor-nol.
p Howto spell verb endings which have c org+ vowel

) When an ltalian verb has a hard il<l or [g]sound before the infinitive ending,
for example cergare (meaningto look [or) and pagare (mean ingto poy),you
have to change the spell ing to ch and gh i n forms ofthe verb that have end ings
starting with e or i.
ere are the present and futu re tenses of cercare and pagare, showi
how
the spelling changes.

Vowel that
follows c/9
o
Present
cercare
of
Present
of
pagare
Meaning
I lool<
pa90
I pav
cerchi
vou lool< for
paqhi
vou pav
cerca
he,/she looks for
paga
he/she pays
cerchiamo
we lool< for
paghiamo
we pav
cercate
you look for
Pagate
you pay
cercano
thev look for
pagano
they pay
for
window open?
Lasci la finestra aperta?
Are you leaving the
Cosa mangi?
What are you eating?
lasceri, lasceremo
lascerete, lasceranno and mangerb, mangerai, mangeri, mangeremo,
mangerete, mangeranno.
It's hot, l'll leave my jumper at
Fa caldo, lascerd a casa il
The futures of the two verbs are spelled lascerd, lascerai,
maglione.
nome.
Domani mangeremo meno.
We'tl eat less tomorrow.
Ttp
Meaning
cerco
Although the spell ing ofsome verb end ings changes, the pronunciation
stavs the same.
@ How to spell plurals of nouns
and adjectives ending in -ca or -ga
When a femini ne noun or adjective has a hard [k] or [g] sound before the singular
ending -a, you add an h to the plural ending.
Vowel that
follows c,/g
cercare
Meaning
Future of
pagare
Meaning
Singular
Meaning
Plural
Meaning
cercherd
l'll lool< for
paqherd
l'll paV
amtca
friend
amiche
fri end s
cerqferai
you'lllool<for
pagherai
you'llpay
flga
line
righe
lines
cercherA
helshe will
pagheri
helshewill pay
ncca
rich
ricche
rich
lunga
rong
lunghe
rong
Future of
lool<
for
cerqheremo
we'll lookfor
pagheremo
we'll pay
cercherete
you'll look for
pagherete
you'llpay
cergheranno
they'll lookfor
paq[eranno
they'll pay
Cosa cershi?
- Cergq le chiavi.
Pagq io. - No, paghiamo noi.
What are you lool<ing for?

- l'm lool<ing for my lceys.
l'll pay. - No, we'll pay.
una sua amlca ncca

le sue amiche ricche
una riga sotto le parole
Ne ho letto solo poche righe.
a rich
friend ofhers
her rich friends
line underthewords
just read a few I ines of it.
a
I
rw
Feminine nouns and adjectives always keep their hard Ik] and [g]
sounds in the plural.
For
see pages x-xiv.
r93
rg4
I
lie),
There is not a fixed rule for the sound ofthe consonants c and g in the plural of
masculine nouns and adjectives ending I n -co and -go.
Some words keep the hard sound of
In others, such asfaccia (meaning face)and spiaggia (meaning beoch)theiof

the si ngular ending is not stressed, and the plural is not spelled with i: facce;
the spelling.
spiagge.
Meaning
Plural
Meaning
fuoco
fire
fuochi
fires
albergo
hotel
alberghi
notels
ncco
rich
ricchi
rich
lungo
rong
lunghi
rong
It's a hotel for rich people.
un albergo per ricchi.
Ho icapelli lunghi.
I've
got long hair.
The plurals of manV other words, however, change from the hard Ik] sound to
the [ch] sound, orfrom the hard [g] to [j].This means their plurals are not spelled
with an added
h.
Singular
Meanlng
Plural
Meaning
amtco
friend
amrcl
fri ends
astrologo
astrologer
astrologi
astrologers
greco
Creel(
grecl
Creek
psicologico
psycholog ical
psicologici
psycholog ical
a Creek
astrologer
my friends and
their psycholog ical
problems
p
)
Howtouseaccents
Accents have two main uses: one is to show that a word is stressed on the
last syllable, which is not normal in ltalian, for example citti (meaning city),
universiti (mean ing university), perch6 (meaning why/because), cercheri
(meaning I will lookfor).
Q For more information on stress, see poge D6.

) The second use of accents is to distinguish between
(meaning dispatch), the plural is spelled with double i: zii, invii.

Ho sei zii e sette zie.
With an accent
Without an accent
da
from
da
and
la
the/it
ta
tnere
ti
them
ri
there
ne
ofitlthem
n6
neither
se
if
se
himself
si
himself/herself/one
5l
yes
te
you
td
tea
helshe gives
gli occh! azzurri.
Mettila
Put it there.
ldon't l<now if he made it himself
Non so se I'ha fatto da s6.
He's
rtp
The words pu6,
gii, ci6, pii
and
gil
are spelled
with
an accent.
got blue eyes.
@ How to spell plurals of nouns ending in -cia and -oia

The spelli ng of the plurals of these words also depends on whether the i of the
endino is stressed.
li.
l've oot six uncles and seven aunts
lf the i of the -io ending is not stressed you spell the plural end ing with only
one i, for example figlio - figli; occhio * occhi.
Ha
words that have identical
How to spell plurals of nouns ending in -io
> When the i of the -io end ing is stressed, as it is in zio (mean ing uncle) and invio
>
ourfavourite beaches
le nostre spiagge preferite
pronunciations and spellings.
un astrologo greco
i miei amici e i loro problemi
psicologici
Don't tell lies.
Non dire bugie.
their c or g in the plural, and add an h to
Singular
KeY
1/
Points
Spelling changes are someti mes necessary to keep the consonants

c and g hard.
r' Accents show that the last syllable of

see pages x-xiv.
r95
In some words, such words as farmacla (meaning chemist's) and bugla (meaning
the stress is on the i, and the plurals l<eep the i: farmacie; bugie.
to spell plurals of nouns and adjectives endino in -co or -oo
l_l How
Seeu-rruc
SPELLTNG
word is stressed.
Srnpss r97
Which syllable to stress
accent, for example, ul nilverl
)
D
silti.
Some words have thei r stress on an u nexpected vowel, but are not spel led
with an accent, for exam ple, macl chil na (mean i ng cor).
lf a word has the stress on a vowel you wouldn't expect, the stressed vowel is
in italics, for example, vogliono (mea ningthey wont), vendere (meaning to sell),
quindici(mea ningflfteen), medico (mean ing doctor).
p
D
c4l sa
bellla
no
sol
luli
>
Words
house
beautiful
I am
he
facultY
city
age
half
For moreinformation about Spelling, see plgeD1.
p
D
words that stress an unexpected svllable

Some words have the stress on a svllable
which is neither the last, nor the next
to the last.
giorlno
oay
dule
two
speslso
often
today
with three or more syllables generallv
happiness,felicity
university
fidelity
and pelrd.
less the fi nal vowel has
oglgi
curiosity
goodness
cruelty
TV
ulnilverlsiltd
feldelltri
falcolltri
citltti
eltri
meltri
There are some common adverbs and conjunctions that have the stress on
the flnal syllable and are spelled with an accent, for example, perlch6, colsi,
Words that are stressed on the next to last svllable

un
culriolsiltd
tilvn
This book also marks the stress in words in which ibefore anothervowel is
pronounced like y, forexample Lidia.
Two-syllable words always stress the fi rst vowel,

an accent:
reality
bonltd
cruldelltri
Most ltal ian words have two or more syllables, (un its containing a vowel
sound). In this section syllables are shown divided by I and the stressed vowel
is in italic.
> Most words are stressed on the next to the last syllable, for example, fil nelstra"
) Some words are stressed on the last vowel, and this is always shown by an
relallta
fel lil ciltd
ultille
diflfilcille
nulmelro
numDer
calmelra
bedroom
form
moldullo
usefu
ifficu
lt
porltoltille
portallle
sulbilto
penltolla
comlpilto
suddenly
saucepan
homeworl<
trtote that past participles such as filnilto (meaning flnished) and parltilto
(meaning left) alwavs have the stress on the next to last syllable, but there
are simi lar-looki ng words, such as sul bilto (meaning immediotely) and
comf pif to (meaning homework), that are not past particiPles, and that have
the stress on a syllable you wouldn't expect.
have the stress on the next to the
lastvowel:
inlglelse
Eng
genltille
n ice
setltilmdlna
weel<
parllalvo
anldreblbe
parl lel rel mo
stalziol ne
statron
sulperlmerlcclto supermarket
lish
was speaking
When learn ing new vocabu lary, check in the d ictionary where the
he'd go
stre55 00es.
we'll spea k
stralorldil nal rial menlte exrraordinarily

!1_l
p
D
For
>
Words that stress the last svllable

There are a number of nou ns in ltalian that have the stress on the fi nal svllable
and are spelled with an accent.They sometimes correspond to English nouns
that end with ty, such as university and foculty.
see pages x-xiv.
Stress in verb forms
In the present tense, the loro form alwavs has the stress on the same vowel as
the io form:
loro form
io form
no
porllo
conlsildelro
speak
parl lal
consider
conlsildelralno
mialllelno
l'm training
sialllelnalno
they speak
theyconsider
they'retraining
198 SrREss
>
lnthefuturetenseofallverbsthestressisonthelastsyllableoftheioformandthe
NUMBERS
lui,/lei form.These two verb forms are spelled with an accent on the stressed vowel.
Future
fl lnr lr4
lwill be
lwillwork
itwillfinish
aslpetltelr,i
she'llwait
salrd
lalvolrelrd
infinitive of-are verbs always has the stress on the a ofthe ending, for
example inlviltalre (meaning to invite) and camlmilnolre (meaning to wotk).
The infinitive of -ire verbs always has the stress on the i of the ending, for
example parltilre (meaning to leave) andfilnilre (meanin gto finish).
The
infinitive of -ere verbs sometimes has the stress on the first e of the ending,
for example, veldelre (meaning to see) and avlelre (meaningto have). However,
The
these verbs often stress a syllable before the -ere ending, for example venlaelre
(meaning to sell), dilvildelre (mean ing to divide) and eslselre (mean ingto be).
t
z
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
lo
rr
ri+
5o
cinque
58
cinquantotto
sei
6o
sette
63
sessanta
sessantatrd
otto
7o
nove
dieci
75
In a
few cases one word has two pronunciations, depend ing on its meaning.
The
following are sbme examples:
Normal stress
Meaning
Unusual stress
Meaning
an lcolra
agar n
on
calpiltalno
capta i n
calpiltalno
they happen
meltro
meter
meltrd
metro
lcolra
ncnor
200
203
duecentotrC
diciotto
300
diciannove
400
trecento
quattrocento
cinquecento
22
23
24
25
zG
27
venti
ventidue
ventitrE
ventiquattro
venticinque
ventisei
ventisette
ventotto
ventinove
trenta
diciannove
nel capitolo sette
dieci per cento
Key points
For
further exptanation ofgrammatical terms, please
see pages x-xiv.
ottanta
ottantuno
16 sedici
17 diciassette
quindici
a pagina
seicento euro
tremila persone
-/
settanta
settantacinque
novanta
novantanove
cento
centouno
duecento
z8
29
30
y' Two-syllablewordsarestesssedonthefirstsyllable,unlesstheresanaccent.
y' Longerwords are usuallystressed on the nextto the tast syllable.
y' lfthestressisonanunexpectedvowelyouneedtolearnit.
8o
9o
r8
r9
different meanings
41
12 dodici
13 tredici
14 quattordici
21 ventuno
i_l Different stress for
trentuno
quaranta
quarantuno
cinquanta
tre
quattro
8r
20
I
31
40
undici
r5
Remem ber that -ere verbs do not always stress the e ofthe endi ng,
and take note ofthe stress when learnino a new verb.
uno(un, una)
due
99
100
101
500
6oo seicento
700 settecento
8oo ottocento
900 novecento
1000 mille
'lool milleuno
2000 duemila
25oO duemilacinquecento
l.OOO.OOO
un milione
(i n En glish'r,ooo, ooo)
on page nineteen
in chapter seven
ten per cent
six hundred euros
three thousand people
trtote that in the numbers 2r, 3r, 4r and so on, the fi nal vowel of venti, trenta
and quaranta is lost: ventuno, trentuno, quarantuno.The same thing
happens with the numbers 28,38, q8 and so on: ventotto, trentotto,
quarantotto. When tre is combined with another number it takes an accent:
trentatri G3), centotrE (to3), milletrd (too3).
Nurrrgens zor
2OO NUMBERS
l!_J uno, un
or una?
| n ltalian the same word - uno - is used for the number one and the indefi nite
article d.
un uomo
uno scienzato
una ragazza
one man
un'anatra
one duck
For more
one
one
informotion on the tndefinite article,
'|
Use uno
when counting, unless referring to somethi ng or someone femi nine
rrO
terzo G")
6th
quarto (4")
quinto (5")
sesto (6')
7t'
settimo (Z')
gth
ottavo (8")
nth
nono (9")
decimo (ro")
You do use un
million).
with milione (meaning
one thousand euros

million) and
2lst
ventunesimo (zt")
33'"
trentatreesimo G3")
centesimo (roo")
'I
How many people? - One million.

one thousand
Which numbers have plurals?
Learn the
>
)Theonlynumberswhichhavepluralsaremille,milione,andmiliardo.Due,tre,
centunesimo (ror")
millesimo (rooo")
rw
million euros
o lsr
1000.'
one million dollars
wotethatwhen un milioneand un miliardoarefollowed bya noun, di isadded.
first ten ofthese numbers.
To make the others, take numbers such as venti and trentotto, drop the fi nal
vowel and add -esimo. lf the number ends in tre, DON'T drop the final e before
adding -esimo.
la ventesima settimana
one thousand euros
the twentieth week

the thirty-eighth year
il trentottesimo anno
il loro trentatreesimo anniversario their thi rty-third anniversary
ten thousand euros
di matrimonio
quattro and so on are added to mila to make duemila (meaning two thousand),
tremila (meaning three thousand) and quattromila (mean ing four thousand).
undicesimo (rr')
diciottesimo (r8")
'loo'"
miliardo (meaningthousand
mille euro
diecimila euro
venti milioni di dollari
un miliardo disterline
due miliardi di sterline
t8tn
ilth
one hundred metres
Quante persone? - Un milione.

un miliardo di euro
For
secondo (2")
'lorn
Do NOT use un to translate one hundred. or one thousand.
o.5 (nought pointfive)

3.4(three pointfour)
primo(r")
st
tr
How many days? - One.

How many nights? - One.
quattro)
2no
J
When replying to a question, use uno if what's referred to is masculine, and

una if it's feminine.
cento metri
mille euro
3,4 (tre virgola
4th
Quanti giorni? - Uno

Quante notti? - Una.
)
L
page v
5,ooo,ooo (five million)
Usea comma instead ofa decimal pointto showdecimals in ltalian.

o,5 (zero virgola cinque)
scientist
girl
see
to separate thousands and millions in figures

Too,ooo (seven hundred thousand)
Too.ooo (settecentomila)
5.ooo.ooo (cinque milioni)
When using uno as a number in front of a noun, follow the same rules as for the
indefinite article.
@ rullstop orcomma?
D Use a full stop, nota comma,
one million dollars

twenty million dollars
one thousand million pounds
two thousand million pounds
see pages x-xiv.
These numbers are adjectives and can be made masculine
orfeminine, singular
or plural.
il quindicesimo piano
la terza lezione
the fifteenth floor
i primi piatti
le loro seconde scelte
the first courses

their second choices
the third lesson
TrurRruo Dnre zo3
2O2 NUMBERS
Note that when writing these numbers in figures you should use a little
or a, depend ing on whether what's referred to is masculine or fem inine.
piano
la z4a giornata
il r50
o,
L'ORA
THE TIME
Che ora 6? orChe ore sono?
Whattime is it?
the r5th floor

the z4th day
Roman numerals are often used for centuries, popes and monarchs.
il XIV secolo
the
PaoloVl
Paul VI
Enrico ll!
Henry lll
For more
information on Numbers used in dates,
r4th
see
century
I'una meno venti.

I'una meno un quarto.
E I'una.
E I'una e dieci.
E I'una e un quarto.
E f'una e mezza.
It's
It'saquartertoone.
le due meno venticinque.

le due meno un quarto.
le due.
le duee dieci.
le due e un quarto.
le due e mezza,
sono le tre.
It's
It's
It's
It's
It's
It's one o'clock.

It's ten past one.
It's a quarter past one.
It's half past one.
Sono
Sono
Sono
Sono
Sono
Sono
page 2o4.
twenty to one.
twenty-five to two.
quarterto two.
two o'clock.
ten past two.
a quarter past two.
It's half past two.
a
It's three o'clock.
rw
Use
sono le forall times not involving una (meaning one).
(At) what time?
A che ora?
Arrivano oggi. -A che ora?
They're arrivi
today. -What ti me?
Note that dt is optional in English when asking what time someth ing happens,
buta mustalwavs be used in ltalian.
a mezzanotte
a mezzogiorno
at midnight
at midday
all'una (del pomeriggio)

alle otto (di sera)
at one o'clock (in the afternoon)

at eight o'clock (in the evening)
at twenty-five past nine
alle 9:25 oralle nove e
venticinque
at 16:50 or sixteen fifty
alle r5:5o oralle sedici e
cinquanta
Forfurther explanation ofgtqmmatical terms, please
see pages x-xiv,
ruote
thatthetwenty-four hourclock
is
often used in ltaly.
2o4
True Rro Dnre zo5
TTMEAND DArE
LA DATA
I
THE DATE
giorni della settimana
The days
lunedi
martedi
mercoledi
giovedi
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
venerdi'
sabato
domenica
When?
Quando?
lunedi
di lunedi
tutti i lunedi
martedi scorso
on Monday
on Mondays
every Monday
lastTuesday
next Friday
a week on Saturday
two weeks on Saturday
venerdi prossimo
sabato della settimana prossima
sabato tra due settimane
ruote
that days of the week DON'T have
IMESIDELLANNO
gennaio
febbraio
THE MONTHS OFTHEYEAR
In ltalian you use il primo for the first day of the month. For all the
other days you use the equivalent of two, three, pur and so on.
iltre
maggio
USEFUL PHRASES
Quando?
When?
099i
stamattina
staSera
Ogni quanto?
ogni giorno
ogni due giorni
una volta alla settimana
due volte alla settimana
una volta al mese
marzo
April
di sera
moggio
May
JUne
ieri
ieri mattina
July
ieri sera
August
ieri notte
I'altro ieri
una settimana fa
due settimane fa
la settimana scorsa
novembre
dicembre
Quando?
febbraio
September
October
November
December
When?
il primo dicembre
il due dicembre
in February
on Decemberrst
on Decemberund
nel r999 (millenovecento-
in 1999 (in nineteen ninety-nine)
in or a
novantanove)
il priino dicembre zooo
nel duemilasei
on Decemberrst20oo
in two thousand and six
ruotethat monthsoftheyearDON'Thavea capital letter in ttalian.
further expQnation ofgrammatical terms, please
see pages x-xiv.
the third of May
FRASIUTILI
aprile
ottobre
For
capital letter in ltalian.
rw
January
Felrruary
March
giugno
luglio
agosto
settembre
ofthe week
Monday
Quando 6 successo?
di mattina
I'anno scorso
Quando succedera?
domani
domani mattina
domani sera
dopodomani
fra or tra due giorni
fra or tra una settimana
fra or tra quindici giorni
il mese prossimo
l'anno prossimo
today
this morning
this evening
How often?
every day
every other day
once a weeK
twice
week
once a month
When did it happen?

in the morning
in the evening
yesterday
yesterday morning
yesterday eveni ng,/last ni ght
last night
the day before yesterday
a week ago
two weeks ago
last week
last year
When is it going to happen?

tomorrow
tomorrow morning
tomorrow evening,/night
the day after tomorrow
in two days'time
in a weel<'s time
in two weeks'time
next month
next vear
Mnrru
dalla
dalle
dallo
oare
MAIN INDEX
a
a:afterverbs
48,174-175,203
:4'3,|M,146,147,
148,175
1,10,17,18
aTtcte
13, 17
infinitive Vo,141,142,175
a causa di
r85
a meno che
84
167
abbastanza
about
54,55
accanto a
185
accents 94,195, 196,197, r99
active verbs
19, r2r, r22
acure accent
r95
adjectives
zo-39, r28
a
a +
adjectives:
agreement
1,20,21,22,23,24,33
adjectives: comparative
rnrl <unarlf,riva
i6 )j
adjectives: demonstrative 30,3r

adjectives:
endrngs
20 , 21, 22, 23, 29
adjectives: feminine
21,22
followed bydi
54,B8,177
adjectives:
followed by
infinitive
138
adjectives:indefinite 37,38,39
adjectives: in exclamations 33
adjectives:
n:rfi.idl6<
r<ad :<
adjectives:plural
22,23,193,194
adjectives:position
20,24,25
adjectives:
possessive
r5,
25,34-36
)7
)A
24,25
160-17r
r63,164
dr ru >uPEr rdLrvc
adverbs: word order

adverbs: vs prepositions
affinch6
171
r86
r34
r68, r83
r82
after
against
3Z
agreeilentofverbs
13,
r73
but
187
by
1r9,
5,
17
17
6,
r3, r73
caso: nel caso che
cattivo
r8q
28
37,39, 58
184
ro, rz ra
24,187
67,76,77,83,95,1c2,
ril, 12, il3, n8, r3l
see verb table 4
136
n4
ro8
9,
181,
182
cento
cercare
162,
cne
32, 33,
60,
cosa
che: che
che:
followed by the subjunctive
che: il che
chi
chi: di chi
ch iaro
ch iunque
ci
r66
r55,
r5z r88
63, 64, r55, r57
130
6l
6r, 63, 64, r55
63,158,176
r6r
57
44,
ciascuno
46,55-56, 88, 92, 169
38,39, 57
28,29, r55, 156, r5Z r89
come
comparativeadjectives
26,28,29
r63,r64
26,28,29,48,163
comparativeadverbs
comparisons
comPorre
con
conditional
74
r84
98-ro3
conditional:
rl lcaurdr
vEr u>
te2,
conjunctions
consonants
contento
tw'
r87-r9o
84
as...os
28
82
r09, il4, r3o, r31, 136
8r
arnvare
113
articles
ro-r9
179
13, 17 2, 17 4, 175, 177, 178

76, 96, 9Z ro3, ro8, n4,
il6, r3l
seeverb table 9
owoy
Dasso
174
bastare
129
be
28
79
52,53
bello
23,r28
66,67
bene
r6r
see
credere: followed
credere: followed
cui
da
verb table 20
byche
r32, r35
bydi
r33
60,62
78,1oj,1o8,12o,145,178-179
article
dagli
dai
dal
13, 173
dall'
t3, r73
da
with parts ofthe
13,
r73
r3, 173
t3,
173
each
r73
185
other
ecco
glieli
egli
190
ertner ... or
ella
emphasis
41
4i,48,69,71,73
endings: adjectives 20,
endings:nouns \2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9
t5,35, 9l
possessives
34
defi nite article: combined
with otherwords
degli
dei
del
dell'
della
delle
dello
41
37,58
92
2ol
definite article:
with
r66
9li
glie
gliela
gliele
24,187
2o4
2234, 35
body
13i4,173
r3, r73
13,173
13,
i73
21,
22, 23, 29
verbs
entrare
-er
-ere verbs
-ereverbs: conditional
-ere verbs: future
endings:
-ere verDs: geruno
-ereverbs: imperative
-ere verbs: imperfect
66,67
il3
56,
26,163
66
98
94
81,r24
83
105
-ere verbs:
imperfect subjunctive
-ere verbs: past historic
r36
ro8
demonstrative adjectives 30,31
-ere verbs: past ParticiPle

-ere verDs:
present continuous
demonstrativepronouns 40, 65
-ereveTbs: present
describing
di
words
13,173
13, U3
13,173
13,173
adjectives
see
14,26,29, 54,64,r58,163,U6-r78
di: afterverbs
di + article
di + infinitive
di: di cui
di: di meno
di: di no
di: di pii
di: di si
di: di tutti
144,145,177
13,14,173
r33, r4o,
r50, r53
164
153
r63
t85
dietro
difficile
dire
U8
6o
164
r28
46, 83, 95, to2, 106, Il,124,
54,132
continuous tenses 79, 1o4,123, 126

contrnuouS tenSe:
'13,
17o
deflnite article:
61, 62, 63,
each
15,204
r3
192
certo
dates
davanti
davanti a
daysoftheweek
decimal point
definitearticle ro,rt16,
t8
13,173
46,4'J,83,131,137
see verb table 24
25
28
50, 55, 84
ce
42,166,'t87
168
17
see ci
75,95,1o2
caoere
caro
r3, r73
-are verbs: present simple 69,70

-are verDS:
present subjunctive
r3o, r3l
at
avere
ofpclsessivepronouns
r73
r4r
ofreflexives
90
contro
r84
convenire
V1,148
cosa
63, r55, r57
cosa: cos'd
r55
cosr'
166
could
98
credere /, 93, 94, 98, 99, ro5,
1,11,12,17,27
35
13,
-are verbs:
ofarticles
adjectives
129,
24, 28 ,161,161
58,59
subjunctive
-are verbs: past historic
-are verbs: past participle
aspettare
agreement:
ofpossessive
agreement:
DUOnO
-are verDs:
20, 21,22,23
45, 91, ril, 12,

r6, ilz 18, r2o
bisognare
r73
andarsene
88
answers
153,157
ony
8,37
any0oay
57
on$hing
57
189
anzi
appena
$7,1v
aprire
73, 83,1il
-are verbs
66
-are verbs: conditional
98
-areverbs: future
93,94
-are verbs: gerund
81,124
-areverbs: imperative
82
-areverbs: imperfect
lo5
ofadjectives
ofpast participle
r73
13,
58
presentcontinuous
adverbs: comparative
13,
13,173
imperfect
ad.jectives:
<hnrtpnpd form<
adjectives: word order
adverbs
agli
ai
ar
alcuni
all
all'
alla
alle
allo
allora
afto
altro
among
on
anche
ancora
and
andare
i3, r73
see
presentsubjunctive
essere
ro8, r2,114, n6, il8,119,128, l3l,135

see verb table 35
esse
41
essi
41
27,163
-esl
every
37
everybody
everything
58
t8
exclamations: che used in
r28, r32
faci le
fare
femininenouns
few
finire
directquestions
t59
diritto
162
r4l
dispiace
divertirsi
]B2,r47
Il, il3, tl8
89
doing words
see
dormire
dopo
dove
verbs
73,83
168, r83
155
75, 95, 98,
lor, l3l, l4o

49,84
doublingofconsonants
durante
135, 137, 141
verb table 36
1,21,22,92
1,2,3,4,5,6,7
72, 83,
94,99,1o5,1o9,
r3o,131, 136
44,45,46
diventare
131,
ril,
t8
few: o
47,48
unstressed
dunque
67,76,83, 95, ro2, 106,
feminineadjectives
direct object pronouns:
dovere
57,59
see
13o,131
6279,83,9r,96,97ro3,
124, 127,
stressed
dispiacere
dispiacere: mi
sim?le 70,V,72
r3r,137
40
8r
-er verbs:
verb table 25
direct object
direct object pronouns
direct object pronouns:
114
189
184
fino
183
78,107,172,179,182
for
129,135,166
forse
162
forte
r84
fra
8,172,176,178
fron
178
from...to
futuretense
93-97
future tense:
irregularverbs
95,96,97
accents 94,198
gender
l,2,3,4, ll
gerund
81, toA, 123-126, 139
87
get
162
giusto
future tense:
lnoex zo7
il,46, 50,
84, 146
50, 55, 84
5o
5o
5o
50
glielo
grande
graveaccent
he
her
24,28
r95
40
34
hers
herself
him
himself
his
hopes
how
how long
78,1o8,
how much/mony
i
i:
i:
i:
i:
i:
i:
i:
87
44
87,88
34,52
132,136
155
rZ
179, 183
32,54,63
11,12
i loro
34,52
34,52
34,52
imiei
i nostri
i piir
i suoi
i
i
27
34,52
34,52
34,52
tuoi
vostri
40
il
1,ll
il: il loro
il: il maggiore
il: il migliore
il: il minore
il: il mio
il: il nostro
il: il peggiore
il: il pi0
il: ilquale
il: il suo
il: il superiore
il: il tuo
il: il vostro
imagined situations
34,52
imperative
82-86
imperative: word
28
28
28
4,52
34,52
28
27
34,52
28
34,52
34,52
137
order 49,84,85
1o4-ro7
imperfecttense
1o4
imperfect continuous
134, 136, 137
impersonalverbs 127-129
importare
47,129,148
t3,t8o-181
in
13, 173
in + article
in
B)4,27,i74,175,12,180,181
indefinite adjectives
37-39
lo, r7-r9
indefinite article
indefinite pronouns 40, 57-59
indirect object
44
indirect object pronouns 40,84
indirect object pronouns:
stressed
48
indirect object pronouns:
unstressed
46.47
2O8 MAIN
MruH lruoex zo9
INDEX
indirectquestions
159
infinitive 49,50,55,56,66,75,
r98
85, 98, r38-142,
infinitives:afteradjectives
r38
infinitives:
afteranotherverb 90,138,14o
infin itives:
after prepositions ]B9,141,142, 179
i nfin itives:
ending in -rre
74,75
-ingform 56,81,123,125,139,14o
instructions
r38
interessare
47,148
interrogative adjectives 32
interrogativepronouns
tnto
63-64
V2,t8o
invariable adjectives
invece
22,37
r89
io
41,42
-ire verbs
-ireverbs: conditional
66
99
-ireverbs:future
94
ql 11,
-iFAVArlr<.or,,n/
-ireverbs:
-ireverbs:
imperative
imperfect '
83
ro5
-ire verbs:
imperfectsubjunctive
-ireverbs: past historic
-ireverbs:pastparticiple
136
15
ro8
-ire verbs:
present continuous
8l
-ireverbs: presentsimple 72,V,74
-ire verbs:
presentsubjunctive r3o,r3r
i rregular com parative and
superlative adjectives
28
irregular comparative and
superlativeadverbs
rregu lar verbs:
conditional
i
164
99,
too, lol, to2, lo3
rregular verbs:
future tense
95,96,97
irregularverbs:imperative
irregularverbs:imperfect
pio
27
quale
6l
sua
34,52
Ia tua
34,52
la vostra
34,52
la
169, r95
lasciare
r4r, r93
least
27, t63
le
D,44,45,46,5(),84, ilr, n7
lei 41,42,43,47,69,74,82,85,99
Lei
4r,99
fe foro
34,52
Ie meno
27
le mie
34,52
le nostre
34,52
fe pii
27
fe sue
34,52
le tue
34,52
levostre
34,52
Iess
26,'163
lets
82,84
li
44, 45, 50, rr, 17
li
169, r95
:ll
93
ro
r, il,44,45, 50, ilr,117
foro
41,48
lui
41,42,47,99
m'
see mi
ma
87
mai
r5o, 168, r/l
male
16l
malgrado
186
mancare
r48
la
la
la
masculineadjectives
verbs:
B7
irregularverbs:
t2l
mille
rreg ular
passive
irregular verbs:
past participle
i rregu lar verbs:
present subjunctive
rts
r3r, r32
34
.
3,
r8
l': definite article

11,12
f': object
4s
ta
1,12,44,45, 50, ]il, 117
la loro
34,52
pronoun
la meno
la mia
ll
nostra
47,50,55,84
42,44
164
26,29,163
189
ill
44,46,88
28
r8
mine
til
-issimo
29
tt
41,45,55,70,72,84,127,128
Jo Ds
4,5,6
masculinenouns 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
me
me
megllo
meno
34,52
34,52
minore
mofto
mo
neither ...
28
25,29,37,39,58,162,167
ntns
nor
nef
nell'
nella
nelle
nello
nessuno
never
nevicare
niente
no
nobody
noi
nulla
no longer
non
13,
204
13,
r73
13,
r73
25, 38,39, SZ r5r
49
p7
57,127,151
96, r5o, r53, r58, r59

57
41,48
73,83, il3, 14
15, 9l
body
ll4
Passato remoto
rr9-122
passive
l2l
passive: irregularverbs
123
past continuous
rr4-rl5
past historic
participles
45,91, lo8, ro9,
il6,
t50
l5o
past particiPles:
parte
r5r
r5l
r5o
57
151
u9
57,149
rg,4o
2,3,4
8
nouns:feminine
1,2,3,4,5,6,7
nouns: masculane \2,3,4,5,6,7,8
nouns:plural 1,2,28,9,18,r93,
numbers
nuovo
o
V7,199-2o2
24
r5o, r87
190
87,142
o...o
oDJ
ect
oD.jecl
pronouns 40,
44, 47,
111, 117
r19, 123
irregularverbs
peccato:
d un peccato
133
che
164
peggio
28
peggiore
l3o
pensare
132,135
Pensare che
133
pensare di
14O, r82
Per
155,188
perchd
to3
perfectconditional
139
perfect infinitive
perfectsubjunctive 135,136
perfecttense 45,91,92,1o5,
ro8-rr3,
127
perfect tense:
made
with
avere
lo9,
ilo,]n
perfect tense:
made
with
perd
essere
il2,
t13
r89
personal
piacere
pronouns
4r-5r
47n3,il8,r39, 141,146,147
127
pluperfect tense
rr6-rr8
offe rs
plu perfect tense:

made with avere
il6, 17
on
51,2OO
92
34
87
87
opanions
Subjunctive
oppu re
r88
orders and instructions 82, r38, r39
orders and instructions
wordorder
our
50,55,56,89,90
34
ourselves
26,29, 163,
Pi0
r/
pluperfect tense:
made
with
plural:
essere
n8
1,2,7,8,9,11,22,200
r93,194, r95
spelling
poco
3Z 38,39, 58, r62,167
82,83
polite plural
possession
34,64,116
possessive
adjectives
t5, 25,34-36
possessive adj ectives:
agreement
34,35
possessive adjectives:
ours
87
reflexive verbs:
withfamilymembers
35,36
91,
lil
169
prima
r34
prima che
134,183
prima di
2ol
primo
produrre
75
pronouns
40-65,66,67
8Z 88
pronouns: reflexive
89
presenttense
66
regularverbs
60-62
relative pronouns
r48
restare
rimanere 75, 95, Io2, ll3, l2l
r48
rincrescere
113, ll8
riuscire
176
-'s
see si
s'
lr3
salire
saPere
95, lO2, l4O
132 188
se
r95
se
r35
secondo
129
sembrare
165,17l
sempre
sentire
73, 83, r4l
184
senza
servire
73
ll3
scendere
several
37
she
40,43
rol
should
si: impersonal
51,92,122
12l,122
si: si passivante
si: reflexive pronoun 87 88, 92
r53,r95
si
l9o
sia... che
to8, ill,114
simple past
179
since
pronouns:
singularnouns r,2,3,4,5,6,9,il
POVeTO
24
pred ictions
78
ill
83,
dere
preParare
prepararsi
prepositions
88
88
13,
r4, 48, 60, 6r,

r25, 172-186
prepositions: afteradjectives 172

prepositions:
followed by infinitive
v2
prepositions:
inquestions
prepositions +
definite article
prepositions after verbs
143-1 45,
46,
64,158
13,14, t73
4-/,
17 2
48,
present simple
lll
adjectives
perfect see PluPerfect
piovere
57
14,174,175,177
perfecttense
l4o
used as
28
78,98
98, ror, r31,
reflexive verbs:
'r28
past
piano
piccolo
25,37,39
75, 95,
40,52-53
presentconditional 98-lo3
present continuous 68, 81, 123
object pronouns: word order

44,45,46,48,49,50,55
occorrere
t29
of
54,176
off
178
ogni
09nuno
possibile
potere
111
194,195
one another
21
t08, to9, n6, ilg,123
past participles:
nouns: endrngs
nouns: English,
used in ltalian
0ne
adjectives
ne
54-55,88
n6...n6
r9o
neanche
42
necessario
r29
negatives
18, r49-r5l
9r,
parts ofthe
past
possessive pronouns
p ren
past
Partire
57
not
nothing
nouns
27,163
nouns
participles:
r5l
85, 86, 90, r49
pii
26,163
see
r09, n4,116, l3l, 136
'seeverbtable50
r73
r3, r73
n0 one
non ...
parecchio
3738,39,58
129
Parere
parlare 69, 93,94,98, 99, lo5,
8,173
mai
n...n6
nessuno
niente
non...
non...
non,..
non.,,
most
my
myself
nationalities:
tgo
non... da nessuna
more
naming words
8,173
8,173
nouns:singular 1,2,3,4,5,6,9
masculineand feminine
forms of words
mentre
mettere
mi
migliore
83
106
1,20,21,
22,23
negli
nei
68,59-75
presentsubJuncttve
13o,131,132,
133'
r34
presenttense
68
Presenttense:reflexiveverbs
89
presenttense: used
93
forfuture
order 84, 85, 86, 126,153

83
pronunciation
129,133
pud darsi
25,37,39
qualche
qualcosa
57
qualcuno
57
25,32,63,156
quale
61
quale...ilquale
64,156
quale...qual e
25,32, 63,156
quali
qualsiasi
37,39
quando
93,155,189,2o5
quanti
32,33, 63, 156
quanto 25, 28, 29,32,33, 63, r56
25,30,31,65
quelli
25,30,31,65
quello
6l
quello: quello che
r52-r59
questions
r59
questions: indirect
word
questionwords
18,25,152,155,
soTTrtre
some
somebody
someone
something
sopra
sotto
spelling
/3
14,54,58,178
40,57,58
57
57
l7o, r85
169,185
95,96, ro2, r9l-r95
spell ing:
ofplurals
sPerare
stare
stems
stress
stress: in
8, 9, r93, r94,195
13o, 132,135
79,81, lo4, rl3,131, 137
see verb table 79
66, 69, 82,93, 98
infinitives
94,196-198
75
stressedpronouns
46,47,44
su
14,181
14, i73
artrcle
subject 66, 6z 8Z 1o9, il2, n3,
su
156
il6, n8, il9,122,146
25, 30,31, 65
qusto
169
qui
189
quindi
87,88
reflexive pronouns
subjectpronouns 40,41-43,69,
reflexive pronouns:
word order
reflexive verbs
89,90
5r,
87-92, ilZ
il8
subjunctive
subjunctive:
subjunctive:
subjunctive:
subjunctive:
128,
v,73
r3o-rf7
imperfect
irregularverbs
perfect
present
2IO MAIN
INDEX
t13
93
succeoere
suggestions
sugli
sui
suf
sufl'
sulla
sulfe
suflo
95,1o2
Spelling verbs:
ending -care/gare
Spelling verbs:
96,1o2
followed by
verbs: followed by
v,173
verbs:
163,
r64
132
t'
verbs:
ti
vero
verso
vi
3Z 38,39, 58, 167
47,50,55,84
telefonare
fenere
tense
tnan
that
that mon
that one
46
95, r02, r3l
66
26,163,177
30,40, 60, 65, r3o
6S
31,
thatwoman
the
their
t4z,t77
regulaT
66
96, r58, r59
185
44,46,88,92
vicino
162
vivere
voi
95
41,42,43,48,8,A2,84
95, 99, roo, t3o, t3t, t34, l4o
voler dire
14o
vowels
stress
volere
65
vowels:followingcandg
65
we
l
34
weather
192
see lmpersonal verbs
whot
40,44,45,84
the one
6r, 62
these
thev
30,65
4o,7o
tnrS
30, 65
tnts one
3r,65
those
ti
30,65
+4,45,46, 88
Ime
15,
time and
date
r75,2O3
2o3-2o5
to 13,14, 44, 46, 66,138, r74,178,18o

tornare
13
towns and cities
V4
tra
i84
troppo
3Z 38,39, 58, 167
tu
41,42,43,82,84,85,90
tutti
3Z 58
tutto
3Z 39, 59
un
1,v,37,57,2OO
un'
17,37,2OO
una
1,17,57,200
uno
17,57,2oO
unstressedpronouns
verbs
32,60,63
40,60,6r,63,64
60,63,64
63,158, 176
155
93,96, 97
50, 55, 56,84, 85, 86
questions
in
woTo oroer:
adjectives
20,24,25
V1
126
word order: with

wor0 0rdeT:
negatives
with object
44,45,
46,48,49, 50, 55
149
pronouns
woTo ordeT:
prepositions
with
woro or0er:
V2
with reflexive pronouns
would
yes
you
r53
ques!ons
you: ways ofsaying

vour
90
89,
98
15,2O4
years
yes: yes/no
VERB TABLES
Introduction
The Verb Tables in the following section contain 9o tables of ltalian verbs
(some regular and some irregular) in alphabetical order. Each table shows you
the following forms: Present, Perfect, lmperfect, Future, Conditional, Present
5ubjunctive, lmperative and the Past Participle and Gerund. For more
information on these tenses, how they are formed, when they are used and so
on, you should look at the section on Verbs in the main text on pages 66-148.
In order to help you use the verbs shown in Verb Tables correctly, there are also
a number ofexample phrases at the bottom ofeach page to show the verb as it
is used in context.
In ltalian there are regular verbs (their forms follow the regular patterns of -are,
-ere or -ire verbs), and irregular verbs (their forms do not follow the normal
rules). Examples of regular verbs in these tables are:
parlare (regular -are verb, Verb Table 5o)
credere (regular -ere verb, Verb Table zo)
capire (regular -ire verb, Verb Table r3)
Some irregular verbs are irregular in most of their forms, while others may only
have a couple of irregular forms.
r53, r5Z r58
word order:with adverbs

word order: with gerunds 55,
44,46,49
87
172
woro 0r0er:
74,75,138
us
40,44
uscire
n3, l3l
v'
see vi
ve
50,55,84
vcchio
25
vedere 75, 95, t02, lo2, rt, t4l
venire 95, lo2, lI, ]13, n8, l2l, l3l
verbal idioms
146{48
33
93
r55
word order: in imperatives
with
52
8Z 88
32,63,64,157,158
...!
when
where
which
who
whom
whose
why
will
wttn
what (o)
theirs
them
-urre
55,141,142
di
followed by infinitive t4o, i4l

verbs: irregular
66,67
verbs: prepositions after ]q1,142
84, 196
see
tanto
te
v,v3
27, 28, zg
adverbs
supPorre
syllable
yourselves
14,173
14,173
superlative
yours
yourself
verbs:ending-ciare/giare
14,173
adjectives
66{48
acttve
14,173
14,173
superf ative
Verbs
VerDS:
152, 153,
40,41,
r54
51,
92
42,43
34
The Verb lndex at the end ofthis section contains ovelrooo verbs, each of
which is cross-referred to one of the verbs given in the Verb Tables. The table
shows the patterns that the verb listed in the index follows.
Yll rorl.l
vens rnsLes
FUTURE
PRESHNT
(io) mi accorgerd
(tu) ti accorgerai
(io) mi accorgo
(tu) ti accorgi
(tu i,ztei)
., .
(rer/ Le r)
.. .. sr accoroe
(noi) ci accorgiamo
(voi) vi accorgete
(loro) si accorgono
PER"FECT
(io) mi sono accorto/a

(tu) ti sei accorto/a
(lu i,zlei)
., . .. .. sr e accorto/a
(rer/Ler)
(lu i,zlei)
;. . ,.
(io) mi accorgevo
(tu) ti accorgevi
(lu i,zlei)
.,erl. ..Le ..
sr accoroeva
r)
(r
(noi) ci accorgevamo
(voi) vi accorgevate
(loro) si accorgevano
IMPETI./{TIVE
dLLUr I
Ll
sr accoroerd
(noi) ci accorgeremo
(voi) vi accorgerete
(loro) si accorgeranno
COND'TIONAL
(io) mi accorgerei
(tu) ti accorgeresti
(lu i,zlei)
(ieilr-eii slaccorgereDDe
(noi) ci accorgeremmo
(voi) vi accorgereste
(loro) siaccorgerebbero
(noi) ci siamo accorti/e

(voi) si siete accorti/e
(loro) si sono accorti,/e
IMPERFECT
..
(re r/ Ler)
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
(io) mi accorga
(tu) ti accorga
(lu
i/lei)
tieizLeii
sr accorga
(noi) ci accorgiamo
(voi) vi accorg iate
(loro) si accorgano
PAST PARTICIPLE
accorto
accorg iamoci
accorgetevi
GERUND
FUTURE
PRESENT
(io) mi addormento
(tu) ti addormenti
(lu i,zlei)
(re r/ Le
r.)
(noi) ci addormentiamo
(voi) vi addormentate
(loro) si addormentano
PERFECT
(io) mi sono addormentato/a

(tu) ti sei addormentato,/a
(lu lei)
,, ,;, ,, si e addormentato/a
(rer/ Ler)
i,u
(noi) ci siamo addormentati,/e

(voi) vi siete addormentati,/e
(loro) si sono addormentati/e
IMPERFECT
(io) mi addormentavo
(tu) ti addormentavi
(l u i,/l
,t,^, ,,
ei)
^,,
5t addormentava
(noi) ciaddormentavamo
(voi) viaddormentavate
(loro) siaddormentavano
IMPERATIVE
addormentati
addormentiamoci
addormentdtevi
^ --^-^^^A^-i
ggr ruv)l
dLLUr
EXrX/L{ pt,F_
(io) mi addormentero
(tu) ti addormenterai
(lu i/lei)
.. . .. .. st a000rmenter4
(re r/ Le r)
(noi) ciaddormenteremo
(voi) viaddormenterete
(loro) si addormenteranno
CONDITIONAT
(io) mi addormenterei
(tu) tiaddormenteresti
-.:
(lu i,zlei)
-.
.l 1.
(rerl Ler)
si addormenterebbe
(noi) ciaddormenteremmo
(voi) viaddormentereste
(loro) si addormenterebbero
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
(io) mi addorment'
(tu) ti addormentl
(lu i,zlei)
(rer/LerJ
(noi) ci addormentiamo
(voi) vi addormentiate
(loro) si addormentino
PAST PARTICIPLE
addormentato
GERUND
addormentando
pf{RAsEs
EXAMPLE PHRASES
5i d accorto del furto solo il giorno dopo. He only nottced
it
had been stolen the
next dav.
Mi sono accorto subito che qualcosa non andava. I immediately realized something
was wrong.
Awisami se non mi accorgo che d tardi. warn me if I don't notice it's getting late.
Remember that subject pronouns
-!flitrfu
{re not
used very
often in ltalian.
Non voleva addormentarsi. He didn't want to go to sleep.

Mi si E addormentato un piede. My foot has gone to sleep.
Sono stanco: stasera mi addormenterd subito. l'm tired: I'll go to sleep immediately
toniaht.
Italic letters in ltalian words show where stress does not follow the usual rules.
vewteeues
FUTURE
PRESENT
(io)
(tu)
(io)
(tu)
vado
vai
(ieizre
CONDITIONAL
PERFECT
(io)
(tu)
i/lei)
tleizLeij
e andato/a
(noi) siamo andati,/e

(voi) siete andati,/e
(loro) sono andati/e
(lu
(io)
(tu)
andavo
andavi
vada
vada
(leillei) vaoa
(noi) andiamo
(voi) and iate
(noi) andavamo
(voi) andavate
(loro) andavano
(loro) vodano
PAST PARTICIPLE
andato
IMPERATIVE
val
andiamo
andate
GERUND
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
e apParso/a
(lei/rei)
(lu
i/lei)
tleizLeii
aPParlreDDe
(noi) appariremmo
(voi) apparireste
(loro) apparirebbero
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
.. . .. ..
(re r/ Le r)
aPParivo
aPParivi
apparlva
appaia
appaia
aDData
(noi) appaiamo
(voi) appaiate
(loro) appaiano
(noi) apparivamo
(voi) apparivate
(loro) apparivano
IMPERATIVE
appari
appariamo
apparite
aPParirei
aPPariresti
PAST PARTICIPLE
apparso
GERUND
apparendo
EXAMPLE PHRASES
EXAMPLE PHRASES
Andremo in Grecia quest'estate.

Su, andiamol Come on, Iet's go!
it
We're gotng
to
Greece
this summer.
go?
that subject pronouns are not
Oggi Morio appare turbato. Mario seems upset todoy.

ll fantasma appariva ogni sera a mezzanotte. The ghost appeored at midnight
every night..
Come va? - bene, graziel How are you? - fine thanks!

Stasera andrei volentieri al ristorante. I'd like to ga to a restaurant this evening
Remember
(toro) appariranno
CONDITIONAL
andando
Com'd andata? How did
(noi) appariremo
(voi) apParirete
sono apparso/a
sei apparso/a
IMPERFECT
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
(lu i,zlei)
(iei/Lei) anoava
(lu i,zlei)
(noi) siamo apparsi/e

(voi) siete apparsi,/e
(loro) sono apparsi/e
(loro) andrebbero
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
i/lei)
(ieizreii
(voi) andreste
IMPERFECT
(io)
(tu)
(io)
(tu)
aPParird
aPParirai
(iei/r-eii apparrrd
(noi) appariamo
(voi) apparite
(loro) appoiono
PERFECT
(io) andrei
(tu) andresti
(lu i/lei)
.l . .. .: andrebDe
(rerl Le )
(noi) andremmo
sono andato/a
sei andato,/a
appari
flu i,/tei)
(loro) andranno
(loro) vanno
(io)
(tu)
aPPaio
(reilLeii appare
no rd
(noi) andremo
(voi) andrete
(noi) andiamo
(voi) andate
(lu
ij
(io)
(tu)
andrai
(lu i,zlei)
(lu i,zlei)
(iei/r-ei) va
FUTURE
PRESENT
andrd
used very often
in ltalian.
Tra poco il sole apparirri in cielo. The sun
will
soon appear
in the
sky.
Italic lefteE in ltalian wotds show where stress does not follow the usual rules'
,,ffi|;W'A^..
veee
ry#rylM vene Tneles
rnegs
' Pd'
-^.\
(io)
(tu)
(io) apro
(tu) apri
(lu
i,u
(lei,u
lei)
Lei)
(lu
(lu i,zlei)
(noi) apriremo
(voi) aprirete
(noi) apriamo
(voi) aprite
(loro) apriranno
(loro) oprono
CONDITIONAL
PERFECT
(io)
(tu)
(lu i/lei)
:. . .. ..
(ie r/ Le r)
ho aperto
hai aperto
na aDerto
(noi) abbiamo aperto

(voi) avete aperto
(loro) hanno aperto
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
(io)
(tu)
apra
apra
(lui,zlei)
(lu i,zlei)
(iei,zLei) aPrlva
(noi) aprivamo
(voi) aprivate
(loro) aprivano
(leiilLei) aPra
(noi) apriamo
(voi) apriate
(loro) dprano
PAST PARTICIPLE
aperlo
IMPERATIVE
apri
apriamo
aprite
lu i,/le
(io) arriverei
(tu) arriveresti
(lu
i)
(loro) sonoarrivati,/e
IMPERFECT
(io) arrivavo
(tu) arrivavi
(lu i/lei)
.:
arnverd
".
(noi) arriveremo
(voi) arriverete
(loro) arriveranno
sono arrivato/a
sei arrivato/a
(eilLeii e arrlvaro/a
(noi) siamo arrivati/e
(voi) siete arrivati,/e
.. . ..
(rerlLer)
(lu i,u lei)

.l . .:
(rer/Ler)
arriverd
arriverai
CONDITIONAL
PERFECT
(iei/reii aprlreDDe
(noi) apriremmo
(voi) aprireste
(loro) aprirebbero
i/lei)
(io)
(tu)
(io)
(tu)
arrivo
arrivi
(leillei) arrlva
(noi) arriviamo
(voi) arrivate
(loro) arrivano
aPrirei
apriresti
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
IMPERFECT
(io) aprivo
(tu) aprivi
(io)
(tu)
aprird
aprirai
(lei,zlei) aPrlrd
aPre
FUTURE
PRESENT
FUTURE
PRESENT
arnvava
(noi) arrivavamo
(voi) arriVavate
(loro) arrivavano
IMPERATIVE
arriva
/lei)
.l . ..
.:
(rerl LerJ
arnvereDDe
(noi) arriveremmo
(voi) arrivereste
(loro) arriverebbero
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
(io) arrivi
(tu) arrivi
(lu i,zlei)
(lei,/Lei) arrlVl
(noi) arriviamo
(voi) arriviate
(loro) arrivino
PAST PARTICIPLE
arrivato
arriviamo
arrivate
GERUND
GERUND
apren0o
arrivando
EXAMPLE PHRASES
D$MPLE PHRA5E5
aprire la finestra? can I open the window?

Dai, non apri i regali? Come on, aren't you going to open Vour presents?
Non ha aperto bocca. She didn't soY a word.
A che ora arrivi a scuola? What time do you arrive 0t school?

Sono arrivato a Londra alle sette. t arrived in London 0t seven
Non arrivava mai in ororio. He never orrived on time.
AsDettami, sto arrivandolWoit for me, t'm comingl
Etroppo in alto, non ci arrivo. tt's too high, I can't reach it.
Posso
Remember
that subject prcnouns ara not used very often in ltalian.
Italic letters in ltalian words show wherc stress does not follow the usual rules.
@trsh""
vEns TneLrs
ffiffi__ull! to''-rt
(io)
(tu)
(io)
(tu)
assumo
assumi
(lu i,/lei)
(lu
(jeizLeii assume
(noi) assumiamo
(voi) assumete
(loro) assumono
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
dei/r-eii
i/lei)
(teillei) assumerd
(noi) assumeremo
(voi) assumerete
(loro) assumeranno
(io)
(tu)
ho assunto
hai assunto
na assunto
(noi) abbiamo assunto

(voi) avete assunto
(loro) hanno assunto
(lui,/lei)
treiZLeii
assu mereDDe
(lei,zlei) assumeva
deizLeii
i/lei)
(lu
(noi) assumevamo
(voi) assumevate
(loro) assumevano
(lui,zlei)
(voi) avete
(loro) hanno
(io)
(tu)
i,u
lei)
ho avuto
hai avuto
itu.i{te1] ha avuto
(rerlLerJ
(noi) abbiamo avuto

(voi) avete avuto
(loro) hanno avuto
IMPERFECT
(io)
(tu)
assuma
assuma
avevo
avevi
(lu i,zlei)
assuma
(ieiZr-eii aveva
(noi) avevamo
(voi) avevate
(loro) avevano
(noi) assumiamo
(voi) aSsumiate
(loro) assumano
IMPERATIVE
PAST PARTICIPLE
IMPERATIVE
assu m
assunto
abbi
abbiamo
abbiate
aSsumiamo
assumete
(io) avrd
(tu) avrai
(lu i/lei)
.. . .. .. avr4
(rerlLer)
(noi) avremo
(voi) avrete
(loro) avranno
CONDITIONAL
PERFECT
(loro) assumerebbero
assumevo
assumevi
ho
hai
L(leirzLei) rrd
(noi) abbiamo
(noi) assumeremmo
(voi) assumereste
(io)
(tu)
(io)
(tu)
(io)
(tu)
assumerei
assumeresti
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
IMPERFECT
(lu
assumerd
assumerai
CONDITIONAL
PERFECT
FUTURE
PRESENT
FUTURE
PRESENT
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
(ieilLei)
avrei
avresti
avreDDe
(noi) avremmo
(voi) avreste
(toro) avrebbero
PRESENT SUB,|UNCTIVE
(io) abbia
(tu) abbia
{luillei) abbia
(noi) abbiamo
(re r/ Le r)
(vo
i)
alrb iate
(loro) abbiano
PAST PARTICIPLE
avuto
GERUND
GERUND
assumendo
avendo
EXATUPLE PHRASES
EXAMPLE PHMSES
Lazienda assumera due operai. The compony is going to tlke on two workers.
E stata assunta come programmatrice. She's got a iob as o programmer.
Sei bravo: ti assumerei come assistente.You're good: I'd give you a iob as an
All'inizio ha avuto un sacco di problemi. He had a lot of problems

Ho gid mangiato. l've olready eaten.
Ha la mocchina nuova. She's gat a new cIr.
Aveva la mia etA. He wIs the s\me 1ge as me.
Quanti ne abbiamo oggi? Whdt's the date today?
ossista nt.
Remember
that subject pronouns
ane not used very often in ltalian.
ft
first.
Vene
FUTURE
PRESENT
(io)
(tu)
(lu
i/lei)'
(io)
(tu)
bevo
bevi
(noi) beviamo
(voi) bevete
(loro) bevono
(lu
i/lei)
ceizLeii
(io)
(tu)
ho bevuto
hai bevuto
na Devuto
IMPERFECT
(lu i/lei)
(reiZLeii beveva
tleiZLeii
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
berresti
(lu i,/lei)
.l .'..
berremmO
berreste
berrebbero
(lu i,zlei)
beva
bevi
beviamo
bevete
e caduto/a
IMPERFECT
(io)
(tu)
,,^, ,,
(noi) beviamo
(voi) beviate
(loro) bevano
PAST PARTICIPLE
bevuto
IMPERATIVE
.:
^,,
(io)
(tu)
cadrd
cadrai
(lu i,zlei)
(jeilreij cadta
(noi) cadremo
(voi) cadrete
(loro) cadranno
CONDITIONAL
sono caduto/a
sei caduto/a
(noi) siamo caduti,/e

(voi) siete caduti/e
(loro) sono caduti/e
beva
beva
(lui/lei)
bevevamo
bevevate
bevevano
cade
".
(noi) cadiamo
(voi) cadete
(loro) cddono
(rer/Ler)
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
(io)
(tu)
.:
Le rJ
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
bevevo
bevevi
i/lei)
cado
cadi
PERFECT
berrei
(rerlLer)
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
(rer/
(loro) berranno
(noi) abbiamo bevuto

(voi) avete bevuto
(loro) hanno bevuto
(io)
(tu)
(lu
.:
(leillei) Derrd
(noi) berremo
(voi) berrete
CONDITIONAL
PERFECT
(io)
(tu)
berrai
(lu i,zlei)
hp\ra
(le i,zLe i)
(io)
(tu)
a'fi:'/
FUTURE
PRESENT
berrd
Tneles
cadevo
cadevi
cadeva
(noi) cadevamo
(voi) cadevate
(loro) cadevano
IMPERATIVE
cadi
(io)
(tu)
cadrei
cadresti
(lu i,zlei)
(lei,uLei) caoreDDe
(noi) cadremmo
(voi) cadreste
(loro) cadrebbero
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
(rerlLerJ
cada
cada
LdUd
(noi) cadiamo
(voi) cadiate
(loro) cddano
PAST PARTICIPLE
caduto
cadlamo
cadete
GERUND
bevendo
GERUND
cadendo
EXAMPLE PHRASES
EXAIIAPLE PHRASES
Vuoi bere qualcosa? Would you like something to drink?

Berrei volentieri un bicchiere di vino bianco. I'd love a gloss of white wine.
Beveva sei caffd al giorno, ma ora ha smesso. He used to drink six cups of coffee
a day, but he's stopped now.
Ho inciampato e sono caduta. I tripped and fell.

ll mio compleanno cade di lunedi. My birthday is on o Monday.
Ti A caduta la sciarpa. You've dropped your scarf.
Attento che fai cadere il bicchiere. Mind Vou don't knock over your glIss
Remember
that subject pnonouns arc not
used very often
in ltalian.
Italic letters in ltalian words show where strcss does not follow the usual rules.
MWMth
FUTURE
PRESENT
(io)
(tu)
(lu
(io)
(tu)
cambio
cambi
i/lei)
(lu
;^,;,LEr,,
^,, camDra
(noi) cambiamo
(voi) cambiate
(loro) Cdmbiano
(io)
(tu)
(lu i/lei)
:. .". .'.
(rerl Le r)
i/lei)
(lu
(noi) cambieremo
(voi) cambierete
ho cambiato
hai cambiato
ha camDtato
(noi) abbiamo cambiato

(voi) avete cambiato
(loro) hanno cambiato
IMPERFECT
(io) cambiavo
(tu) cambiavi
i/lei)
.. . ._ .. camDtava
(rerlLeD
(noi) cambiavamo
(voi) cambiavate
(loro) cambiavano
(io)
(tu)
(lu i/lei)
'
\rErl LEr,/
cambierei
cambieresti
atmhro16hho
(lui,zlei)
PAST PARTICIPLE
cambiato
IMPERATIVE
cambia
cambiamo
cambiate
GERUND
(to) cap tro

(tu) capirai
caPrsce
(leilLei) ca9tta
(lu
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
:. . .. ..
(re r/ Ler)
CONDITIONAL
(io)
(tu)
(lu i/lei)
.. . .. .:
(re r/ Le r)
ho capito
hai capito
na caDrto
(io)
(tu)
capivo
capivi
i/lei)
(lu
(noi) capivamo
(voi) capivate
(loro) capivano
capiamo
capite
GERUND
capendo
EXAMPLE PHRASEs
Ultimamente A molto cambiato. He's changed a lot recently.

Cambiamo argomento, Let's change the subject.
Vorrei cambiare questi euro in sterline. I'd like to chonge these euros into pounds.
Va lrene, capisco. OK,
ane not used very often in Italian.
i/lei)
PAST PARTICIPLE
capito
IMPERATIVE
capisci
EXAMPLE PHMSES
capisca
capisca
(leillei) caPrsca
(noi) capiamo
(voi) capiate
(loro) capiscano
(ieilr-ei) caPlva
cambiando
Remember
caDrreDDe
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
IMPERFECT
(lu
capirei
capiresti
(noi) capiremmo
(voi) capireste
(loro) capirebbero
(noi) abbiamo capito

(voi) avete capito
(loro) hanno capito
(io)
(tu)
i/lei)
(noi) capiremo
(voi) capirete
(loro) capiranno
PERFECT
(loro) cambierebbero
(lei,zLei) camDl
(noi) cambiamo
(voi) cambiate
(loro) c0mbino
caPisco
caPisci
(noi) capiamo
(voi) capite
(loro) capiscono
(noi) cambieremmo
(voi) cambiereste
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
(io) cambi
(tu) cambi
i/lei)
tleizLeii
(loro) cambieranno
CONDITIONAL
PERFECT
(io)
(tu)
ffi
FUTURE
PRESENT
cambierd
cambierai
(ieizLeii camDrerd
trcr/
(lu
Vrns Thales
Vens Tnelrs
understand.
Non ho capito una parola. I dtdn't understand o word

Fammi capire... Let me get. this straight...
Non ti capird mai. l'll never understand Vlu.
Vr*,
W:ffi Vene TReLes
forrm fr%
-laI
(io)
(tu)
(lu
i,u
(io)
(tu)
cerco
cerchi
(lu
lei)
(lei,zLei) Cer6a
(noi) cerchiamo
(voi)
(loro)
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,/lei)
.l . .. .:
(rerl Le r)
(noi) cercheremo
(voi) cercherete
(loro) cercheranno
(io)
(tu)
ho cercato
hai cercato
ha cercato
(lu
(lu i,zlei)
^,,
Le rJ
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
cercnereDDe
treizLeii
cerchi
cerchi
(lui,zlei)
.. . ..
(noi) cercavamo
(voi) cercavate
(loro) cercdvano
ho chiuso
hai chiuso
na cnluso
IMPERFECT
(io) chiudevo
(tu) chiudevi
(leillei) cercn
(noi) cerch iamo
(voi) cerchiate
(loro) cerchino
..
(rer/ LeU
chiuderD
chiuderai
(lu i,zlei)
Leii cn luderd
(noi) chiuderemo
(voi) chiuderete
(loro) chiuderanno
treiu
CONDITIONAL
(noi) abbiamo chiuso

(voi) avete chiuso
(loro) hanno chiuso
(lu i,zlei)
cercava
i)
(io)
(tu)
cercherei
cercheresti
(noi) cercheremmo
(voi) cerchereste
(loro) cercherebbero
cercavo
cercavi
cnru0e
chiudiamo
ch iudete
(loro) chiudono
(vo
(io)
(tu)
chiudo
chiudi
PERFECT
PRESENT SUBJUNCTTVE
IMPERFECT
,,^, r,
i/lei)
(rerl
(noi) abbiamo cercato

(voi) avete cercato
(loro) hanno cercato
(io)
(tu)
i/lei)
CONDITIONAL
PERFECT
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,/lei)
.. . .. ..
(rer/Ler.)
(noi)
cercherd
cercherai
(leilLei) cercnerd
cercate
cercano
FUTURE
PRESENT
FUTURE
PRESENT
cnruceva
(noi) chiudevamo
(voi) chiudevate
(loro) chiudevano
(io)
(tu)
/lrri /loi\
;:'i,':;(
\rer/ Ler,,
chiuderei
chiuderesti
chiuderebbe
(noi) chiuderemmo
(voi) chiudereste
(loro) chiuderebbero
PRE5ENT SUB,'UNCTIVE
(io) chiuda
(tu) chiuda
(lu i/lei)
.. . ..
.:
(re r/ Le r)
cnruoa
(noi) chiudiamo
(voi) chiudiate
(loro) chiudano
IMPERATIVE
PAST PARTICIPLE
IMPERATIVE
PAST PARTICIPLE
cerca
cercato
cnruol
ch i uso
chiudiamo
cerchiamo
ch i ud
cercate
ete
GERUND
CERUND
cercando
chiudendo
EXAMPLE PHRA5E5
EXAA4IPLE PHRASES
ho cercate dappertutto. I've looked for them everywhere.

Stai cercando lavoro? Are you looking for o jobT
Cerca di non fare tardi. Trv not to be late.
Con lui ho chiuso. I've finished with him.

Chiudi bene il rubinetto. Turn the tap off properly.
La
Le
Remember
used very often
in ltalian.
fobbrica ha chiuso due anni fa.The factory closed two yeors ago.
Italic letters in ltalian words show where stress does not foltow the usual rules-
mW
Vens TReLes
Vene Tnsles
(io)
(tu)
(lui,zlei)
(ieilr-ei) comlncla
(noi) cominciamo
(voi) com inciate
(loro) cominciano
(lu
i,u
(io)
(tu)
comincerA
comincerai
(lu
lei)
(ieillei) com Incerd

(noi) com inceremo
(voi) comincerete
(loro) cominceranno
(io) ho cominciato
(tu) hai cominciato
(lu i,zlei)
,, . ,, .: ha comrncrato
(rerlLer)
(noi) abbiamo cominciato
(voi) avete cominciato
(loro) hanno cominciato
IMPERFECT
(io) cominciavo
(tu) com inciavi
(lu i/lei)
com Incrava
(noi) cominciavamo
(voi) cominciavate
(loro) comincidvano
IMPERATIVE
comincia
cominciamo
cominciate
(io)
(tu)
c0mPle
(io)
(tu)
(lu i/lei)
.l .". .:
(re r/ Le r)
comincerei
cominceresti
(lu i,zlei)
.:
na comDruto
tleiZLeii
(lu
comDrva
(noi) compivamo
(voi) compivate
(loro) compivano
Comincino
IMPERATIVE
compi
compiamo
compite
PAST PARTICIPLE
inciato
comDlrd
(noi) compiremo
(voi) compirete
(loro) compiranno
(io)
(tu)
IMPERFECT
(io) compivo
(tu) compivi
(lu i/lei)
.l . ..
(rerlLer)
(iei,zlei) comlncl
(noi) cominciamo
(voi) cominciate
..
ho compiuto
hai compiuto
(noi) abbiamo compiuto

(voi) avete compiuto
(loro) hanno compiuto
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
(io) cominci
(tu) cominci
GERUND
cominciando
i/lei)
compirei
compiresti
comPlreDDe
(noi) compiremmo
(voi) compireste
(loro) compirebbero
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
(io)
(tu)
(luillei)
tl.ii
i.ii
compia
compia
comPra
(noi) compiamo
(voi) compiate
(loro) compiano
PAST PARTICIPLE
compiuto
GERUI\ID
compiendo
EXAMPLE PHMSES
EXAMPLE PHMsEs
ll film comincia con un'esplosione. The film stdrts with an explosion.

Hai cominciato il libro che ti ho prestato? Have you started the book
Cominciamo benel This is a fine start!
flui,/lei)
.. . ..
(re r/ Le r)
compird
compirai
CONDlTIONAL
PERFECT
(lu i,zlei)
com
o;i
(io)
(tu)
compio
compi
(noi) compiamo
(voi) compite
(loro) compiono
(leillei) comlncereDDe
(noi) cominceremmo
(voi) comincereste
(loro) comincerebtrero
(loro)
i/lei)
ttoizr
CONDITIONAL
PERFECT
tieizLeii
(io)
(tu)
comincio
cominci
FUTURE
PRESENT
FUTURE
PRESENT
lent you?
Remember that subject pnonouns are not used very often in ltalian.
Quanti anni compi? How otd will you be?

Ho compiuto sedici anni il mese scorso. I wIs sixteen llst month.
Quando compirai gli anni? When's your birthday?
Italic letters in ltalian words show wher stress does not follow the usual rules.
,,lllfl$.l,iittrr,,
Wt*it;i'ill{
Vene TRsLes
FUT[JRE
PR.ESENT
(io)
(tu)
(lu
i/lei)
(noi) confond iamo

(voi) confondete
(loro) confondono
i,u
(lu
i/lei)
(leillei) conTonoerd
(noi) confonderemo
(voi) confonderete
(loro) confonderanno
(io)
(tu)
ho confuso
hai confuso
lei)
(lei,/Lei) na conTuso
(noi) abbiamo confuso

(voi) avete confuso
(loro) hanno confuso
IMPERFECT
(io) confondevo
(tu) confondevi
(lu i/lei)
(ieilLei) contondeva
(noi) confondevamo
(voi) confondevate
(loro) confondevanO
IMPERATIVE
confondi
confondiamo
confondete
1lrri./lci)
-,
i,Lcr,l;(
)
(rerl
(io)
(tu)
(l u
/lei)
.l . ..
confondereblre
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
(io) confonda
(tu) confonda
(luillei)
(leillei) conlonoa
(noi) confond iamo

(voi) confondiate
(loro) confondano
PAST PARTICIPLE
confuso
GERUND
confondendo
corri
corre
(lu
i/lei)
.l .'..
.:
(rerlLer)
(lu i,zlei)
.. . .. .. corlela
(noi) correremo
(voi) correrete
(loro) correranno
(io)
(tu)
ho corso
hai corso
ha corso
IMPERFECT
(loro)
correrd
correrai
(re r/ Le r)
PRESENT SUBJUNCTTVE
(io)
(tu)
correva
(ieilLei)
(lu
IMPERATIVE
corri
corriamo
correte
correresti
.. .: correreDDe
(noi) correremmo
(voi) correreste
(loro) correrebbero
correvo
correvi
correvamo
correvate
correvano
correrei
(lu i,zlei)
.. .
(rer/ Ler)
(noi) abbiamo corso

(voi) avete corso
(loro) hanno corso
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
.l . .. .:
(rerlLer)
(noi)
(voi)
W!
CONDITIONAL
PERFECT
(io)
(tu)
(io)
(tu)
corro
(noi) corriamo
(voi) correte
(loro) corrono
confonderei
confonderesti
(noi) confonderemmo
(voi) confondereste
(loro) confonderebbero
.:
(re r/ Le r)
raees
FUTURE
PRESENT
confonderd
confonderai
CONDITIOI{AL
PERFECT
(lu
(io)
(tu)
confondo
confondi
(lei,/Lei) conron0e
(io)
(tu)
veee
i/lei)
corra
corra
corra
(noi) corriamo
(voi) corriate
(loro) corrano
PAST PARTICIPLE
corso
GERUND
correndo
EXAAAPLE PHRASES
EXAMPLE PHRA5E5
Ho confuso le date. I mixed up the dates.

Non starai confondendo i nomi? You're not mixing up the nomes, are you?
No, scusa, mi sono confuso: era ieri. No, sorry, I've got mixed up: it wos yesterday.
Tutti questi discorsi mi confondono le idee. All this tllk is getting me confused.
Abbiamo corso come pazzi per non perdere il treno. We ran like mad to catch the
Remember that subject pnonouns ane not used very often in ltalian,
Italic lettrs in ltalian words show where stress does not follow the usual rules.
train.
Sono corso subito fuori. I inmediotely rushed outside.

Corre troppo in macchina. He drives too fast.
M*
ffi#
FUTURE
PRESENT
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
eilrei)
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
(io)
(tu)
(lui,zlei)
.l . .. .:
(rerl Le r)
crede
crediamo
credete
credono
(lu
i,u
lei)
(leillei) creoerd
(noi) crederemo
(voi) crederete
(loro) crederanno
ha creduto
IMPERFECT
credevo
credevi
(lu i,zlei)
(lei,/Lei) creoeva
(noi) credevamo
(voi) credevate
(loro) credevano
IMPERATIVE
i
(io)
(tu)
(lu i/lei)
:, . ,. .:
(rerlLerJ
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
crederebbe
crederemmo
credereste
crederebbero
(lui,zlei)
(noi) crediamo
(voi) crediate
(loro) credano
PAST PARTICIPLE
creduto
crediamo
credete
ci\ CfesCe
(noi) cresciamo
(voi) crescete
(loro) crescono
GERUND
(io) crescerei
(tu) cresceresti
i/lei)
crescereDDe
treiZr-eii
(lu
(lu i,zlei)
(voi) siete cresciuti,/e

(loro) sonocresciuti/e
IMPERFECT
crescevo
crescevi
flu i,ztei)
i,oi/|ot, cresceva
(noi) crescevamo
(voi) crescevate
(loro) crescevano
IMPERATIVE
cresci
cresciamo
crescete
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
cresceremmo
creScereste
crescerebbero
PRESENT SUBJUNCTTVE
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
(leilLei)
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
cresca
cresca
cresca
cresciamo
cresciate
crescano
PAST PARTICIPLE
cresci uto
GERUND
crescenoo
credendo
EXAMPLE PHRASES
EXAAIIPLE PHRASES
Non dirmi che credi ai fantasmi! Don't tell me you believe in ghosts!
Non credeva ai suoi occhi. She couldn't believe her eyes.
Non ti crederd mai. l'll never believe Vou.
Com'd
Remember that subject pronouns are not used very often in ltalian.
crescerai
i/lei)
(iei,zt-ei) crescerd
(noi) cresceremo
(voi) crescerete
(loro) cresceranno
sono cresciuto/a
sei cresciuto/a
(lei,zlei) e crescluto/a
(noi) siamo cresciuti/e
(io)
(tu)
crescerd
CONDITIONAL
PERFECT
creda
creda
(ieizLeij creoa
(lu
lloi /t
(io)
(tu)
(io)
(tu)
cresco
cresci
(lu i,zlei)
crederei
crederesti
PRESENT SUBJUNCTTVE
(io)
(tu)
(io)
(tu)
FUTURE
PRESENT
crederd
crederai
CONDITIONAL
ho creduto
hai creduto
(noi) abbiamo creduto

(voi) avete creduto
(loro) hanno creduto
(io)
(tu)
(io)
(tu)
credo
credi
PERFECT
cred
vene TRsLes
Vene Tnsles
cresciuto tuo fratellol Hosn't your brother grown!
5i sta facendo crescere i capelli. She's growing her hair.

I Wezzi cresceranno durante le feste. Prices will go up during the holiday season.
Italic letters in ltalian words show where stress does not follow the usual rules,
ve*e reetes
ffiffi vens TReLes

PRESENT
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,/lei)
0eizLeii
cuce
(noi) cuciamo
(voi) cucite
(loro) cuciono
(lu i,zlei)
(lei,/Lei) na cuclto
(noi) abbiamo cucito

(voi) avete cucito
(loro) hanno cucito
IMPERFECT
(io)
(tu)
(io)
(tu)
cucivo
cucivi
(lu i,zlei)
(leilLei) cuclva
(noi) cucivamo
(voi) cucivate
(loro) cucivano
IMPERATIVE
cuci
(lu
i/lei)
(leilLei)
(io) cuocero
(tu) cuocerai
(reizLeii cuoce
(leiZLeii cuocerd
cucirai
(lu i/lei)
(lei,zLel) cuclrd
(noi) cuciremo
(voi) cucirete
(loro) cuciranno
ho cucito
hai cucito
cuocio
cuoci
(io)
(tu)
cucirD
CONDITIONAL
PERFECT
(io)
(tu)
(io)
(tu)
cucirei
cuciresti
cucia
cucia
(lui,zlei)
(leillei) cucla
(noi) cuciamo
(voi) cuciate
(loro) cuciano
PAST PARTICIPLE
cucito
hai cotto
ha cotto
IMPERFECT
(io)
(tu)
(luillei)
ai\ cuocereDDe
(noi) cuoceremmo
(voi) cuocereste
(loro) cuocerebbero
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
pRESENT SUBJUNCTTVE
(io)
(tu)
(lu
cuoceva
cuocevamo
cuocevate
cuocevano
cuocerei
cuoceresti
rioirr
cuocevo
cuocevi
(lui,zlei)
tleizLeii
cuoceremo
cuocerete
cuoceranno
(io)
(tu)
ho cotto
(noi) abbiamo cotto

(voi) avete cotto
(loro) hanno cotto
(loro) cucirebbero
PRESENT SUB,|UNCTTVE
lei)
CONDITIONAL
PERFECT
(io)
(tu)
lu i/le i)
.l . .. .:
(rerl Ler)
i,u
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
(noi) cuociamo
(voi) cuocete
(loro) cuociono
cuclreDDe
(lu
(lui,u lei)
(noi) cuciremmo
(voi) cucireste
(io)
(tu)
FUTURE
PRESENT
FUTURE
cucio
cuci
ffi
cuocia
cuocia
i/lei)
(ieizl-eii cuocla
(noi) cuociamo
(voi) cuociate
(loro) cuociano
IMPERATIVE
PAST PARTICIPLE
cuoci
cotto
cuociamo
cuciamo
cucite
GERUND
cuocete
GERUND
cuocendo
cucen00
EXAMPLE PHRA5E5
EXAMPLE PHRASES
Non so cucire. t can't sew.

Sta cucendo uno strappo sul vestito. She's mending a tear in her dress.
Mi piacciono le toppe che hai cucito sulla giacca. I like the patches t/ou've sewn
Cuocifo per mezz'ora. Cook it for half on hour.

La carne cuoceva sulla brace, The meat was cooking on the barbecue.
Stasera, il pesce, lo cuocerd alla griglia. This evening I'll grill the f,sh.
on vour JqcKet.
Remember that subject pronouns ane not used very often in ltalian.
Italic ltters in ltalian words show wherc stress does not follow the usual rules.
vew resres
PRESENT
(io)
(tu)
FUTURE
(lo)
(tu)
do
dai
(lui,zlei) j:
(lei,zlei) ud
(lu
(noi) diamo
(voi) date
(loro) danno
(lu
i,u
lei)
dei/Leii
(ro)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
ha dato
(noi) abbiamo dato

(voi) avete dato
(loro) hanno dato
IMPERFECT
(io)
(tu)
(lu
i,u
dei/Leii
lei)
(leillei) oava
(noi) davamo
(voi) davate
(loro) davano
IMPERATIVE
diamo
date
(lu i,zlei)
(lei,i Lei)
darel
daresti
(luillei)
darebbe
(rerl
(noi) daremmo
(voi) dareste
Le r)
hai detto
ha detto
(l u i,zle
dicevo
dicevi
i)
rceva
Lei) u rd
(noi) diamo
(voi) d iate
(loro) diano
(ieilr-eij
PAST PARTICIPLE
dato
IMPERATIVE
di'
diciamo
d ite
(noi) dicevamo
(voi) dicevate
(loro) dicevano
CERUND
(lu
i,u
lei)
(reiZreii orreDDe
(noi) diremmo
(voi) direste
(loro) direbbero
PREsENT SUBJUNCTIVE
IMPERFECT
(io)
(tu)
(to) 0trel
(tu) diresti
ho detto
(noi) abbiamo detto

(voi) avete detto
(loro) hanno detto
(toro) darebbero
otra
CONDITIONAL
PERFECT
(io)
(tu)
0lro
d irai
(noi) diremo
(voi) direte
(loro) diranno
(noi) diciamo
(voi) d ite
(loro) dicono
(leiru
dai
(iei,zlei) olce
(lu i,zlei)
OafO
PRESENT SUBJUNCTTVE
(io) dia
(tu) dia
(luirulei) n;r
davo
davi
(lo)
(tu)
darai
CONDITIONAL
ho dato
hai dato
dico
dici
(io)
(tu)
(noi) daremo
(voi) darete
(loro) daranno
PERFECT
(io)
(tu)
i/lei)
(lci /l ai\
FUTURE
PRESENT
oaro
(io)
(tu)
dica
dica
(lu i,zlei)
(lei,/Lei) olca
(noi) diciamo
(voi) diciate
(loro) dicano
PAST PARTICIPLE
detto
GERUND
dicendo
dando
EXAMPLE PHRASES
EXAMPLE PHRA5E5
Cli ho dato un l.ibro. t gave him o book.

Ddmmelo. Cive it to me.
La mia finestra di sul giardino. My window looks onto the garden.
Domani sera daranno un bel film in tv. There's a good film on TV tomorrow
Ha detto che verrd. He said he'll come.

Come si dice "quadro" in inglese? How do Vou sly "quadro"
Che ne diresti di anddrcene? Shall we leave?
Remember
that
sub;iect pronouns are not used very oftn in ltalian,
in
Englishl
Ti dir6 un segreto. I'U tell Vou 0 secret.
Dimmi dov'd. Tell me where tt is.
eveninq.
Oandoti da fare, potresti ottenere molto di pii. If you exerted Vourself Vou
ochieve a lot. more.
could
Italic letters in ttalian words show where stress does not follow the usual rules.
,tiMtn
i,
,r''
vene
VrnsTorlr,
TRsLes
PRESENT
FUTURE
(io) dirigo
(tu) dirigi
(lui,zlei)
(leilLei) olrlge
(noi) dirigiamo
(voi) dirigete
(loro) dirigono
PERFECT
(io) dirigerd
(tu) dirigerai
(lu
i/lei)
(lu i,zlei)
IMPERFECT
(io) dirigevo
(tu)
(lu
i/lei)
(lei,zlei)
dirigevi
o
lrl9eva
(noi) dirigevamo
(voi) dirigevate
(loro) d irigevano
(rerlLer)
(noi) dirigeremo
(voi) dirigerete
(loro) dirigeranno
(io) ho diretto
(tu) hai diretto
(ieiZLeii ha clrretto
(noi) abbiamo diretto
(voi) avete diretto
(loro) hanno diretto
(ui,zlei)
(lei,/Lei) otrtgera
CONDITIONAL
(io)
(tu)
1lr r i
(lui,ulei)
'(loro)
IMPERATIVE
PAST PARTICIPLE
d i retto
GERUND
(tu)
hai discusso
Le
(io)
(tu)
!".'{'"iJ
(re r/ Ler)
ha discusso
IMPERFECT
(io) discutevo
(tu) discutevi
(lu i/lei)
.. .: orscuteva
(noi) discutevamo
(voi) discutevate
(loro) discutevano
_. .
(rer/ Ler)
dirigano
dirigi
dirigiamo
dirigete
hn dicrrr<cn
IMPERATIVE
i scuti
discutiamo
d i scutete
d
dirigendo
discuterei
discuteresti
discuterebbe
(noi) discuteremmo
(voi) discutereste
(loro) discuterebbero
(noi) abbiamo discusso

(voi) avete discusso
(loro) hanno discusso
dirigeremmo
(voi) dirigereste
(loro) dirigerebbero
(leillei) olrlga
(noi) dirigiamo
(voi) dirigiate
CONDITIONAL
i/in)
!'.i{l'iJ
r)
(rerl
discuterai
.. .. drscuterd
(noi) discuteremo
(voi) discuterete
(loro) discuteranno
discute
PERFECT
/loi\
discuterA
(lu i,zlei)
.. .
(rerlLerJ
(toro) discutono
diriserelrbe
ilGj
(noi)
(io) diriga
(tu) diriga
(io)
(tu)
discuto
discuti
(noi) discutiamo
(voi) discutete
dirigerei
dirigeresti
PRESENT SUBJUNCTTVE
FUTURE
PRESENT
(io)
(tu)
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
(io) discuta
(tu) discuta
(lu i/lei)
.l . .. .: dtscuta
(rerl
Ler)
(noi) discutiamo
(voi) discutiate
(loro) discutano
PAST PARTICIPLE
d
iscusso
CERUND
discutendo
EXAMPLE PHRASES
EXAMPLE PHMsEs
l vigili dirigono il traffico. The police ore directing the traffic.

Ha diretto l'orchestra con grande abilitd. He conducted the orchestrT with gre\t skill
5i e diretto verso la porta. He made for the door.
Discutono spesso di politica. They often discuss politics.

Ho discusso a lungo con lui. I had a long discussion with him.
Mi ha ubbidito senza discutere. He obeyed me without. question
"1",
Italic lette|s in ltalian words show where stress does not follow the u3ual rules'
ffiffiflM&^
ffi
verte
Vene Tneles
distfnguere
FUTURE
(io) distinguo
(tu) distingui
(lu i,zlei)
(leilLei) olstlngue
(lei,/Lei) olstlnguerd
(noi) distinguiamo
(voi) distinguete
(loro) distinguono
(noi) distingueremo
(voi) distinguerete
(loro) distingueranno
CONDITIONAL
PERFECT
(io)
(tu)
ho distinto
hai distinto
1lrri,/lci\
(lu i,zlei)
(lei,ulei) na 0lstlnto
(noi) abbiamo distinto
(voi) avete distinto
(loro) hanno distinto
IMPERFECT
(io) distinguevo
(tu) distinguevi
;;i,;;i
lMPERATIVE
istingu
distinsuerebbe
PRESENT SUBJUNCTTVE
(io) d istingua
(tu) distingua
(lui,zlei)
(lei,zLei) olsrlngueva
(noi) distinguevamo
(voi) distinguevate
(loro) distinguevano
d
distinguerei
distingueresti
(noi) distingueremmo
(voi) distinguereste
(loro) distinguerebbero
(lu i,zle i)
(leillei) olstlngua
(noi) distinguiamo
(voi) distinguiate
(loro) distinguano
PAST PARTTCIPLE
i sti nto
distingu iamo
d isti ng uete
FUTURE
PREsENT
(io) distinguerd
(tu) distinguerai
i/lei)
(io)
(tu)
GERUND
distinguendo
flu i,/tei)
.l
.:
(rer/Ler)
".
(noi)
dorme
(noi) dormiremo
(voi) dormirete
(loro) dormiranno
CONDITIONAL
na dormtto
IMPERFECT
(io) dormivo
(tu)
dei/r-ei)
(io)
(tu)
hai dormito
dorm ivi
oorm lva
(noi) dormivamo
(voi) dorm ivate
(loro) dormivano
IMPERATIVE
dormi
dormiamo
dormite
(lu
i/lei)
..
.. . .,
(rellLer)
dormirei
dormiresti
dormrreDDe
(noi) dormiremmo
(voi) dormireste
(loro) dorm irebbero
PRESENT sUBJUNCTIVE
(io) dorma
(tu) dorma
(lu i/lei)
.. . .. .: 00rma
(re r/ Le r)
(noi) dormiamo
(voi) dormiate
(loro) dormano
PAST PARTICIPLE
dormito
GERUND
dormendo
Non distinguevo il numero dell'autobus. I couldn't see the number of the bus.
Non li distinguo tra loro. I cTn't. tetl the difference between them.
Si A distinto per efficienza . He's exceptionally efficient.
Vado a dormire. I'm going to bed.
used very often in ltallan.
;. .., .. oormlrd
ho dormito
(noi) abbiamo dormito

(voi) avete dormito
(loro) hanno dormtto
(lu i,zlei)
dormirai
(rerlLer)
dormiamo
PERFECT
(io)
(tu)
(tu i,/lei)
.. . ,. .:
(rerl Le r)
dormird
(lu i,zlei)
(vor) oorm tte

(loro) dormono
EXAMPLE PHRASES
that subject pnonouns ane not
(io)
(tu)
(io) dormo
(tu) dormi
EXAMPLE PHMsEs
Remember
W#i!,
(to see)
PRESENT
(lu
rna'lts
Sta dormendo. Shes sleeping.

Stanotte dormird come un ghiro" l'll sleep like a log tonight.
Italic letters in ltalian wotds show where stress does not follow the usual rules.
vqm-rn+es
VeneIAeLFs
PR.ESENT
(io)
(tu)
devo
devi
(lu i/lei)
(lei,zLei) oeve
(noi) dobbiamo
(voi) dovete
(loro)
devono
(lu
ho dovuto
hai dovuto
i/lei)
(leirulei) na oovulo
(noi) abbiamo dovuto

(voi) avete dovuto
(loro) hanno dovuto
(io)
(tu)
(io)
(tu)
dovrd
dovrai
(lu
(lu i,zlei)
(lei,zLei) oovro
(noi) dovremo
(voi) dovrete
(loro) dovranno
(io)
(tu)
(lei,zlei) ooveva
(lu i/lei)
(lei,zLei)
OeDDa
(lu
i/lei)
(noi) dovevamo
(voi) dovevate
(loro) dovevano
IfVIPFRATIVE
esrgerd
esigeremo
esigerete
esigeranno
esigerei
esigeresti
esl9ereDDe
dei/reii
(noi) esigeremmo
(voi) esigereste
(loro) esigerebbero
IMPERFECT
esigevo
esigevi
i/lei)
(leillei) eslgeva
(noi) esigevamo
(voi) esigevate
(loro) esigevano
(noi) dobbiamo
(voi) dobbiate
(loro) debbano
PAST PAR.TICIPLE
dovuto
(lu i,/lei)
i,zlei)
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
(lu
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
(io)
(tu)
(lei,/Lei)
(io)
(tu)
i/lei)
tleizr-eii
esigerd
esigerai
CONDITIONAL
(tu)
(l u
debba
debba
(lu
esrge
(io)
(lui,zlei)
(io)
(tu)
esigo
esigi
PERFECT
(leillei) oovreDDe
(noi) dovremmo
(voi) dovreste
(loro) dovrebbero
(io)
(tu)
FUTURE
(noi) esigiamo
(voi) esigete
(loro) esigono
dovresti
dovevo
dovevi
i/lei)
tieizLeii
dovrei
PRESENT SUBJUNCTTVE
ITMPERFECT
(io)
(tu)
PRESENT
CONDITIOI,IAL
PERFECT
(io)
(tu)
FUTUR.E
Jli;t',
IMPERATIVE
PRESENT SUBIUNCTTVE
(io)
(tu)
esiga
esiga
(lui,zlei)
tleizLeii
esrga
(noi) esigiamo
(voi) esigiate
(loro) esigano
PAST PARTICIPLE
esigi
esigiamo
esigete
GERL,'ND
GERUND
dovendo
esigendo
EXlVi{pt-E pt-{RAsEs
EXAIUPLE PHRASEs
E dovuto partire. He had to leave.

Devi finire i compiti prima di uscire. You must f,nish your homework before you go out
Dev'essere tardi. lt must. be late.
Dovrebbe arrivare alle dieci. He should orrive ot ten.
Cli dovevo 30 euro e cosi l'ho invitato a cena. I owed him 30 euros so I took him
ll proprietdrio esige il pagamento immediato. The owner is demanding immediote
out to dinner.
Remembr
ane not used very often in ltalian,
povment.
E
un lavoro che esige molta concentrazione. lt's a iob which demonds a lot of
concentration.
ll capufficio esigeva sempre la perfezione. The office manager alwovs
demanded
perfection.
Italic letters in ltalian words show where strets does not follow the usual rulas'
ffi v'*'ro""
PRESENT
(lo)
(tu)
(luillei)
FUTURE
(io)
(tu)
eSlsto
esisti
eSlSte
/loili ai\
vYse
(lu
(noi) esisteremo
(voi) esisterete
(loro) esisteranno
(io)
(tu)
sono esistito/a
sei esistito/a
(lui,zlei)
(leillei) e eslstlto/a
(noi) siamoesistiti,/e
(voi) siete esistiti,/e
(loro) sonoesistiti,/e
IMPERFECT
(lu
(lu
i/lei)
IMPERATIVE
sti
esistiamo
esistite
esi
(lu i,zlei)
dei/Leii
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
hai espulso
na esPulso
IMPERFECT
(io)
(tu)
esista
esista
(lu i,/lei)
(lu i,tlei)
(leillei) eslsta
(noi) esistiamo
(voi) esistiate
(loro) esistano
treizLeii
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
PA5T PARTICIPLE
esistito
(io)
(tu)
ho espulso
(noi) abbiamo espulso

(voi) avete espulso
(loro) hanno espulso
PRESENT SUBJUNCTTVE
esistevi
(teillei) eslsteva
(noi) esistevamo
(voi) esistevate
(loro) esistevano
(io)
(tu)
(lui/lei)
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,/lei)
espelleremo
espellerete
espelleranno
CONDlTIONAL
PERFECT
esisterei
esisteresti
espellerd
espellerai
(ieizr-eii espellerd
(noi) espelliamo
(voi) espellete
(loro) espellono
(leillei) eslstereDDe
(noi) esisteremmo
(voi) esistereste
(loro) esisterebbero
esistevo
i/lei)
(lei,zlei) esPelle
CONDITIONAL
PERFECT
(io)
(tu)
lei)
(lei,ulei) eSlSterd
(noi) esistiamo
(voi) esistete
(loro) esistono
(io)
(tu)
i,u
(io)
(tu)
(io) esPello
(tu) espelli
esisterai
esPellevo
espellevi
(lu
espellerei
espelleresti
i/lei)
.. . .. .: esDellereDDe
(re r/ Le r)
(noi) espelleremmo
(voi) espellereste
(loro) espellerebbero
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
(io)
(tu)
espella
espella
(lui,ulei)
espelleva
espellevamo
espellevate
espellevano
(lei,/Lei) esPella
(noi) espelliamo
(voi) espelliate
(loro) espellano
IMPERATIVE
PAST PARTICIPLE
espel
espu rso
Wiffiffii
FUTURE
PREsENT
esisterd
raetes
espelliamo
espel lete
GERUND
esi
stendo
GERUND
espellendo
EXAMPLE PHRASES
EXAMPLE PHMSES
Babbo Natale non esiste. F1ther Christmos doesn't exist.
Tutt'e due i calciatori sono stati espulsi. Both players were sent off
Se farai un altro fallo ti espelleranno. ,f you commit another foul you'll be sent 0ff.
Non va ha scuola perchd I'hanno espulso. He doesn't go to school because he's
Non esistel No way!

ll zzrb di Baker Street non e mai esistito. There never reallv wls a
221b
Baker Street
been expelled.
Remember that subject pronouns are not used very often in Italian.
Italic letters in ltalian wolds show where stross does not follow the usual rules'
ffi
^,ttiltfl,*,
vergfaalEs
vene TnsLes
'W
> esser (to be)

PRESENT
(io)
(tu)
(lu
FUTURE
(io)
(tu)
esprimo
esprimi
i/lei)
(lu
(lei,/Lei) esPrlme
(noi) esprimiamo
(voi) esprimete
(toro) esprimono
(lu
i/lei)
ai\
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
i/tai,/t
hai espresso
eSPfeSSO
abbiamo espresso
avete espresso
hanno espressO
IMPERFECT
(io) esprimevo
(tu) esprimevi
(l u i,zle
(io)
(tu)
i)
(leizLeii esprlmeva
(noi) esprimevamo
(voi) esprimevate
(loro) esprimevano
IMPERATIVE
esprimi
esprimiamo
esprimete
(loro) sono stati,/e
IMPERFECT
(lu i,zlei)
i,zlei)
(lei,/Lei) esPrlma
(reilLeii
(noi) esprimiamo
(voi) esprimiate
(loro) esprimano
sarai
saro
saremo
sarete
saranno
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,/lei)
(iei/Lei)
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
sarei
saresti
sareDDe
Saremmo
Sareste
sarebbero
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
ero
erl
(io)
(tu)
era
(lei,ulei) sla
(noi) eravamo
(voi) eravate
(loro) erano
PAST PARTICIPLE
IMPERATIVE
espresso
sii
siamo
siate
GERUND
esprimendo
sard
CONDITIONAL
(io) sono stato/a

(tu) sei stato,/a
(lu i/lei)
_. . .. .. e stato/a
(rerl Le r)
(noi) siamo stati,/e
(voi) siete stati,/e
(io)
(tu)
lei)
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
PERFECT
PRESENT SUBTUNCTTVE
(io) esprima
(tu) esprima
i,u
(leilLei)
.(loro) sono
(loro) esprimerebbero
(l u
(lu
(noi) siamo
(voi) siete
(lu i/lei)
flcilt ci.r eSpnmereDDe
(noi) esprimeremmo
(voi) esprimereste
(io)
(tu)
sei
(lei,zLei)
esprimerei
esprimeresti
FUTURE
sono
(lui,ulei) :
c
(lei,zLei) esPrlmerd
(noi) esprimeremo
(voi) esprimerete
(loro) esprimeranno
ho espresso
na
(io)
(tu)
lei)
CONDITIONAL
PERFECT
(io)
(tu)
i,u
PRESENT
esprimerd
esprimerai
sia
sia
(lu i,zlei)
(noi) siamo
(voi) siate
(loro) siano
PAST PARTICIPLE
stato
GERUND
essendo
EXAIIAPLE PHRASES
EXAMPLE PHRASES
Dai, esprimi un desiderio! Co on, make a wish!

Non esprime mai la sua opinione. He never expresses his own opinion
Abbiamo espresso i nostri dubbi. We expressed our doubts.
Sono italiana. I'm ltalian.

Morio d appena partito. Mario has iust left.
Siete mai stati in Africa? Have Vou ever been to Africa?
Quando E arrivato erano le quattro in Punto. It was ex^ctl| four o'clock when he
arrived.
Alla festa ci saranno
Remember
used very often
in ltalian.
tutti i miei amici. All my friends will
be
ot the porty.
Italic l,lters in ltalian words show wher stress does not fotlow the usual rules.
Vro,
) fare (to do; make)

PRESENT
(lu
(noi) faremo
(voi) farete
(loro) faranno
CONDITIONAL
(io)
(tu)
ho fatto
hai fatto
(lu i,zlei)
(leillei) na latto
(noi) abbiamo fatto
(voi) avete fatto
(lu i,zlei)
(leilLei)
IMPERFECT
TareDDe
PRESENT SUBJUNCTTVE
(io)
(tu)
(lui,zlei)
(lu
(lei,zLei) Taceva
(lei,zlei)
(noi) facevamo
(voi) facevate
i,zl
ei)
(io)
(tu)
(noi) facciamo
sono fuggito/a
(lu i,zlei)
(ieilreii tuggtra
(noi) fuggiremo
(voi) fuggirete
(loro) fuggiranno
CONDITIONAL
(io) fuggirei
(tu)
sei fuggito/a
(lu i,zlei)
/loi.ur
(lei,u
oi\ e IUggltO/a
IMPERFECT
(ro)
(tu)
Tugg lvo
fu qq ivi
(lu i,zlei)
nai __
t ai\ Iugg lva
,'_'r,
:1
(nor)
ruggtvamo
(voi) fuggivate
(loro) f,uggivano
Lei)
fuggiresti
Iugg lreDDe
(noi) fuggiremmo
(voi) fugg ireste
(noi) siamo fuggiti/e

(voi) siete fugg iti,/e
(loro) sono fuggiti/e
(vor) lacctate
(loro) focciano
(loro) facevano
(io) fuggird
(tu) fuqqirai
(lui,zlei)
faccia
foccia
Tdccla
fuqq
PERFECT
farei
faresti
(toro) farebbero
facevo
facevi
FUTURE
fuggo
(lu i/lei)
' tt tnnp
(lei,zLei) '"YY(noi) fuggiamo
(voi) fugg ite
(loro) fuggono
(noi) faremmo
(voi) fareste
(loro) hanno fatto
(io)
(tu)
i/lei)
(leilLei) tara
(loro) fanno
(io)
(tu)
(io)
(tu)
(io) fard
(tu) farai
(voi) fate
PERFECT
tUgglF (to run away)
PRESENT
FUTURE
(io) foccio
(tu) fai
(luillei) r(leillei) q
(noi) facciamo
to"rr:-W
(loro) fuggirebbero
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
(io) fugga
(tu) fugga
(lu i,/lei)
tleiZLeii
tugga
(noi) fuggiamo
(voi) fuggiate
(loro) fuqqano
IMPERATIVE
PAST PARTICIPLE
IMPERATIVE
PAST PARTIClPLE
tdl
fatto
tuoo
fugg
ito
fuiq iamo
facciamo
fate
GERUND
fugg ite
GERUND
fuggendo
facendo
EXAMPLE PHMsEs
EXAMPLE PHRASES
Ho fatto un errore. I mode a mistake.

Due piir due fa quattro.Two ond two mIkes fou(
Cosa stai facendo? Whlt lre Vou doing?
Fa il medico. He is a doctor.
Fa caldo. lt's hot.
E fuggita di casa. She ron nwa1 from home.

Se non leghi bene il cane, fuggirri. tf you don't chain
Rememlter.that subject pronouns ane not used very often in ltalian.
La polizia!
up the dog securely he'll run 0ff.
Fuggiamo! lt's the policel Run for it!
Italic letters in ltalian wolds show whene stress does not follow th usual rules.
Vens TReLrs
ts imnrengf
PRESEhIT
(lu i,rlei)
(lei,ulei) lmmerge
(noi) immergiamo
(voi) immergete
(loro) immergono
(leillei) na lmmerso
(noi) abbiamo immerso
(voi) avete immerso
(loro) hanno immerso
ITMPERFECT
(lu i,zlei)
/t6i /r
ai\
(leilLei)
(lu
lm mergerd
(io)
(tu)
immergevo
immergevi
lmmer9eva
(noi) immergevamo
(voi) immergevate
(loro) immergevano
ITVIPET{ATIVE
i/lei)
flcilt ei\ rmmergereDDe
(noi) immergeremmo
(voi) immergereste
(loro) immergerebbero
PRESENT SUBJUNICTTVE
(io) immerga
(tu) immerga
(lu
i,u
lei)
(lei,/Lei) lmmerga
(noi) immergiamo
(voi) immergiate
(loro) immergano
PA,SI- PARTICIPLE
immerso
immergi
immergiamo
immergete
.. . ..Le ..
rnveccnta
l)
(lu
_.
i/lei)
),^,',,
^,i
invecchierai
i/lei)
... .. lnveccnrerd
(noi) invecchieremo
(voi) invecchierete
(loro) invecchieranno
CONDITIONAI-
PERFECT
(lu
invecchierd
(rerlLer)
(noi) invecchiamo
(voi) invecchiate
(loro) invecchiano
immergerei
immergeresti
(lu
(io)
(tu)
invecchio
invecchi
i/lei)
(io)
(tu)
J';i
FUTURE
(lel/i
(noi) immergeremo
(voi) immergerete
(loro) immergeranno
ho immerso
hai immerso
i/lei)
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
(io)
(tu)
immergerd
immergerai
c0NtDtTtCIt$At_
PER.FECT
(lu
(io)
(tu)
immergo
immergi
,. -, *,
PRESENT
FUTURE
(io)
(tu)
(io)
(tu)
, i"*aahi"*
(ro immerse)
Vene rnBLE
--
(io)
(tu)
sono invecchiato/a
sei invecchiato/a
e invecchiato/a
(lu i,zlei)
.. .'..
(toro) sono invecchiati/e
(io) invecchiavo
(tu) invecchiavi
(lu i/lei)
.. . .. .: rnveccnrava
(rerlLer)
(noi) invecchiavamo
(voi) invecchiavate
(loro) invecchiavano
IMPERATIVE
invecchia
invecchiamo
invecchiate
GERUND
immergendo
invecchieresti
rnveccntereDDe
(noi) invecchieremmo
(voi) invecchiereste
(loro) invecchierebbero
(noi) siamo invecchiati,/e

(voi) siete invecchiati,/e
IMPERFECT
.:
(rerlLer)
invecchierei
pRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
(io)
(tu)
(lu
i/lei)
.. . ..
.:
(rer/ Ler)
invecchi
invecchi
rnveccn|
(noi) invecchiamo
(voi) invecchiate
(loro) invecchino
PAST PARTICIPT.E
invecchiato
CERUND
invecchiando
D#.IMPLH tr.'HRAsf;s
EXAMPLE PHMsEs
Ha immerso il metallo incandescente nell'acqua. He plunged the red-hot metol

into the water.
Ci immergeremo nelle acque dellAdriatico.We'll dive in the wlters of the Adriotic
Si immergevano nello studio ogni sera. They immersed themselves in their studies
Tutti invecchiano prima o poi. Everyone gets old sooner or later.

Questo vino d invecchiato in botti di rovere. This wtne is oged in oak casks
Molti hanno paura di invecchiare. A lot of people are ofroid of getting old.
every evening.
'\..Remember
that subject pronouns are not used very often in ltalian.
ttalic letters in ltalian words show where strcss does not follow the usual rules.
VERB TABLES
PRESENT
FUTURE
(io)
(io)
Invro
(tu)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
(lu
Invta
(lei/Lei)
'
(leillei)
inviamo
(nor)
(voi)
(loro)
inviino
(io)
(tu)
ho inviato
hai inviato
(lu i,zlei)
(lei,zlei) na Invlato
(noi) abbiamo inviato
(voi) avete inviato

(loro) hanno inviato
IMPERFECT
(io) inviavo
(tu) inviavi
le
invierd
invieremo
i nvierete
Invteranno
CONDITIONAL
(io)
(tu)
i,u
inoij
(voi)
(loro)
PERFECT
(l u
i,/lei)
(lu i,zlei)
'ilai /t oi\
inoii
invierei
invieresti
InvlereDDe
invieremmo
(voi) inviereste
(loro) inviereblrero
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
(io)
(tu)
i)
Lei) Invlava
(noi) inviavamo
(voi) inviavate
(loro) inviavano
(lei,u
IMPERATIVE
invia
Invtamo
inviate
FUTURE
PRESENT
invierd
invierai
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
(lei,zLei)
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
(loro) inviino
loscia
lasciamo
lasciate
losciano
(lu i,zlei)
(lei,/Lei)
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
ha lascrato
(io)
(tu)
fl u
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
lascerd
tasceremo
lascerete
tasceranno
lasciavamo
lasciavate
lasciavano
IMPERATIVE
inviato
loscia
lascerei
lasceresti
lascereDDe
lasceremmo
lascereste
lascerebbero
PRESENT SUB,IUNCTIVE
(io)
(tu)
(lu
laSClava
i,/tei)
(leizieii
lasciavo
lasciavi
PAST PARTICIPLE
i/lei)
(leillei)
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
lasci
lasci
lascl
lasciamo
lasciate
lascino
PAST PARTICIPLE
lasciato
lasciamo
GERUND
PHMSES
lasciate
GERUND
lasciando
E)(AMPLE PHRASES
Non ho ancora inviato la domanda di iscrizione. I haven't. sent the enrolment form
off yet.
qlii'iao arrivi, inviami un sms. Text me when you orrive.
Vi invieremo ulteriori dettagli in seguito. We wilt send you lurther details l1ter.
Remember
lascerai
CONDITIONAL
tnvrango
EXAIIAPLE
lascerd
(lei/Lei)
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
ho.lasciaro
hai lasciato
TMPERFECT
(io)
(tu)
(io)
(tu)
(lui,zlei)
(noi) abbiamo lasciato

(voi) avete lasciato
(loro) hanno lasciato
invii
invii
(luillei)
Invll
ltei,zLei)
(noi) inviamo
(voi) inviate
lascio
lasci
PERFECT
!i"]
(tu)
(lu i/lei)
.l .,,. .:
(re r/ Le r)
'li,:,,,,i.i,)
used very often in ttalian.
Mio padre non mi loscia uscire fino a tardi. My fother doesn't let me stav out late
Ldscia stare mia sorella! Leove mV sister alone!
I miei si sono lasciati un anno fa. My parents split up a yelr 0go.
i-
;r,
raees
Vena Tneles
tW
-verte
PRESENT
(io)
(tu)
FUTURE
(io)
(tu)
leggo
leggi
i/lei)
(lei,zLei) leggerd
(lui,zlei)
(lu
(lei,zlei) legge
(noi) leggiamo
(voi) leggete
(loro) leggono
(io)
(tu)
(lu
i,u
lei)
IMPERFECT
(lu i,rlei)
(leillei)
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
ha letto
tleiiLeii
(noi) abbiamo letto
(voi) avete letto
(loro) hanno letto
(io)
(tu)
(noi) leggeremo
(voi) leggerete
(loro) leggeranno
ho letto
hai letto
deizr-eii
leggeresti
IeggereDbe
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
(io)
(tu)
legga
legga
(lu i,zlei)
leggeva
(lei,/Lei) legga
(lu
mdn9 ra
(noi) mangiamo
(voi) mangiate
(loro) mangiano
(io)
(tu)
(lu i/lei)
.l . .. .:
(rer/ Le r)
i/lei)
tieizLeii
mangerd
mangerai
mangerd
(noi) mangeremo
(voi) mangerete
(loro) mangeranno
CONDITIONAL
(io)
(tu)
ho mangiato
hai mangiato
(lu
ha manoiato
(noi) abbiamo mangiato

(voi) avete mangiato
(loro) hanno mangiato
IMPERFECT
(io) mangiavo
(tu) mangiavi
(lu i/lei)
mang rava
(noi) leggiamo
(voi) leggiate
(loro) leggano
leggevamo
leggevate
leggevano
deizLeii
(io)
(tu)
mcngio
mangi
PERFECT
leggerei
(noi) leggeremmo
(voi) leggereste
(loro) leggerebbero
leggevo
leggevi
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
CONDITIONAL
PERFECT
FUTURE
PRESENT
leggerd
leggerai
dei/reii
(noi) mangiavamo
(voi) mang iavate
(loro) mangiovano
i/lei)
(leilr-ei)
mangerei
mangeresti
mangereDDe
(noi) mangeremmo
(voi) mangereste
(loro) mangerebbero
PRESENT SUBJUNCTTVE
(io) mangi
(tu) mangi
(lu i/lei)
treizLeii
mang
(noi) mangiamo
(voi) mangiate
(loro) mongino
IMPERATIVE
PAST PARTICIPLE
IMPERATIVE
PAST PARTICIPLE
leggi
letto
mdngia
mang iato
leggiamo
leggete
mangiamo
mangiate
GERUND
CERUND
mangiando
leggendo
EXAMPLE PHRASES
EXAMPLE PHRASES
Non ho ancora letto quel libro. I haven't reod that book yet.
Legge il giornale tutti i giorni. He re1ds the poper every day.
Leggevo molto prima di iniziare a lavorare. I read a lot before I started working.
Non mangio carne. I don't eot meot.

Si mangia bene in quel ristorante.The food is good in that restIur1nt.
Ultimamente sto mangiando troppo. I've been eating too much lotely.
Remember
used very often
in ltalian.
Italic letters in Italian words show where strcss does not follow thc usual rules.
Mw
.wr,--w Veng Tneles
vens Tnsles
W:p
-a
PRESENT
(io)
(tu)
FUTURE
(lu i,zle i)
(lei,zlei)
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
||
tcLLc
(io)
(tu)
(lu
i/lei)
(leilLei)
ha messo
IMPERFECT
(lu i,zlei)
,,^,r,
^,i
(noi) metteremo
(voi) metterete
(loro) metteranno
(io)
(tu)
ho messo
hai messo
(iu
muori
(io)
metterei
metteresti
(tu)
i/lei)
(lu
i/lei)
(lei/Lei)
(noi) metteremmo
(voi) mettereste
muore
moflamo
morite
muoiono
PRESENT SUBJUNCT|VE
morto,/a
sei morto/a
SOnO
E morto,/a
metta
metta
IMPERFECT
(io) morlvo
(tu) morivi
(leilLei) merta
(iei/r-ei) morlva
(io)
(tu)
(lu
i/lei)
(lu i,zlei)
(noi) mettiamo
(voi) mettiate
(loro) mettano
(ro) mortro
(tu)
(lu
morirai
i/lei)
(leilLei) morlrd
(noi) moriremo
(voi) morirete
(loro) moriranno
CONDITIONAL
(noi) siamo morti/e

(voi) siete morti/e
(loro) sono morti/e
(loro) mpttarrlrlrarn
mettevi
(noi) mettevamo
(voi) mettevate
(loro) mettevano
(tu)
PERFECT
(lei//Lei) meltereDDe
mettevo
metteva
muoro
(lei/Lei)
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
CONDITIONAL
(noi) abbiamo messo

(voi) avete messo
(loro) hanno messo
(io)
(tu)
(leilLei) metrerd
mettono
PERFECT
(io)
(lui,zlei)
(lu i,zlei)
mettiamo
mettete
FUTURE
PRESENT
(io) metterd
(tu) metterai
metto
metti
(noi) morivamo
(voi) morivate
(loro) morivano
(lo)
(tu)
(lu i/lei)
.l . .. .:
(re r/ Ler)
morlre
moriresti
mortrebbe
(noi) moriremmo
(voi) morireste
(loro) morlrebbero
(io) muoia
(tu) muoia
(lu i,zlei)
.. . ..
..
(re r/ Le,)
muota
(noi) moriamo
(voi) moriate
(loro) muoiano
IMPERATIVE
PAST PARTICIPLE
TMPERATIVE
PAST PARTICIPLE
metti
mettiamo
mes50
muori
moriamo
morto
mettete
morite
GERUND
GERUND
morendo
mettendo
EXAMPLE PHRASES
EXAIIAPLE PHRASES
Hai messo i bambini a letto? Have Vou put the children to bed?
Metterd un annuncio sul giornale. l'll put on advert in the paper.
Muoio di sete" l'n dying of thirst.

sta morendo di fame. She's starvtng.
Moriva dalla voglia di raccontarle tutto. He wls dving to tell her everything
Mettiti la e aspetta. Wait there.

Quanto tempo ci hai messo? How long did it take you?
Non metto piir quelle scarpe. I don't weor those shoes \nV more.
rt
Italic letters in ltalian words show where strets does not follow the usual rules.
'i| ,1.:l,t Vene Tneles
rnuover
(ro move)
PRESENT
(io)
(tu)
muovo
muovi
(lu i,zlei)
(lei,zlei) muove
(noi) muoviamo
(voi) muovete
(loro) muovono
PERFECT
(io)
(tu)
IMPERFECT
i/lei)
muoverai
(lu i,zlei)
i/lei)
(io)
(tu)
hai mosso
(noi) abbiamo mosso

(voi) avete mosso
(loro) hanno mosso
(lu
muoverd
(leilLei)
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
(lu
IMPERATIVE
muovi
muoviamo
muovete
muovereDDe
(io)
(tu)
(lu
(lu
nasce
(io)
(tu)
(luillei)
.: .'.. .:
(rer/LerJ
muova
i/lei)
(lei/Lei) muova
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
(noi) muoviamo
(voi) muoviate
(loro) muovano
..
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
nascerd
nascerai
nascerd
nasceremo
nascerete
nasceranno
CONDITIONAL
(io)
(tu)
sono nato/a
sei nato,/a
e nato/a
IMPERFECT
muova
i/lei)
.. . ..
(re r/ Le r)
nasciamo
nascete
ndscono
(noi) siamo nati,/e

(voi) siete nati,/e
(loro) sono nati/e
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
muovevi
(noi) mUovevamo
(voi) muovevate
(loro) muovevano
muoverei
muoveresti
(noi) muoveremmo
(voi) muovereste
(loro) muoverebbero
muovevo
muoveva
i/lei)
(teilLei)
(io)
(tu)
(lu i/lei)
.. . .. ..
(re r/ Le r)
(io)
(tu)
nasco
nasci
PERFECT
CONDITIONAL
(lu i,zlei)
(leilLei)
(lu
(io)
(tu)
(leillei) muoverd
(noi) muoveremo
(voi) muoverete
(loro) muoveranno
ho mosso
(leirzlei) na mo55o
(io)
(tu)
(io)
(tu)
FUTURE
PRESENT
FUTURE
(lu i,/lei)
dei/Leii
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
deizLeii
nascevano
IMPERATIVE
mosso
nasci
nasciamo
nascere
nasceremmo
nascereste
nascerebbero
nasca
nasca
nasca
(noi) nasciamo
(voi) nasciate
(loro) ndscano
nascevamo
nascevate
PAsT PARTICIPLE
nascereDDe
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
nascevo
nascevi
nasceva
nascerei
nasceresti
PAST PARTICIPLE
nato
GERUI!D
GERUND
muovenoo
nascendo
EXAIIIIPI-E PHRASES
EXAMPLE PHMsEs
Non muovevo piii la gamba per il dolore. I couldn't move mV leg becluse af the
nato nel 1977. He wos born in Dn.

l bambino nascerA tra due settimane. The boby is due in two
Sono nata il z8 aprile. I wos born on the 28th of April.
E
pain.
Non si muove. lt won't move.

Muoviti, o perdiamo il trenol Hurry up, or we'll miss the train!
(
Remember that subject pronouns arc not used very often in ltalian.
Italic letters in ltalian wotds show where
'trcss
weeks.
does not follow the usual rules.
ffiNfwryu"ik,
vens tneLes
tuM.4,M VERB IABLES
PRESENT
PRESENT
FUTURE
(io)
pago
(io)
pagherd
(tu)
paghi
(tu)
pagherai
(lui,zlei)
(lei,/Lei)
(lu i,zlei)
Pd9d
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
(luillei)
0eizLeii
(io)
(tu)
ha pagato
IMPERFECT
pagavo
Pagavi
(lu i,zlei)
(lu
(loro)
Pagava
pagavamo
pagavate
pagdvano
IMPERATIVE
paga
(leillei)
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
pag herete
pagheranno
Pagheresti
PRESENT SUBJUNCTTVE
(io) paghi
(tu) paghi
(io)
(tu)
PAST PARTICIPLE
pagato
(io)
(tu)
pari
pare
pariamo
parete
(lu
CONDITIONAL
(io)
(tu)
IMPERFECT
i/lei)
(loro)
Parevo
Parevi
parrei
parresti
(lu i,zlei)
pi\ ParreDDe
(noi) parremmo
(voi) parreste
(loro) parrebbero
/lpilt
(noi) siamo parsi/e

(voi) siete parsi/e
(loro) sono parsi/e
(leillei)
(noi)
(voi)
Parrai
(loro) parranno
sono parso/a
sei parso,/a
(lu i,zlei)
(io)
(tu)
i/lei)
Parrd
(leillei) Parra
(noi) parremo
(voi) parrete
poiono
(leizr-eii e parso/a
(lu
i/lei)
(leillei) Pagn
(noi) paghiamo
(voi) paghiate
(loro) pag h ino
FUTURE
vu tu
PERFECT
pagherei
(leillei) PagnereDDe
(noi) pagheremmo
(voi) paghereste
(loro) pagherebbero
(lu
(leillei)
(noi)
(voi)
i/lei)
(lu i,zlei)
pagneremo
CONDITIONAL
ho pagato
hai pagato
(noi) abbiamo pagato

(voi) avete pagato
(loro) hanno pagato
(io)
(tu)
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
Pagare
pdgano
PERFECT
(io)
(tu)
(leilLei)
paghiamo
pagherri
(io)
(tu)
ffi
(io) poia
(tu) poia
(lu i,zlei)
Pareva
(lei,zlei) P0ta
(noi) paiamo
(voi) paiate
(loro) poiano
parevamo
parevate
parevano
IMPERATIVE
PAST PARTICIPLE
pari
parso
paflamo
paghiamo
parete
pagate
GERUND
GERUND
pagando
parendo
EXAMPLE PHRASES
Hai pagato il conto? Hilve you paid the bitt?

Pagherei io, ma non accettano la carta di credito. I'd poy, but they don't tlke
credit cards.
EXAMPLE PHRASES
Mi pare che sia gia arrivato. I think he's llreody
here.
Ci d parso che foste stanchi. We thought you were tired.

Faceva solo cid che gli pareva. He did just what he wonted.
La pagherai! You'll pay for this!
Remember that subject pronouni are not used very often in ltalian.
Italic letters in ltalian words show where stress does not fotlow the usual rules.
jr,,
rl, it1!E
Vene TneLes
VeceTngles
PRESENT
FUTURE
PRESENT
(io)
(tu)
(io)
(tu)
(io)
(tu)
(lu
i/lei)
tleizLeii
Parlo
parli
(lu i,/lei)
.. . ..
parla
..
(re r/ Le r)
Parlero
Parlerai
oanerd
(noi) parleremo
(voi) parlerete
(loro) parleranno
(noi) parliamo
(voi) parlate
(loro) pdrlano
CONDITIONAL
PERFECT
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
dei/r-eii
(io)
(tu)
ho parlato
hai parlato
na Parlato
(lu i,zlei)
.. . .. ., DaflereDDe
(rer/ Ler)
(noi) parleremmo
(voi) parlereste
(loro) parlerebbero
(noi) abbiamo parlato

(voi) avete parlato
(loro) hanno parlato
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
IMPERFECT
(io)
(tu)
(lu i/lei)
.l . .. .:
(re r/ Le r)
(io)
(tu)
Parlavo
Parlavi
(noi) parlavamo
(voi) parlavate
(loro) parlavano
pana
i,/tei)
fl u
Darlava
IMPERATIVE
Parlerei
Parleresti
dei/r-eii
Parli
Parli
parll
(noi) parliamo
(voi) parliate
(loro) parlino
PAST PARTICIPLE
parlato
(lu
i/lei)
(lei/Lei)
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
FUTUR,E
(l u i,zle
Pesca
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
pescate
pescano
pescherd
pescherai
pescner4
pescheremo
pescherete
pescheranno
CONDITIONAL
?1"'.1..""
(lui,zlei)
(lei,/Lei) na Pescato
(noi) abbiamo pescato
(voi) avete pescato
(loro) hanno pescato
IMPERFECT
Pescavo
Pescavi
(lu i,zlei)
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
i)
treizr-eii
pesch iamo
ffl H
deizreii
(io)
(tu)
Pesco
Peschi
PERFECT
(io)
(tu)
j':'t!
(io)
(tu)
(lu
i/lei)
Pescherei
Pescheresti
tleiZLeii Pescherebbe
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
pescheremmo
peschereste
pescherebbero
PRESENT SUBJUNCTTVE
(io)
(tu)
Peschi
peschi
(lui,zlei)
Pescava
pescavamo
pescavate
pescdvano
(lei,uLei) Pescnl
(noi) pesch iamo
(voi)
(loro)
peschiate
peschino
IMPERATIVE
PAST PARTICIPLE
pesca
pescaro
peschiamo
parliamo
parlate
pescare
GERUND
GERUND
parlando
Pescanoo
EXAMPLE PHRASES
EXAMPLE PHMsEs
Pronto, chi parla? Hello, who's speoking?

Non parf iomone piir. Let's just forget about it.
Abbiamo parlato per ore. We talked for hours.
Cli parferd di te. l'll tatk to him about you.
Di cosa parfa quel libro? What is thot book lbout?
Ti insegnerd a pescare. t'lt teoch you how to fish.

Ho pescato un pesce enorme. I caught. an enormous fish.
Dove diavolo hai pescato quella giacca? Where on eafth did you get that
Remember
that subject pronouns are not used very often in ltalian'
jacket?
Rrmembcr that subjoct prunouns are not used rrery often in ltalian.
.w,!;l#illit
'ttfr'l!.Mt Vens Tneles
(io)
(tu)
(
Posso
Puoi
Puo
Lei)
(noi) possiamo
(voi) potete
(loro) possono
(io)
(tu)
(lu i/lei)
.l .',, .:
(re r/ Le r)
potra
(io)
(tu)
(lu
potrd
(noi) potremo
(voi) potrete
(loro) potranno
(io)
(tu)
ho potuto
hai potuto
ha Dotuto
(io)
(tu)
i/lei)
ceizLeii
Potrei
potresti
,. .'. DotrelrlJe
(noi) potremmo
(voi) potreste
(loro) potrebbero
Potevo
potevi
(lei/Lei)
IMPERATIVE
prendete
(noi)
(voi)
prendono
(toro) prenderanno
(lu i,zlei)
(lu
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
(noi) prenderemmo
(voi) prendereste
(toro) prenderebbero
PRESENT SUB,'UNCTIVE
(io)
(tu)
Prendeva
(eizLeii
i/lei)
(lu
prendevamo
prendevate
prendevano
prenderei
prenderesti
DrenoereDDe
(re r/ Le r)
prendevo
prendevi
i/lei)
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
prenda
prenda
prenda
prend iamo
prend iate
prendano
PAST PARTICIPLE
IMPERATIVE
PAST PARTICIPLE
potuto
prendi
preso
prendiamo
prendete
GERUND
potendo
EXAMPLE PHMsEs
tutti i giorni dell'anno. You can visit the castle ony aay
of the year.
Non e potuto venire. He couldn't come.
Non potrd venire domani.l won't be oble to come tornorrow.
Pu6 aver avuto un incidente. He mav have hod on occident.
Potrebbe essere vero. lt could be true.
Si pu6 visitare il castello
that subject pnonouns are not
GERUND
prendendo
EXAIIAPLE PHRASES
Remember
(io)
(tu)
hai preso
IMPERFECT
(leilr-eii
prenderemo
prenderete
CONDITIONAL
ho preso
(noi) abbiamo preso

(voi) avete preso
(loro) hanno preso
Possa
prenderd
prenderai
(leilLei) Prenoerd
prend iamo
(lu i,zlei)
Possa
possa
(noi) possiamo
(voi) possiate
(loro) possano
(noi) potevamo
(voi) potevate
(loro) potevano
(io)
(tu)
(lui,zlei)
Prenoe
(lei,zlei) na Preso
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
poteva
(loro)
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
:. .
(rer/ Ler)
(io)
(tu)
i/lei)
(leillei)
(noi)
(voi)
FUTURE
Prendo
Prendi
PERFECT
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
IMPERFECT
(tu)
(lei/Lei)
(noi) abbiamo potuto

(voi) avete potuto
(loro) hanno potuto
,:
potrd
CONDITIONAL
PERFECT
(lu
(to)
(lu i,zlei)
lu i,/le i)
(lei,u
PRESENT
FUTURE
PRESENT
used very often
in ltalian.
Prendi quella borsa.Take that bag.

Ho preso un bel voto. I got a good mork.
Prende qualcosa da bere? Would you like something
Per chi mi prendi? Who do you think I am?
to
drink?
Italic letters in ltalian words show where strcss does not follow the usual rules,
d#ffi*
ry,:
vene Tneles
FUTURE
PRESENT
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
,'i"'i,
vene
(tu)
(lu
",i
(io)
(tu)
procederai
i/lei)
.. . .. .. Droceoerd
(rerl Le
Procede
(leillei)
(noi)
(voi)
procederemo
procederete
procederanno
(loro)
CONDITIONAL
PERFECT
(io)
(tu)
(ui'zlei)
llai lt oi\
(io)
(tu)
sono proceduto/a
sei proceduto/a
6 Droceduto,/a
ProcedereDDe
tieizLeii
(io)
(tu)
Procedevo
Procedevi
Proceoeva
(leilLei)
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
(noi)
(voi)
procedevamo
procedevate
(toro) procedevano
(io)
(tu)
Proceda
(lu
Proceoa
procedi
proced iamo
proced iate
procedano
proced iamo
proceclete
i,u
(io)
(tu)
hai prodotto
(noi) produrremmo
(voi) produrreste
(loro) produrrebbero
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
(io)
(tu)
(l u
producevamo
producevate
producevano
produrresti
deizLeii Produrrebbe
Producevo
producevi
Produceva
Produrrei
i/lei)
(lu
ha prodotto
Produca
produca
i,zlei)
(leilLei) Proouca
(noi) produciamo
(voi) produciate
(loro) producano
IMPERATIVE
PAST PARTICIPI-E
produci
prodotto
procedendo
EXAMPLE PHRASES
Proourrd
CONDITIONAL
produciamo
producete
GERUND
produrrai
(noi) produrremo
(voi) produrrete
(loro) produrranno
ho prodotto
lei)
(leilrei)
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
PAST PARTICIPLE
proceduto
IMPERATIVE
(leilLei)
producono
lMPERFECT
Proceda
(lu i,zlei)
(ieilLei)
Proouce
produciamo
producete
(noi) ablriamoprodotto
(voi) avete prodotto
(loro) hanno prodotto
PRESENT SUBJUNCTTVE
IMPERFECT
(lui,/lei)
o;,
(lu i,zlei)
(noi) procederemmo
(voi) procedereste
(loro) procederebbero
(noi) siamoproceduti/e
(voi) siete proceduti,/e
(loro) sonoproceduti/e
(io)
(tu)
(io)
(tu)
Produrrd
(luillei)
PERFECT
procederei
procederesti
(lu i,zlei)
i,o, r,
(io)
(tu)
Produco
Produci
(lu i,zlei)
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
(noi) proced iamo

(voi) procedete
(loro) procedono
FUTURE
PR,ESENT
. (io) procederi
procedo
Procedi
tesgs
GER.UND
producendo
EXAMPLE PHMsEs
Come procede il lavoro? How's the work getting on?

Gli affari procedono bene. Business is going well.
La
ditta produce scarpe.
The company makes shoes.
Questa soluzione non ha prodotto buoni risultati. This solution did not produce
good results.
fttolia produceva molto grano. ltdly used to produce 0 lot of wheot.
ll troffico sta procedendo lentamente.The trofltc is moving slowly.
iI
I
I
Remember
used very often in ltalian.
Italic letteru in ltalian words show where stness does not follow th usual rules.
l:.1. v.*, r^rlr,

PRFSENT
(io)
(tu)
PRESENT
(io)
(tu)
(io)
(tu)
ProPoni
(lui,zlei)
(leilLei)
FUTURE
propongo
ProPone
(lu i,zlei)
(leilLei) ProPorro
(lei,zlei)
(io)
(tu)
i/lei)
treizLeii
ha proposto
(noi) abbiamo proposto

(voi) avete proposto
(loro) hanno proposto
IMPERFECT
(io)
(tu)
i,u
i/tai /r
ProPonevo
ProPonevi
(lu
PrOPoneva
(noi) proponevamo
(voi) proponevate
(loro) proponevano
ProPorrei
ProPorresti
(leilLei) ragglungerd
(noi) raggiungeremo
(voi) raggiungerete
(loro) raggiungeranno
(io)
(tu)
(lu
ragglungerebbe
(noi) ragglungeremmo
(voi) raggiungereste
(loro) raggiungerebbero
(io)
(tu)
raggiungevo
raggiungevi
(ieilLei) ra99lungeva
(noi) raggiungevamo
(voi) raggiungevate
(loro) raggiungevano
(noi) proponiamo
(voi) proponiate
(loro) propongano
raggiungerei
raggiungeresti
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
(lu i,/lei)
proponga
i/lei)
dei/Leii
(loro) hanno raggiunto
IMPERFECT
(io)
(tu)
raggiungerai
CONDITIONAL
(lu i,zlei)
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
(io) proponga
(tu) proponga
ragg iu ngerd
(lu i,zlei)
ho raggiunto
hai raggiunto
(leillei) na ragg lunto

(noi) abbiamo raggiunto
(voi) avete raggiunto
ProPorreDDe
PAST PARTICIPLE
proposto
IMPERATIVE
proponi
proponiamo
(io)
(tu)
(noi) proporremmo
(voi) proporreste
(loro) proporrebllero
tleizLeii
ragg lunge
PERFECT
i/lei)
dei/r-eii
(lu i,/lei)
lei)
pi\
(io)
(tu)
ho proposto
hai proposto
(io)
(tu)
raggiungi
(noi) raggiungiamo
(voi) raggiungete
(loro) ragg iungono
(noi) proporremo
(voi) proporrete
(loro) proporranno
CONDITIONAL
PERFECT
(lu
proPorrai
(lu i,zlei)
(noi) proponiamo
(voi) proponete
(loro) propongono
(lu
ProPorrd
FUTURE
ragg iu ngo
IMPERATIVE
raggiungi
ragg iungiamo
(lu
ragg iu nga
raggiunga
i/lei)
(leilLei) ragglunga
(noi) raggiungiamo
(voi) raggiungiate
(loro) raggiungano
PAST PARTICIPLE
raggiunto
rf nnir rnnat6
proponere
GERUND
GERUND
proponenoo
rlnnirrnnondn
EXAIIAPLE PHRAsES
EXAMPLE PHMSES
Ho proposto di andare al cinema. I suggested going to the cinema.

propone lo chefl What does the chef recommend?
Marco proponeva una pizza,ma non ne ho voglia. Marco suggested a pizzo but
La
Che cosa
I don't feel like one.
Remember
that subjsct pnonouns are not
used very often
in ltalian.
temperatura pud raggiungere i quaranta gradi. The temperature con reach forty
degrees.
Vi raggiungo
pii
tardi. I'll join you later.
Non ho ancora raggiunto il mio scopo. I haven't yet achieved my aim.
Italic letters in ltalian words show where stress does not follow the usual rules,
W-M#A:,,
@""
4*9ff_
vene
Vrne Tneles
tneles
ffi
-aa
FUTURE
PRESENT
(io)
(tu)
(io)
(tu)
resto
resti
(luillei)
' rp<tr
(noi) restiamo
(voi) restate
(loro) restano
(le i,zLe i )
(io)
sono restato/a
/+,,\
\ru/
-^i
)Et
(lu i,zlei)
.-. .
.. ., e restato,/a
(noi) siamo restati/e
(voi) siete restati/e
(loro) sono restati/e
..
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
i/lei)
(lu
(noi) resteremo
(voi) resterete
(loro) resterannO
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
.. . ..
.:
ue r/ Le r)
restavo
restavi
restava
(io)
(tu)
(lui,zlei)
.. . .. ..
(re r/ Le r)
resteresti
restesreDDe
IMPERATIVE
riempi
riempiamo
restiamo
restate
na flemDtto
IMPERFECT
(ro) flemptvo
(tu) riempivi
(lu i/lei)
(lei,zLei) rlemPlVa
(noi) riempivamo
(voi) riempivate
(loro) riempivano
PAST PARTICIPLE
restato
IMPERATIVE
ho riempito
hai riempito
(noi) abbiamo riempito

(voi) avete riempito
(loro) hanno riempito
(noi) restiamo
(voi) restaste
(loro) restino
riempite
GERUND
(io)
(tu)
riempird
riempirai
(lu i,zlei)
(lei,/Lei) rlemPlrd
(noi) riempiremo
(voi) riempirete
(loro) riempiranno
CONDITIONAL
PERFECT
resterei
deiZLeii
resta
i/lei)
(noi) riempiamo
(voi) riempite
(loro) riempiono
(noi) resteremmo
(voi) restereste
(loro) resterebbero
restavamo
restavate
restdvano
riempi
(leiilLei) rlemPle
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
(io) resti
(tu) resti
(lu i/lei)
rest'
IMPERFECT
(lu i,zlei)
(tu)
(iei,zlei) resterd
l^
-^-+-+^
| tr>LdLv/ d
(rerlLeU
;, . ..
(rerlLer)
(loJ nempto
CONDITIONAL
PERFECT
(io)
(tu)
(lu
FUTURE
PRESENT
restero
resterai
(roJ
(tu)
(lu lei)
.. . .. .:
(rerlLerJ
i,u
n em p lre
riempiresti
nemDrreDDe
(noi) riempiremmo
(voi) riempireste
(loro) riempirebbero
PRESENT SUB.|UNCTTVE
(io) riempia
(tu) riempia
(lu i/lei)
(leilLei)
rlemPla
(noi) riempiamo
(voi) riempiate
(loro) riempiano
PAST PARTTCIPLE
riempito
CERUND
riempiendo
restando
EXAMPLE PHMsEs
EXAAIIPLE PHRASES
Dai, resta ancora un po'. Co on, stay a bit. Ionger.

Sono restato a casa tutto il giorno. I staved at home 0ll day
Ne restano solo due. There are onlv two left.
Tieni, ho riempito il termos di caffri, va bene? Here, I've fllled the flaskwith coffee,
okav?
Riempi il modulo, per Favore. Fill in the form, please.

Vedervi ci riempie di gioia. tt's a joy to see you.
i
Remember
Italic letters in ltalian words show where strss does not follow the usual rules.
ilii,i!#Ltiit
W#i:Wr VEna Tneles
(io) rifletto
(tu) rifletti
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
PERFECT
ho riflettuto
hai riflettuto
(lu i,zlei)
(lei/Lei) narlTlettuto
(noi) abbiamoriflettuto
(voi) avete riflettuto
(loro) hanno riflettuto
IMPERFECT
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
:. . .. .'.
(rer/Ler)
rifletterd
rifletterai
(lu i,zlei)
.. .
(rer/ Le r.)
,. .:
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
(lei,zLei) rlllettera
(noi) riflettiamo
(voi) riflettete
(loro) riflettono
(io)
(tu)
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
(ieiZr-eij rrtlette
(noi) rifletteremo
(voi) rifletterete
(loro) rifletteranno
/lr ri /lei\
;^-, i,
^,i
(io)
(tu)
(lu i/lei)
.:, ... .:
(reilLerJ
rifletterebbe
ntletteva
(luillei)
(lei/Lei)
(noi) riflettevamo
(voi) riflettevate
(loro) riflettevano
rifletta
rifletta
(lu
.;n^++| rrrsLLd
PAST PARTICIPLE
riflettuto
(noi) rimarremo
(voi) rimarrete
(loro) rimarranno
(io)
(tu)
sono rimasto/a
sei rimasto/a
e flmasto/a
(lu
^,,
nmaneva
i/lei)
(leilLei)
rimarrei
rimarresti
rlmarreDDe
(noi) rimarremmo
(voi) rimarreste
(loro) rimarrebbero
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
(io) rimanga
(tu) rimanga
(lu i,zlei)
.:.
... ..
(rer/LerJ
flmanoa
(noi) rimaniamo
(voi) rimaniate
(loro) rimcngano
PAST PARTICIPLE
rimasto
GERUND
GERUND
riflettendo
rimanendo
EXAMPLE PHRASES
Agisce senza riflettere. He does things without thinking.

Ci ho riflettuto su e ho deciso di accettare. I've thouaht about
to
(lu i,zlei)
CONDITIONAL
IMPERATIVE
rimani
rimaniamo
rimanete
EXAMPLE PHRASES
it
Sono rimasto a casa tutto il giorno. I stayed at home all day.

Mi piacerebbe rimanere qualche altro giorno. I'd like to stoy o few more days.
Ci rimarrebbero molto male.They'd be very upset.
and have decided
occept.
Rifletti prima di parlare! Think
lei)
rimarrd
rimarrai
(leiZieii rlmarrd
rimaniamo
rimanete
rimangono
(noi) rimanevamo
(voi) rimanevate
(loro) rimanevano
(noi) riflettiamo
(voi) riflettiate
(loro) riflettano
rifletti
riflettiamo
riflettete
i,u
,,^, r,
IMPERATIVE
nmane
IMPERFECT
(io) rimanevo
(tu) rimanevi
PRESENT SUBJUNCTTVE
riflettevo
riflettevi
rimani
(noi) siamo rimasti,/e

(voi) siete rimasti,/e
(loro) sono rimasti/e
(noi) rifletteremmo
(voi) riflettereste
(loro) rifletterebbero
(io)
(tu)
(io)
(tu)
rimango
PERFECT
CONDITIONAL
(io) rifletterei
(tu) rifletteresti
(rEr/ LerJ
FUTURE
PRESENT
FUTURE
PRESENT
before you speak!
ti
Remember
used very
often in ltalian.
ffi#
S*;s
Vene TReLes
FUTURE
PRESENT
(io)
(tu)
Vene TneLes
risolvo
risolvi
(lu i,/le i)
(lei,zLei) rlSOlVe
(noi) risolviamo
(voi) risolvete
(loro) risolvono
(io)
(tu)
PRESENT
(io)
(tu)
risolverd
risolverai
(lu i,zlei)
(lu
(ieizr-eij rrsolverd
(noi) risolveremo
(voi) risolverete
(loro) risolveranno
(io)
(tu)
ho risolto
hai risolto
l:'1':ll
ha risorto
(noi) ablriamo risolto

(voi) avete risolto
(loro) hanno risolto
IMPERFECT
(io) risolvevo
(tu) risolvevi
(lu i,zlei)
(iei/Lei) rlsolveva
(noi) risolvevamo
(voi) risolvevate
(loro) risolvevano
IMPERATIVE
risolvi
risolviamo
risolvete
(io)
(tu)
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
(lu i,zlei)
risolverebbero
(lei,uLei)
(lu
rlSOlVa
i/lei)
ilai tr
(noi) risolviamo
(voi) risolviate
(loro) risolvano
ii
i:
o.rt
(noi) risponderemo
(voi) risponderete
(loro) risponderanno
ii
rispondevo
rispondevi
flsponoeva
(noi) rispondevamo
(voi) rispondevate
(loro) rispondevano
lu i,zle
i)
(ieilLeii
rlsPondereDDe
(noi) risponderemmo
(voi) rispondereste
(loro) risponderebbero
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
(io) risponda
(tu) risponda
(lui,/lei)
(ieilr-ei) rlsPonoa
(noi) rispondiamo
(voi) rispondiate
(loro) rispondano
IMPERATIVE
PAST PARTICIPLE
r:ispondi
nsPosto
rispondiamo
rispondete
CERUND
(io) risponderei
(tu) risponderesti
(
na rlsposto
ll
PAST PARTICIPLE
risolto
i,/lei)
.. . .. .. nsDonderd
CONDITTONAL
IMPERFECT
(io)
(tu)
risponderd
risponderai
(re r/ Ler)
ho risposto
hai risposto
dei/reii
(noi) abbiamo risposto
(voi) avete risposto
(loro) hanno risposto
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
(io) risolva
(tu) risolva
(lu i,zlei)
(io)
(tu)
(lu
rrsPonoe
PERFECT
risolverei
risolveresti
(leillei) rlsolvereDDe
(noi) risolveremmo
(voi) risolvereste
(loro)
FUTURE
rispondo
rispondi
rispondiamo
rispondete
(loro) rispondono
CONDITIONAL
PERFECT
i/lei)
(ieillei)
(noi)
(voi)
"t,tlri
risolvendo
GERUND
rispondendo
il
EXAMPLE PHMSES
Ho risofto l'indovinellol I've worked out the riddle!

Ti calmerai solo se risolverai i tuoi problemi.You'lt onty calm down if you
your probtems.
Cosi non risolvi nulla. You won't solve the problems that woy.
Remember that subject pronouns ar not used very often in ltalian.
EXAMPLE PHRASES
solve
Ho telefonato ma non ha risposto nessuno. t phoned, but nobody answered

Rispondi alla mia domanda. Answer my questian.
Rispondeva sempre di sl a tutti. He olways said yes to everyone.
ltalic letters in ltalian words show wherc stress does not follow the usual rules.
ve*erne*s
(io)
(tu)
(io)
(tu)
rompo
rompi
(lu i,zlei)
(lei,uLei) romPe
(noi) rompiamo
(voi) rompete
(loro) rompono
(lu
lei)
(le i,zLe i)
(io)
(tu)
IMPERFECT
(io)
(tu)
PRESENT SUBJUNCTTVE
(lu i,zlei)
(lui,zlei)
(lei,/Lei) romPeva
(io)
(tu)
IMPERFECT
rompa
rompa
(lu
(lu i,zlei)
salivo
salivi
i/lei)
(leilLei) sallva
(eizLeii rompa
(noi) rompevamo
(voi) rompevate
(loro) rompevano
IMPERATIVE
rompi
rompiamo
rompere
(noi) siamo saliti,/e

(voi) siete saliti,/e
(loro) sono saliti/e
(io)
(tu)
(noi) salivamo
(voi) salivate
(loro) salivano
(noi) rompiamo
(voi) rompiate
(loro) rompano
PAST PARTICIPLE
IMPERATIVE
rotto
sal
saliamo
salite
GERUND
rompendo
(io) salird
(tu) salirai
(lu i,zlei)
(leizr-eij salrrd
(noi) saliremo
(voi) salirete
(loro) saliranno
CONDITIONAL
sono salito/a
sei salito,/a
(leilLei) e sallto/a
(noi) romperemmo
(voi) rompereste
(loro) romperebbero
rompevo
rompevi
c:ta
PERFECT
romperei
romperesti
(lei,zlei) romPereDDe
(noi) abbiamo rotto

(voi) avete rotto
(loro) hanno rotto
FUTURE
salgo
sali
(noi) saliamo
(voi) salite
(loro) solgono
(noi) romperemo
(voi) romperete
(loro) romperannO
(lu i,zlei)
(tei/Leii ha rotto
(io)
(tu)
(luirzlei)
i/lei)
(lei,zlei) romPerd
(io) ho rotto
(tu) hai rotto
i,u
(io)
(tu)
romperd
romperai
CONDITIONAL
PERFECT
(lu
PREsENT
FUTURE
PRESENT
(io)
(tu)
(l u i,zle
i)
tieizr-eij
salirei
saliresti
salrreDDe
(noi) saliremmo
(voi) salireste
(loro) salirebbero
PRESENT SUB,|UNCT|VE
(io)
(tu)
salga
salga
(lu i,zlei)
(lei/Lei) salga
(noi) saliamo
(voi) saliate
(loro) sdlgano
PAST PARTICIPLE
salito
GERUND
salendo
EXAMPLE PHRASES
EXAMPLE PHRASES
Ho rotto un bicchiere! I've broken a gloss!

Uffa quanto rompil Whot a pain Vou ore!
ll piatto si e rotto. The plIte broke.
I prezzt sono saliti. Prices have gone up.

Dopo cena salirai in cdmera tua. After dinner you'll go up to Vour room.
Safi tu o scendo io? Are you coming up or shall I come down?
Remember
that subject pronouns ar not
used very often
Mtffi#l!
in ltalian.
ifffiM"
4o**v" Vene
PRESENT
FUTURE
(io)
50
(io)
(tu)
sai
(tu)
(lui,zlei)
sa
(lei,zLei)
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
.|li
ha saputo
IMPERFECT
(lu
(io)
(tu)
(lu
i/lei)
(ieizLei! sapeva
sbaglierd
sbaqli
(tu)
sbag I iera
(leilLei)
(io)
(tu)
(ui'zlei)
(rer/Ler)
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
sbagliamo
sbagl iate
sbogliano
ha srraoriato
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
.:
; ...
(rer/ Le rl
(io) sbagliavo
(tu) s bag iav
(lu i,zlei)
.. . .. .. sDaoltava
(rerlLerJ
I
(lu i,zlei)
(noi) sappiamo
(voi) sapplate
(loro) soppiano
sbagl i erete
sbaglieranno
PAST PARTICIPLE
IMPERATIVE
saPuto
sbog I ia
(io)
(tu)
(noi) sbagliavamo
(voi) sbagliavate
(loro) sbagliovano
IMPERATIVE
sbaglierei
sbaglieresti
sDaoltereDDe
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
IMPERFECT
(lei,zlei) saPPla
sbaglieremo
(noi) sbaglieremmo
(voi) sbagliereste
(loro) sbaglierebbero
(noi) abbiamosbagliato
(voi) avete sbagliaio
(loro) hanno sbagliato
soppia
scppia
sbag lierri
CONDITIONAL
ho sbagliato
hai slragliato
sappl
sappiamo
sappiate
(lui,zlei)
sbaglia
PERFECT
saprei
sapresti
PRESENT SUBJUNCTTVE
(noi) Sapevamo
(voi) sapevate
(loro) sapevano
(io)
(tu)
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
i/lei)
(io)
(tu)
sbaglio
(leirrLei)
(leillei) saPreDDe
(noi) sapremmo
(voi) sapreste
(loro) saprebbero
sapevo
sapevi
(io)
(lu i,zlei)
saprr)
CONDITIONAL
hai saputo
FUTURE
PRESENT
saprd
saprai
(noi) sapremo
(voi) saprete
(loro) sapranno
pete
sanno
^1\
(noi) avete saputo
(voi) hanno saputo
(loro) ho saputo
(io)
(tu)
i/lei)
(lei/Lei)
sa
aDDtamo saputo
/t
(lu
sappiamo
PERFECT
rneles m@
vene
TRsLes
(lu
i,u
lei)
(lei,zlei)
sbagli
sbagli
SDagll
(noi) sbagliamo
(voi) sbagliate
(loro) sbdglino
PAST PARTICIPLE
I iato
sbag
sbagliamo
sbagl iate
GERUND
sapendo
sbagliando
EXAMPLE PHMSES
Sai dove obita? Do you know where he lives?
Non sapeva andare in bicicletta. He couldn't. ride
Sa di fragola. It tastes of strawberries.
GERUND
EXAMPLE PHRASES
Mi dispiace, avete sbagliato. t'm sorry, you've made o mistlke.

Scusi, ho sbagliato numero. Sorry, I've got the wrong number.
Pensavo fosse lei, ma mi sono sbagliato. I thought it was her, but I wos wrong
Sbagliando s'impara. You learn by your mistokes.
bike
*
Rcmember that subject pronouns ane not used very often in ltalian,
Italic letters in ltalian words show wher stress does not follow the usual rules.
#ru
vene TnaLes
PRESENT
(io)
(tu)
(lu
(io)
(tu)
i/lei)
(lu
(leilLei) scla
PERFECT
(noi) abbiamo sciato

(voi) avete sciato
(loro) hanno sciato
IMPERFECT
(lu
i/lei)
(io)
(tu)
ho sciato
hai sciato
(lu i,zlei)
(lei,ulei)
(lu
lei)
(lu
(io)
(tu)
scierei
scieresti
(lu
(lei,rLei)
.:
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
.:
., . ..
(ierlLer)
||
lt 6i\
scriverd
scriverai
SCflVefd
(noi) scriveremo
(voi) scriverete
(loro) scriveranno
CONDITIONAL
(io)
(tu)
ho scritto
hai scritto
t'lr
scriverei
scriveresti
ri,/lpi\
;:
^,1 scriverebbe
(rErli,Ler,/
ha scntto
(noi) scriVeremmo
(voi) scrivereste
(loro) scriverebbero
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
(io)
(tu)
scrivevo
scrivevi
i/lei)
(lu
scnveva
,'.,
r'.'i
scriva
scriva
Scrlva
(noi) scriviamo
(voi) scriviate
(loro) scrivano
(noi) sciamo
(voi) sciate
(loro) sciino
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
PAST PARTICIPLE
sciato
TMPERAf,IVE
PAST PARTICIPLE
5CnVl
scritto
(noi) sciavamo
(voi) sciavate
(loro) sciavano
scia
ttci
IMPERFECT
scii
scii
sc
(lu i,zlei)
(noi) abbiamo scritto

(voi) avete scritto
(loro) hanno scritto
(lu i,zlei)
IMPERATIVE
i/lei)
.l . ..
(rerlLer)
PRESENT SUBJUNCTTVE
SClava
i/lei)
PERFECT
i/lei)
(io)
(tu)
scrivi
(noi) scriviamo
(voi) scrivete
(loro) scrivono
(leillei) sclereDoe
(noi) scieremmo
(voi) sciereste
(loro) scierebbero
sciavo
sciavi
(io)
(tu)
scrivo
(leilLei) scrlve
CONDITIONAL
(leirzlei) na sclato
(io)
(tu)
(io)
(tu)
scierd
scierai
(leillei) sclerd
(noi) scieremo
(voi) scierete
(loro) scieranno
(noi) sciamo
(voi) sciate
(loro) sciano
(io)
(tu)
i,u
FUTURE
PRESENT
FUTURE
scio
scii
ffi
scrivevamo
scrivevate
scriVevano
scflvramo
sciamo
sciate
scrivete
GER.UND
GERUND
sciando
scrivendo
EXAMPLE PHRASES
EXAMPLE PHRASES
Sai sciare? Con vou ski?
Scrivimi presto. Write to me
soon.
Ho scritto una lettera a Luca. I wrote Lucl a letter.

Scrivo sempre cartoline a tutti i miei amici. I always write postcards to all my
5i d rotto la gamba sciando. He broke his leg skiing.

Abbiamo sciato tutto il giorno. We skied all doy.
friends.
Come si scrive? How do you spell it?
t
6
Remember
used very often
in ltalian.
ffi
+r*r*_,*r VERB TABLES
vene
tneLes
> SCuotI (to shake)

PRESENT
(io)
(tu)
FUTURE
(io)
(tu)
scuoto
scuoti
(lui,zlei)
(lu
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
(lu
CONDITIONAL
(io)
(tu)
ho scosso
naf scosso
(tu)
i/lei)
ha scosso
(lei,zLei)
(lu
(lui/lei)
deizLeii
scuoteva
(noi) scuotevamo
(voi) scuotevate
(loro) Scuotevano
IMPERATIVE
scuoti
scuotiamo
scuotete
i,u
(lu
lei)
i/lei)
e seouto/a
(ieizieij
PRESENT SUBJUNCTTVE
(io) scuota
(tu) scuota
(lu i/lei)
scuota
IMPERFECT
tleiiLeil
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
(io)
(tu)
sono seduto/a
sei seduto/a
oi\ SCUOtereDDe
(noi) scuoteremmo
(voi) scuotereste
(loro) scuoterebbero
(lui,zlei)
Lei)
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
(lei,u
(noi) siamo seduti,/e

(voi) siete seduti/e
(loro) sono seduti,/e
(io)
(tu)
(lu
(noi) scuotiamo
(voi) scuotiate
(loro) scuotano
sedevamo
sedevate
sedevano
seoerestl
sederebbe
sederemmo
sedereste
(io)
(tu)
sieda
sieda
(ieilrei) sleoa
(noi) sed iamo
(voi) sed iate
(loro) siedano
PAST PARTICIPLE
IMPERATIVE
PAsT PARTICIPLE
scosso
siedi
sed
uto
sediamo
sedete
CERUND
scuotendo
GERUND
sedendo
EXAMPLE PHRASE5
EXAMPLE PHRASES
Ha scosso la testa. He shook his head.

E sul terrazzo che scuote i tappeti. Shes on the bolcony shaking the rugs.
Scuoteva la scotola per capire cosa conteneva. He shook the box to see what it
Era seduta accanto a me. She was sitting beside me.

Si seduto per terra. He sat on the floor.
Siediti qui! Sit here!
had
sederei
sederei
(lu i,zlei)
LerJ
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
sederemo
sederete
sederanno
PRESENT SUB,IUNCTIVE
sedevo
sedevi
i/lei)
(rerl
sederai
i/lei)
(lei,zLei) seoerd
CONDITIONAL
PERFECT
(io)
(tu)
sederd
(lu
(noi) sediamo
(voi) sedete
(loro) siedono
scuoterei
scuoteresti
/tai /r
(noi) abbiamo scosso

(voi) avete scosso
(loro) hanno scosso
IMPERFECT
(io) scuotevo
(tu) scuotevi
(lei,zlei) sleoe
(loro) scuoteranno
SCUotonO
PERFECT
(lu i,rlei)
(noi) scuoteremo
(voi) Scuoterete
scuotiamo
scuotete
(io)
i/lei)
(io)
(tu)
(io) siedo
(tu) siedi
scuoterd
scuoterai
(leilLei) scuoterd
SCUOte
(lei,u Lei)
FUTURE
PRESENT
in it.
Remember
that subject prcnouns ane not
used very often
in ltalian.
Italic letters in ltalian words show wherc stress does not follow the usual rules,
#fffiffi,r
;*t*mA Vpne TneLes
PRESENT
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
tieizreii
FUTURE
(io)
(tu)
soddisfo
soddisfi
(io)
(tu)
(l u
i,zlei)
ltoi /t
ai\
(noi) soddisferemo
(voi) sodd isferete
(loro)
(io)
(tu)
ho soddisfatto
hai soddisfatto
na soo0tsratto
(noi) abbiamo soddisfatto

(voi) avete soddisfatto
(loro) hanno soddisfatto
TMPERFECT
(lu
soddisfi
soddisfi
(lui,zlei)
(noi) sodd isfacevamo

(voi) soddisfacevate
(loro) soddisfacevano
(leillei) sooo lsTl

(noi) soddisfiamo
(voi) soddisfiate
(loro) soddisfino
IMPFRATIVE
PAST PARTICIPLE
sodd isfa
sodd
soddisfiamo
sodd isfate
(noi) sogniamo
(voi) sognate
(loro) sognano
(io)
(tu)
soddisferesti
i/lei)
(io)
(tu)
(lu
isfatto
(lu i,/lei)
treizLeii
ha sognato
IMPERFECT
(loro)
(io)
(tu)
(l u
soonava
sognavamo
sognavate
sogndvano
IMPERATIVE
sog na
/lei)
tleizLeii
sognerd
sogneremo
sognerete
sogneranno
sognerei
sogneresti
sognerebbe
(noi) sogneremmo
(voi) sognereste
(loro) sognerebbero
PRESENT SUBJUNCTTVE
(io)
(tu)
sognavo
sognavi
(lu
sogni
sogni
i/lei)
(leillei) sog n
(noi) sogniamo
(voi) sogniate
(loro) sognino
I
PAST PARTICIPLE
sognato
sogn iamo
sog
GERUND
nate
sodd isfacendo
EXAMPLE PHMsEs
ll mio lavoro non mi soddisfa. My job doesn't sltisfy me.

Questo libro soddisferd i lettori pi0 esigenti. This book will
please the most
demanding readers.
Soddisfaceva ogni desiderio della moglie. He sotisfled his wife's every wish.
CERUND
sognando
EXAMPLE PHRASFS
Remember
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
ho sognato
hai sognato
(noi) abbiamo sognato

(voi) avete sognato
(loro) hanno sognato
(io)
(tu)
(luillei)
:..'.. .l
(re r/ Le r)
(noi)
(voi)
i/lei)
sognerd
sognerai
CONDITIONAL
PERFECT
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
)vuut)ldLEvd
tieizr-eij
(luillei)
sodd isferei
flciltpii 5o00tstereDDe
(noi) soddisferemmo
(voi) soddisfereste
(loro) soddisferebbero
(io) soddisfacevo
(tu) soddisfacevi
(lu i/lei)
/t^: /r ^:\
(reizLeii sogna
sodd isferanno
CONDITIONAL
PERFECT
(io)
(tu)
soddisferai
(lei,/Lei) Sooolslerd
(noi) soddisfiamo
(voi) sodd isfate
(loro) soddisfano
sogno
sogni
(io)
(tu)
i/lei)
(lu
soddrsla
FUTURE
PRESENT
soddisferd
used very often
in ltalian.
Stanotte ti ho sognato. I dreImt lbout Vou last night

Ve lo sognatet You can forget it!
Stavo sognando ad occhi aperti. I was dlydrelming.
ffi
ffi#|
VERB
vene
TABLES
tneles
\.
(io)
(tu)
i/lei)
(lu
(lei/Lei) sParlsce
(noi) spariamo
(voi) sparite
(loro) spariscono
(l u i,zle
/,^;
/,
i)
^:\
(lu i/lei)
(lei,zLei) sParlrd
(noi) spa riremo
(voi) sparirete
(loro) spariranno
CONDITIONAL
PERFECT
(io)
(tu)
(lo)
(tu)
sono sparito,/a
sei sparito/a
e 5paflto/a
(lu
IMPERFECT
sparivo
(l u i,zle
(lei,u
i)
Lei)
i/lei)
i/toilt
(noi) siamo spariti/e

(voi) siete spariti,/e
(loro) sono spariti,/e
!'"]
(tu)
(io)
(tu)
(ro) spartro
(tu) sparirai
sparisco
sparisci
pi\
(lu
sParlva
i/lei)
r/leilr
(noi) sparivamo
(voi) sparivate
(loro) sparivano
IMPERATIVE
oi\
sparisca
sparisca
SPaf lSCa
(noi) spariamo
(voi) spariate
(loro) spariscano
PAST PARTICIPLE
sparito
sparisci
spariamo
sparite
i/lei)
(io)
(tu)
spengo
spegni
sPegne
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
lu i,/le i)
,loi/
oil
(io) sPegnerei
(tu) sPegneresti
ho spento
hai spento
ha SPento
(luillei)
,,",),
IMPERFECT
(loro)
(io)
(tu)
(lu
spegnevamo
spegnevate
spegnevano
spegnereDDe
PRESENT 5T,'BJUNCTIVE
sPegnevo
sPegnevi
sDeoneva
",i
(noi) spegneremmo
(voi) spegnereste
(loro) spegnerebbero
(noi) abbiamo spento

(voi) avete spento
(loro) hanno spento
(io)
(tu)
(lu i/lei)
.. . .. ..
(re r/ Le r)
(noi)
(voi)
spegneremo
spegnerete
spegneranno
CONDITIONAL
PERFECT
(io)
(tu)
spegnerd
sPegnerai
(lu i/lei)
(lei,zLei) sPegnerd
(noi) spegniamo
(voi) spegnete
(loro) spengono
sparlreDDe
Sparlvl
(lu
(leilLei)
sparlrel
spariresti
(noi) spariremmo
(voi) sparireste
(loro) sparirebbero
(io)
(tu)
FUTURE
PRESENT
FUTURE
PRESENT
ffi
i/lei)
deizreii
spenga
spenga
sPenga
(noi) spegniamo
(voi) spegniate
(loro) spengano
IMPERATIVE
PAST PARTICIPLE
speg n i
spento
spegn iamo
GERUND
speg nete
EXAMPLE PHRASES
EXAMPLE PHRA5E5
La nave sparita all'orizzonte. The ship disappeared over the horizon.

Dov'd sparita la mia penna? Where has mV pen gone?
Sparisce ogni volta che c'd bisogno di lui. He disappeors whenever he's needed
Remember
that subjed pronouns are not
GERUND
spegnendo
sparen0o
Hai spento la sigaretta? Have you put Vour cigarette out?

spegnete le luci che guardiamo il film. Turn off the lights lnd we'll watch the frlm
La luce si e spenta all'improwiso.The light went off suddenlv.
;,-
vens Tnales
Veng Tnsles
PRESENT
FUTURE
(io) mi sporgo
(tu) ti sporgi
(lu i,zlei)
(lei,zlei) sl sPorge
(noi) ci sporgiamo
(voi) vi sporgete
(loro) si sporgeranno
ai\
sl Spor9eva
(noi) ci sporgevamo
(voi) vi sporgevate
(loro) si sporgevano
IMPERATIVE
sporg
(luillei)
ei\ st sporgereDDe
(noi) ci sporgeremmo
(voi) vi sporgereste
(loro) sisporgerebbero
ilPi/t
PRESENT SUBJUNCTTVE
(lu
i/lei)
(leilLei) sl
sPorga
(noi) ci sporgiamo
(voi) vi sporgiate
(loro) si sporgano
sporgidmoci
sporgetevi
(lu i,/lei)
tleizLeii
GERUND
e stato/a
IMPERFECT
(io)
(tu)
starai
i/lei)
(leillei) stard
(noi) staremo
(voi) starete
(loro) staranno
(io)
(tu)
sono stato/a
sei stato,/a
(noi) siamo stati/e

(voi) siete stati/e
(loro) sono stati,/e
(io) mi sporga
(tu) ti sporga
PAST PARTICIPLE
sporto
itl
(io)
(tu)
stard
CONDITIONAL
PERFECT
(io) mi sporgerei
(tu) ti sporgeresti
(io) mi sporgevo
(tu) ti sporgevi
(lu i,zlei)
(noi) stiamo
(voi) state
(loro) stanno
CONDITIONAL
(lu i/lei)
(lei,zLei) sl e sPorlo/a
(noi) ci siamo sporti/e
(voi) vi sete sporti,/e
(loro) si sono sporti,/e
IMPERFECT
(lu
(lei,u Lei)
(voi) vi sporgerete
(io)
(tu)
sto
stai
(lu i,zlei)
r/toi /r oi\ sl spor9erd

(noi) ci sporgeremo
(io) mi sono sporto/a

(tu) ti sei sporto/a
r/tai /r
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
(toro) si sporgono
PERFECT
FUTURE
PRESENT
(io) mi sporgerd
(tu) ti sporgerai
ffi
flu
(noi) stavamo
(voi) stavate
(loro) stdvano
IMPERATIVE
stai
stiamo
state
sporgendosi
stareDDe
PR,ESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
(io)
(tu)
stavi
(lu i,zlei)
tei)
(noi) staremmo
(voi) stareste
(loro) starebbero
stavo
(leiZLeii stava
i,u
tieizLeij
starei
staresti
stia
stia
lu i,/le i)
(ieill-ei) stla
(noi) stiamo
(vol) stiate
(loro) stiano
PAST PARTICIPLE
stato
GERUND
stando
EXAMPLE PHRASES
EXAMPLE PHMsEs
Non sporgerti dal finestrino. Don't leon out of the window.

Sporgendoti, vedrai meglio.lf you leon out you'll see better
Sei mai stato in Froncia? Have you ever been to France?

Come stai? How are you?
Stavo andando a casa. I wos going home.
A Londra stard da amici. l'll be staying with friends in London.
Stavo per uscire quando ha squillato il telefono. I wos about to go out when the
phone rong-
Remember
that subject pronouns are not used very often in ltalian.
Italic letters in ltalian wotds show wherc stress does not follow the usual rules.
ffi
vene
vens TneLes
Tnsles
ffi
"5l,ffigs
PRESENT
(io)
(tu)
(lu
i/lei)
dei/Leii
(io)
(tu)
stringo
stringi
(noi) stringeremo
(voi) stringerete
(loro) stringeranno
PERFECT
(lui/lei)
fleiuLeii
stringerd
stringerai
(leilLei) strlngerd
(noi) string iamo

(voi) stringete
(loro) stringono
(io)
(tu)
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
strrnge
(lu i,zlei)
ha stretto
dei/Leii
(noi) abbiamo stretto

(voi) avete stretto
(loro) hanno stretto
(lu
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
(tu)
strrngereDbe
CONDITIONAL
.,,--^-.^
(io) succederebbe
(tu) succederebbero
/a
sono successi/e
(l u
(noi)
(voi)
(leilLei)
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
(loro)
(io)
(tu)
stringa
i/lei)
lei)
(lu i,rlei)
(leilLei)
IMPERFECT
(leillei) srrlnga
(noi) stringiamo
(voi) stringiate
(loro) stringano
(noi) stringevamo
(voi) stringevate
(loro) stringevano
(noi)
(voi)
\rv,, t >ULLE>>u/ a
(io) stringa
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
(lei,/Lei)
/;^\
(noi) stringeremmo
(voi) stringereste
(loro) stringerebbero
IMPERFECT
(io) stringevo
(tu) stringevi
(lu i/lei)
strlngeva
(lei,i Lei)
(lui,/lei)
(lei,/Le i)
PERFECT
(io) stringerei
(tu) stringeresti
hai stretto
(io) succederd
(tu) succederanno
succede
succedono
(loro)
CONDITIONAL
ho stretto
FUTURE
PRESENT
FUTURE
succedeva
succedevano
i,u
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
(lu i,zlei)
(leilLei)
(lei,/Lei)
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
(noi)
(voi)
(loro)
IMPERATIVE
succede
succedano
PAST PARTICIPLE
IMPERATTVE
PAST PARTICIPLE
stri ng
stretto
succeSso
CERUND
GERUND
stringendo
succedendo
string iamo
stri ngete
EXAMPLE PHMsEs
EXAMPLE PI{RAsES
Cos'd successo? What happened?
Ho stretto la cintura perchd sono dimagrita. I've tightened my belt becouse I've lost
weight.
Se ci stringeremo
Ci siamo
ci staremo tutti. lf we
stretti la mano. We
Rcmember
squeeze
up we'll all get in.
Dev'essergli successo qualcosa. Something must have happened to him.

Sono cose che succedono. These things happen.
shook hands.
that subjed pronouns arc not
used very often
in ltalian,
Itatic letters in ltalian words show wherc stress does not follow the usual rules.
MM
Vene TneLes
ver,te
)
PRESENT
FUTURE
(io) tengo
(tu) tieni
(luillei)
(io) terrd
(tu) terrai
(lei,zLei) terrd
(noi) terremo
(voi) terrete.
(loro) terranno
CONDITIONAL
PERFECT
(io) ho tenuto
(tu) hai tenuto
(lu i,zlei)
ha tenuto
(noi) abbiamo tenuto

(voi) avete tenuto
(loro) hanno tenuto
IMPERFECT
(io)
(tu)
tenevo
tenevi
(lu i,zlei)
(lei,i Lei)
Ieneva
(noi) tenevamo
(voi) tenevate
deizLeii
(lu
(io)
(tu)
(ui'zlei)
(rerl LeU
(loro) tenevano
(loro) tengano
toglierai
tooilerd
CONDITIONAL
(io)
(tu)
(lu lei)
.. . .. ..
(rerl Le r)
ho tolto
hai tolto
i,u
ha torto
toglierei
toglieresti
tooilereDDe
(noi) toglieremmo
(voi) togliereste
(loro) toglierebbero
PRESENT SUBJUNCTTVE
IMPERFECT
(io)
(tu)
(io) toglievo
(tu) toglievi
(lu
toglierd
(noi) toglieremo
(voi) toglierete
(loro) toglieranno
(noi) abbiamo tolto

(voi) avete tolto
(loro) hanno tolto
(loro) terrebbero
(noi) teniamo
(voi) teniate
toglre
PERFECT
i/lei)
(io) tenga
(tu) tenga
(lu i/iei)
(leillei) tenga
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
.. . .. ..
(re r/ Le r)
(noi) togliamo
(voi) togliete
(loro) tolgono
(io) terrei
(tu) terresti
(leillei) terreDDe
(noi) terremmo
(voi) terreste
FUTURE
(io) tolgo
(tu) togli
(lui,ulei)
i/lei)
(lu
(leillei) toglleva
(noi) toglievamo
(voi) toglievate
(loro) toglievano
i/lei)
treizreii
tolga
tolga
tolga
(noi) togliamo
(voi) togliate
(loro) tolgano
IMPERATIVE
PAST PARTICIPLE
IMPERATIVE
PAST PARTICIPLE
tien
tenuto
togli
togliamo
tolto
teniamo
tenete
tog I iete
GERUND
tenendo
GERUND
togliendo
EXAMPLE PHMsEs
EXAMPLE PHRASES
Tiene la racchetta con la sinistra . He holds the racket with his left hond.
Tieniti fortel Hold on tight!
Si tenevano per mano. They were holding honds.
Tieniti pronta per le cinque. Be ready by ftve.
Tieni, questo d per te. Here, this is for you
Togfiti il cappotto. Toke off your coot.
Remember
that subject pnonouns ane not
used very
often in ltalian.
Ho
ffi
(to rake ofr)
PRESENT
(lu i,zlei)
tlene
(leillei)
(noi) teniamo
(voi) tenete
(loro) tengono
dei/Leii
togliere
raetes
tolto il poster dalla parete. I
took the poster off the woll.
Mi togfieranno due denti. I'm going to h\ve two teeth aut.
ffi
vr*, torr*
vrua tastes
) trarre (to draw)

PRESENT
(iu
i/lei)
(reizLeii trae
(noi) traiamo
(voi) traete
PERFECT
(io) ho tratto
(tu) hai tratto
(luillei)
rrot )r
oii
ha tratto
(noi) abbiamo tratto

(voi) avete tratto
(loro) hanno tratto
IMPERFECT
(io) traevo
(tu) traevi
(lu i,zlei)
(leilLei) traeva
(noi) traevamo
(voi) traevate
(loro) traevano
(io)
(tu)
(io) trarrd
(tu) trarrai
i/lei)
,i",), ^,i esce
(noi) usciamo
(lei,zLei) trarro
(noi) trarremo
(voi) trarrete
(vor)
(loro)
(loro) trarranno
CONDITIONAL
(io) trarrei
(tu) trarresti
(luillei)
deizLeii
(lu i,zlei)
trerrebbe
tleizLeii
(noi) trarremmo
(voi) trerreste
(loro) trarrebbero
PRESENT SUBJUNCTTVE
(io) traooa
(tu) t
(lu
i/lei)
(luillei)
escono
^f,ia
(lu i,zlei)
(leilLei)
(io)
(tu)
(
e uscrto/a
lu i,/te i)
usclva
o;i
,,", ,,
uscrrd
uscirei
usciresti
uSctreDDe
(noi) usciremmo
(voi) uscireste
(loro) uscirebbero
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
(io)
(tu)
uscivo
uscivi
(noi) uscivamo
(voi) uscivate
(loro) uscivano
(loro) trdggano
uscirai
CONDITIONAL
sono uscito/a
sei uscito/a
IMPERFECT
(lei,zlei) tragga
(noi) traiamo
(voi) traiate
uscird
(noi) usciremo
(voi) uscirete
(loro) usciranno
(noi) siamo usciti/e

(voi) siete usciti/e
(loro) sono usciti/e
(io)
(tu)
r-eii
(ieiu
usctte
PERFECT
(io)
(tu)
(io)
(tu)
esco
esci
(lu
(lu i,zlei)
(loro) trdqqono
FUTURE
PRESENT
FUTURE
(io) traggo
(tu) trai
(lu
i,u
esca
esca
lei)
(leillei) esca
(noi) usciamo
(voi) usciate
(loro) escano
IMPERATIVE
PAST PARTICIPLE
IMPERATIVE
PA5T PARTICIPLE
trai
tratto
esc
uscito
traiamo
traete
GERUND
usciamo
uscite
GERUND
uscendo
traendo
EXAMPLE PHRASES
EXAAAPLE PHRASES
ll suo modo di fare trae in inganno. His manner is misleading.

Sono stati tratti in salvo dai vigili del fuoco.They were rescued by the firemen.
un film tratto da un romanzo di A. Christie a fllm based on a novel by A. Christie
uscita a comprare il giornale. She's gone out to buy o newspoper.

Uscirri dall'ospedale domani . He's coming out ol hospital tomorrow.
l-ho incontrata che usciva dalla farmacia . I met her coming out of the chemist's.
La rivista esce di lunedi. The magozine comes out on Mondoys.
ttalic letters in ltalian words show where itress does not follow the usual rules.
vewteeues
Vens Thsles
valerQ
(ro be worth)
PRESENT
(io)
(tu)
FUTURE
vali
(loro) varranno
sei valso,/a
i)
(leillei) e valso/a
(noi) siamo valsi,/e
(voi) siete valsi,/e
(loro) sono valsi/e
IMPERFECT
(io)
(tu)
(lui,zlei)
(io)
(tu)
(luillei)
(ieilLei)
(loro) valevano
varreDDe
(io)
(tu)
i/lei)
(lu
(io)
(tu)
(lu
i/lei)
(ieilieii
(noi)
(voi)
(lu i,zlei)
(lei,/Lei) valga
(noi) valiamo
(voi) valiate
(loro) valgano
ho visto
hai visto
na vrsto
abbiamo visto
avete visto
(loro) hanno visto
IMPERFECT
(io)
(tu)
valga
valga
vedevo
vedevi
(lu i/lei)
.-. .
.. .. vedeva
(noi) vedevamo
(voi) vedevate
(loro) vedevano
(re r/ Le r)
IMPERATIVE
PAST PARTICIPLE
IMPERATIVE
vali
vatso
vedi
valiamo
(io)
(tu)
vedrd
vedrai
(lu i,zlei)
(lei,zLei) veord
(noi) vedremo
(voi) ved rete
(loro) vedranno
CONDITIONAL
PERFECT
(loro) varrebbero
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
vedo
vedi
(ieillei) veoe
(noi) vediamo
(voi) vedete
(loro) vedono
varrei
varresti
(noi) varremmo
(voi) Varreste
valevo
valevi
(lu i/lei)
(lei,/Lei) Valeva
(noi) valevamo
(voi) valevate
(io)
(tu)
varrai
(leillei) vatra
(noi) varremo
(voi) varrete
sono valso,/a
FUTURE
PRESENT
varrd
CONDITIONAL
PERFECT
(l u irzle
(io)
(tu)
valgo
(lu i/lei)
(lei,/Lei) Vale
(noi) valiamo
(voi) valete
(loro) volgono
(io)
(tu)
ffi
(io) vedrei
(tu) vedresti
(luillei)
.. . .. .. veoreDDe
(re r/ Le r)
(noi) vedremmo
(voi)
vedreste
(loro) vedrebbero
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
(lei,/Lei)
veda
veda
VeOa
(noi) vediamo
(voi) ved iate
(loro) vedano
PAST PARTICIPLE
visto
vediamo
valete
GERUND
vedete
valendo
CERUND
vedendo
EXAMPLE PHRASES
EXAMPLE PHRASES
fauto vafe tremila euro. The
Non ci vedo senza occhiali.I can't see without my glasses.

Ci vediamo domanil See you tomorrow!
Non vedevo I'ora di conoscerlo. I couldn't woit to meet him.
car is worth three thousand euros.

Non ne vale la pena. lts not worth it.
Senza il giardino, la casa non varrebbe niente. Without the glrden the house
wouldn't be worth onything.
Rememberthat subject pronouns are not used very often in ltalian.
ffi vene
) venire 1to come)
vene
TReLes
PRESENT
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
(lei,u
Lei)
(io)
(tu)
vengo
vieni
(lu
Vlene
verrai
flui,/tei)
lei)
(io)
(tu)
sono venuto/a
sei venuto/a
(lu
d venuro/a
.l . ..
i/lei)
verrei
verresti
verreDDe
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
(lu
(lei,/Lei) venlva
(loro) venivano
(io)
(tu)
(lu i/lei)
:, . .. .:
(re r/ Le r)
(noi)
(voi)
venga
venga
i/lei)
(loro)
(loro) vengano
IMPERATIVE
vincevo
vincevi
vrnceva
vincevamo
vinCevate
vincevano
IMPERATIVE
PA5T PARTICIPLE
venuto
ha vtnto
IMPERFECT
(leillei) venga
(noi) veniamo
(voi) veniate
(noi) venivamo
(voi) ven ivate
ho vinto
hai vinto
(noi) abbiamo vinto

(voi) avete vinto
(loro) hanno vinto
vt
ncl
vinciamo
vincete
veniamo
ventte
vincerd
vincerai
i/lei)
(ieizLeii vlncerd
(noi) vinceremo
(voi) vincerete
(loro) vinceranno
CONDITIOI\tAL
PERFECT
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
:. . ,. ..
(rer/ Le r)
(io)
(tu)
(lu
vrnce
(io)
(tu)
(lu i,zlei)
,. . .. .:
(re r/ Le r)
(noi)
vincerei
vinceresti
vrncereDDe
Vinceremmo
(voi) vincereste
(loro) vincerebbero
(io) vinca
(tu) vinca
(lu i,/lei)
(leilLei) vlnca
(noi) vinciamo
(voi) vinciate
(loro) vincano
PAST PARTICIPLE
vinto
GERUND
GERUND
venendo
vincendo
EXAMPLE PHRASES
EXAAIiPLE PHRASES
venuto in mocchina. He came by car.

Da dove vieni? Where do you come from?
leri abbiamo vinto la partita. we won the match Vesterdly.

Quando giochiamo vince sempre lui. When we play he always wins.
Stavolta vincerd io. This time I'm going to win.
Vieni a trovarci. Come an'd see
us!
ffi
FUTURE
vinco
vinci
(noi) vinciamo
(voi) vincete
(loro) vincono
(toro) verrebbero
IMPERFECT
(io) venlvo
(tu) venivi
.:
(rerlLer.l
(teillei)
(noi) verremmo
(voi) verreste
(noi) siamo venuti/e

(voi) siete venuti/e
(loro) sono venuti/e
vten
verrd
CONDITIONAL
PERFECT
j:l1'::l
(io)
(tu)
(lei,/Lei) verra
(noi) verremo
(voi) verrete
(loro) verranno
(noi) veniamo
(voi) ven ite
(loro) vengono
(io)
(tu)
i,u
PRESENT
FUTURE
tneles
Quanto viene? How much is it?
Remembr that subject prcnouns are not used very often in ltalian.
Italic lettels in ltalian words show wherc stress does not follow the usual rules.
WHffi Veng
TneLes
> Vfvef
(lu
FUTURE
vivo
vivi
i/lei)
(lei,zlei) vlve
(noi) viviamo
(voi) vivete
(loro) vivono
(lu
ho vissuto
hai vissuto
i/lei)
(ieizr-eij na vlssuto
(noi) abbiamo vissuto

(voi) avete vissuto
(loro) hanno vissuto
IMPERFECT
(io)
(tu)
(io)
(tu)
(io)
(tu)
(luillei)
(lu i,zlei)
(leilLei) vtvto
(ieilieii
(noi)
(noi) vivremo
(voi) vivrete
vivevo
vivevi
(lu irzlei)
(leillei) vlveva
(noi) vivevamo
(voi) vivevate
(loro) vivevano
IMPERATIVE
VIVf
vuole
(lu
(io)
(tu)
(luillei)
:, . .. .:
(re l/ Le r)
VlVreDDe
(noi) vivremmo
(voi) vivreste
PRESENT SUBJUNCTTVE
(io)
(tu)
(luillei)
(lei,/Lei) vlva
(lu i,zlei)
(lei,u
(noi) viviamo
(voi) viviate
Lei)
(io)
(tu)
ho voluto
hai voluto
ha voluto
(lu
(loro) vivano
votro
IMPERATIVE
..
vorrei
vorresti
vorreDDe
(noi) vorremmo
(voi) vorreste
(loro) vorrbbero
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
(io)
(tu)
(lu
VOleva
i/lei)
.. . ..
(re r/ Le r)
volevo
volevi
(noi) volevamO
(voi) volevate
(loro) volevano
PAST PARTICIPLE
vissuto
vorrai
CONDITIONAL
IMPERFECT
(to) vtva
(tu) viva
reii
vorrd
(noi) vorremo
(voi) Vorrete
(loro) vorranno
(noi) abbiamo voluto

(voi) avete voluto
(loro) hanno voluto
(loro) vivrebbero
i/lei)
(ieiu
vogliamo
PERFECT
vivrei
vivresti
(lui,zlei)
(lei,zlei)
(io)
(tu)
voglio
vuoi
(voi) volete
(loro) vogliono
(loro) vivranno
(io)
(tu)
FUTURE
PRESENT
vivrd
vivrai
CONDITIONAL
PERFECT
(io)
(tu)
(to live)
PRESENT
(io)
(tu)
vsne Tnsles
i/lei)
tieizr-eii
voglia
voglia
voglra
(noi) vogliamo
(voi) vogliate
(loro) vogliano
PAST PARTICIPLE
voluto
vrvramo
vivete
GERUND
vivendo
GERUND
volendo
EXAMPLE PHRASES
EXAMPLE PHRASEs
Non vivrei mai in un Paese caldo. t'd never live in a hot country.
Vivendo in cittd si respira molto smog. If you live in a town you breathe o lot of
Voglio comprare una mdcchina nuova. I wont to buy a new cor.

Devo pagare subito o posso pagare domani? - Come vuole. Do I have to pov now
smog.
Vivevano in una piccola casa di periferia. They tived in a small
house
or can I pay tomorrow? - As you prefer.

Quanto ci vorra prima che finiate? How long will it take you to finish?
La campanella voleva dire che la lezione era finita. The bell meant that the lesson
in the
suburbs.
wos over.
Anche volendo non posso invitarti: la festa d sua. I'd like to, but I can't invite you:
it's his party.
Rememberthat subject pronouns ane not used very often in ltalian.
d#ffi"
20
14
How
to
use the Verb Index
The verbs in bold are the model verbs which you will find in the verb tables. All
the other verbs follow one ofthese patterns, so the number next to each verb
indicates which pattern fits this particularverb. For example, divertire (to amuse)
follows the same pattern as dire (to soy), which is number z5 in the verb tables.
All the verbs are in alphabetical order.
Superior numbers (1, 2 etc; refer you to notes on page 96. These notes explain
any differences between the verbs and their model.
With the exception of reflexive verbs which alwaystal<e essere, all verbs have the
same auxiliary (essere or avere) as their model verbs. There are a few exceptions
which are indicated by superior numbers 1 to 4. An asterisl< (") means that the
verb takes avere when it is used with a direct object, and essere when it isn't.
c)
for
more information on verbs
thlt
take either avere or essere, see pages rcg
ond nj.
atterrare3
5o
cenare
anlrare
5O
cercare
attraversare
5o
aumentare"
autorizzare
5o
ch iacch
5o
avanzare
avere
aDDassaTe
allbattere
aDDOCCare
abbonarsi
abitare
abituarsi
abolire
abusare
accadere
accantonare
accorgersi
correreo
r9
ch iama re
5O
cornspon0ere
65
chiarire
chiudere
r3
coStare
6o
r5
costri ngere
8o
5o
costruire
29
ci
rcondare
5o
creare
5O
cl
iccare
5o
14
collaborare
5o
20
credere
crescere*
21
5o
criti care
14
baciare
badare
collegare
+8
cro I la re
5o
collezionare
5o
cuctnare
5o
75
colpi re
cucire
22
balbettare
5o
coltivare
5o
cuocere
23
ballare
5o
comandare
5O
5o
combattere
5o
20
curare
barcollare
DaSare
5o
13
custod i re
13
comb ina re
5o
dannegg iare
43
bastare
cominciareo
r5
dare
24
battere
20
commuoversi
46
decifrare
5O
compiere
compilare
17
decli nare
5o
5o
decollare3
5o
beccare
14
bere
IO
icare
comporre
58
ded
bisb igliare
69
comporrarsl
5o
dedurre
51
bisog nare2
75
comPrare
5o
defini re
13
12
luti re
appari re
bisti cciare
rG
concentrarSl
48
appartenere2
82
Droccare
14
conc ia re
r6
degnare
50
20
accuSare
5o
allarmare
5o
appendere
55
bocciare
to
condannare
5O
deludere
5o
al
legar
48
t4
bollire
29
condire
altena re
5o
apprcclcare
applaud ire
29
bri llare
5o
confermare
5o
allineare
5o
appog9 rare
43
brontolare
5o
confessare
5o
addormentarsi
13
14
48
83
deg
14
r3
75
15
nci are
r6
5o
oepos rta re
5o
5o
depri mre
r3
den
50
adorare
5o
allogg iare
43
approfittare
bruciare''
r6
conficcare
t4
deragl iare2
34
69
50
adottare
5o
allontanare
5o
approfond ire
r3
buca re
14
confidare
5o
deridere
r5
affacciarsi
r6
48
ap
rova re
buttare
5o
r8
derivare"
aTTerrare
5o
5o
6
5o
derubare
5o
59
2l
descrivere
v
5o
5o
50
r3
50
1l
affibbiare
al I u
ngare
amare
5o
aprire
12
ambientare
5o
archiviare
arrabbiars
50
affidare
5o
ammazzare
5o
5u
affittare
5O
am
>U
affogare2
48
mettere
amministrare
5o
50
affondare*'
5o
ammlTare
5o
55
44
a
rrenders
5o
ammon rfe
5o
50
agganclare
r6
50
a9gr
ammucchiarel
andare
annaffiare
dLLr'rcyPdrr
5u
aggi ustare
5o
a9grapparsr
5o
an no
83
5o
an notaTe
5o
assa9g rare
)u
13
annuilare
5o
assicurare
r3
annunctare
15
75
ngere
agire
rp
accorciare
accordare
5o
ierare
13
affrettarsi
affrontare
:rr^ntanta
42
accud rre
12
50
accompagnare
coprtre
correggere
!U
accelerare
accendere
accennare
accertarst
accettare
accludefe
accogliere
't4
rcolare3
azzardarsi
89
5o
ci
awentre
awertrre
awicinare
Destemm tare
abbaiare
9
88
convrncere
5O
16
50
aiutare
allacciare
59
r6
cadefe
It
cong i ungere
12
ca la Te'
5o
43
calcolare
5o
consegnare
75
desiderare
detestare
55
ca
lma re
5o
con5eTVare
5o
detrarre
84
5o
calpestare
5o
constderare
5o
dettare
5o
40
cambiare"
l2
consigliare
69
deviare
camm inare
5o
con50lare
5o
cancellare
5o
co nsu ma re
5o
difendere
55
cantare
5o
co nta re
5o
diffondere
r8
82
diluviare3
conti nuare"
5o
43
capire
capitare
cappottare
5o
contraddire
5o
ca ri ca
\4
contri bu isco
l3
co
ntrol lare
4
12
asc I u9a re
5o
48
ascoltare
5o
re
conoScere
5o
arnvare
arrotondare
arruolarsi
r3
39
48
ra
cacciare
confondere
confrontare
5o
re
rl
12
5o
conval i dare
5o
14
conventre
88
dipendere
55
5o
convertire
29
rada re
5o
16
assisterel
32
cascare2
5r
annusare
5o
assolvere
64
causare
5o
5o
r6
appannarsi
5o
assom ig liare2
69
apparecch iarer
39
assumere
cavarsi
5o
dimagrire
d imenticare
d rmettere
diminuireu
5o
ichiarare
rmostTare
76
14
44
13
5o
dire
dirigere
discutere
disdire
disegnare
disfare
disintegrare
disintossicarsi
disobbedire
.li<ni:aarc
otsprezzare
distaccare
distendere
distinguere
distrarre
distribuire
disturbare
dtvenlare
divertire
orvorare
divorziare
zs
26
27
25
75
74
50
50
13
a)
5()
14
55
z8
84
13
50
7
2s
50
12
5v
doppiare
dormire
dovere
drogarsi
dubitare
durare
eleggere
eliminare
emrgrare
entrare
esagerare
esaminaTe
escluoere
eseguire3
esercitare
esigere
esistere
esrtare
espellere
esporre
esportare
esprimere
essere
estrarTe
evitare
fabbricare
fallire
falsificare
fare
fasciare
ferire
fermare
12
29
30
48
50
7
42
50
7
7
50
50
15
29
so
3r
32
50
33
58
50
34
35
84
50
14
13
v
36
4r
rl
50
ffi
I ',1
vene tNorx
festegg iare
43
ficcare
14
fidarsi
flnire''
intascar-"
ma rc
lre
masticare
14
14
5o
Pretend ere
l)arcnegg rare
paregg iare
43
prevedere
43
procedere
parere
49
processare
r3
5l
med tcare
impeg narsi
75
nlenoere
55
me
r3
imp iantarsi
5o
nteressare*
5o
meravigliarsi
69
panare
5o
interferire
nterpretare
m eri ta re
5o
parrecr pare
5o
Produ rre
5o
mescolare
5o
pa
rt i re2
29
progerrare
44
5o
prog rammare
43
proi bi re
39
fissare
formare
14
'mprccare
13
ntire
impicciarsi
r6
5o
impiegare
48
nterrogare
48
mettere
5O
imp igliars
69
nterrompere
66
forn ire
13
forzare
5o
m portare
improwisare
5o
rmpugnare
75
inaugurare
5o
55
ncaricare
14
48
ncasi nare
5o
5O
interven ire
agolare
iorare*
m igl
m i nacc ia re
5o
r6
5o
mirare
5o
nlraveoeTe
Ra
isurare
5o
pensare
5l
mod ificare
14
l)ent r5
44
ncassare
5o
5o
ncastrare
5o
fuggire
37
ncavolarsi
5o
inventare
5o
mordere
fu ma re
5o
ncazzarsi
5O
nvestr re
29
morire
fu nz i ona re
5o
incend iare
12
gallegg iare
43
rncrampare
dere
r5
ncol la re
5o
incominciare''
13
inviare
invitare
nzu
ppare
iscrivers
r3
39
oIa re
5o
moltiplicare
montare
14
l)ercorrere
perd
e Te
5o
nascere
47
5o
PUngere
nasconde re
o5
picchiarel
39
punire
na ufrag
48
48
48
l)iegare
piovere3
48
ncrociare
r6
lasciare
41
nevicare3
48
laurearsl
5o
noleqg rare
43
indebitarsi
5o
lavare
5o
nomtnare
5o
lavorare
5o
notare
nuotare
pos po
graffiare
protestare
pul ire
43
5o
slrfl gare
rassegnarsi
39 lrimediare
13 lrimettere
5o lrimorchiarel
39 lnmproverare
75 | rinchiudere
raEsom igl iare
69 | rincorrere
5o
leggere
42
obbl igare
48
poste99 rare
43
rann icch iarsi
nfl uenza re
5o
tevare
5o
oDrettare
5o
potere
54
raprre
guadagnare
75
5o
occorrere2
5o
occupare
udersi
r5
illum inare
5o
nghiottire
illustrare
5o
ng i nocch
5o
59 lrimangiarsi
nfilare
riguardare
50 {nmDorsare
5o
48
ragronare
ignorare
ngare
67
5o
raggiungere
rre
19
14
20
5o
12
preci pitare
rappresentare
rasch i are2
5o
litigare
i9
offen
ngarbugl iarsi
69
IOOare
5o
offrire
ngessare
5o
lottare
5o
oltrepassare
5o
preferi re
r3
14
opera re
5o
pregare
48
rec ta re
5o
opporre
58
prelevare
5o
20
recuperare
5o
55
reagrre
pred l re
r3
rilasciare
41
rileggere
42
rimandare
5o
63
t2
41
5o
5o
73
43
ere
riflettere
5o
62
rubare
salire
58
5o
13
Te
r5 lrimanere
gfldare
ingannare
36
riferire
rifiutare
rov I na
radere
grauug rare
5O
rifare
rovesciare
raddoppiare
13
od ta re
48
5o
29
12
riepilogare
5o
utri re
icenziare
13
59 I
13 I
50 I
50 I
posare
liberare
romPere
portare
obbedire
6r
r4 | rientrare
5o
AR
43
zo lriempire
5O
5o
5o
87
raccontare
legare
13
85
5o
66
raccomandare
legal izzare
5o
flve la re
43
5o
ilve0ere
58
5o
5o
65
57
porre
ndossare
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ridurre
pogg iare
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re
|
5o I
5o I
12 |
5o
14
ri usci
83
14
5O
6A
13
24
5o
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scrare
12
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ritrovare
riunirsi
21
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r6
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14
r3
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20
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5O
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14
qualificarsi
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41
indirizzare
14
13
53
12
nd
r5
52
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prore99ere
piacere
r6
5o
r9
46
5O
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5o
muovere
lanctare
12
rare
29 |
42 |
5o
lamentarsi
14
58 lricominciare
prosegu ire
pubbl icare
r6
giustificare
iustiziare
proporre
29
5r
43
12
5o
5o
ncorn iciare
re
69
pescare
ncoragg iare
39
64
ritagl iare
pesa re
67
50
5o
14
ri spa rm ia
50 lricambiare
50 | ricapitolare
55
5o
proveni re
provocar
14
5o
'16
r6 |
44
5o
risolvere
to
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pronuncrare
5o
g I raTe"
12
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50
50
5o
re3
14
8l
46 lrichiamare
m ostTa Te
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promuovere
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promertere
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nposare
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risalire
riscaldare
rischiarel
restnngere
15
5o
I
56 I
50 i
50 l
57 |
55
45
ncontrare
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rispondere
risultare
morsicare
71
55
87
|
44 |
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re
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5o
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Ta
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12
40
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r6
iorare*
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88
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freq uentare
13
5o
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ntitolare
12
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invecchiare
gelare"
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5o
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fraintendere
r3
insisterei
5o
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fotocop iare
tnsertre
r3
76
5o
fisch iarer
fl
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bUCC
are
50
50
68
69
69
14
20
16
48
r6
44
scadere
39
scagl rare
69
5o
scalare
5o
scaldare
5o
15
t1
rincrescere
21
scamDtare
scappare
rinfrescare"
5r
scarabocchiarel
12
scaricare
14
scarsegg iare
43
lo
scarIare
5o
16
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50
50
50
50
r9
12
imbavagliare
69
ngoiare
12
macchiarel
39
o rd
5o
remere
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14
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5o
macrnare
5o
organizzare
5o
rem I are
12
69
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r3
maledire
ortentarsl
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prendere
55
registrare
|
|
|
I
42 I
5o I
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14
mancare*
14
orig I ia re
69
prenotaTe
5O
regnare
75
12
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5o
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5o
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5o
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50 i
12
43
5o
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5o
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5o
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manomettere
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5o
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55
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6o
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50 I
flpensare
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60 ]
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20
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restituire
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48
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5o
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ngrassare"
29
luccr care
39
lucidare
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5o
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innaffiare
38
In
39
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mantenere
82
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5o
5o
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75
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14
82
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29
marciare
r6
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namorars
48
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5o
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Easy Learning Italian Grammar

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ffiffiffiffiffiffiffi

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www.collinslanguage.com for the free

First Edition 2006

HarperCollins Publishers zoo6

rsBN 978-o-oo-7 22rLL- o

computerwill apply. Costs vary from

Collins@ and Bank of English@

using these services.

Haryercollins Publishers Limited

A catalogue record for

Typeset by Davidson Pre-Press, clasgow

Printed in Italy by LEco Spa, Lavis (Trento)

AII rights reserved. No part of this

condition including this condition being

William Collins'dream of knowledge for all began with

inspiration, innovation, and practical expertise. They

unioue to our dictionaries.

ntroduction for students

Glossary of grammar terms

The indefinite article

The past historic

FOREWORD FOR LANGUAGE TEACHERS

to be used with both young and adult

text specifically targets learners from beginners to intermediate or CCSE level,

Different types of questions

How adverbs are used

Making comparisons using adverbs

Which syllable to stress

to and includ ing

parts of speech at the start of each major section

o minimizing the use of grammar term inology and providing clear

illustrating all pointswith examples (and theirtranslations) based on

o g iving clear, easy-to-follow explanations

prioritizing content according to relevant specifications forthe levels

highlighting usefulTips to dealwith common difliculties

lrr addition to fostering success and building a thorough foundation in ltalian

NTRODUCTION FOR STU DENTS

divided into sections, each dealing with a particulararea of grammar.

Each section can be studied

individuallv as numerous cross-references in the text

glossaryof essential grammatical terms.

word which describes what somebody or something does,

in ltalian use quello to referto masculine nouns or quella to

To say fhe one

r,lostltalian adjectives go after the noun.

vanno semDre meglio.

Fruit is good foryou

to relevant points i n other sections ofthe book for fu rther i nformation.

Cars cost a lot.

mdcchine costano caro.

Things are going betterand better.

walking slower and slower.

ABSTRACT NOUN a word used to referto

a physical object, forexample,size, reason,

with concrete noun.

ACTIVE a form of the verb

the subject ofthe sentence does the action,

a'describing'word that tells you

example, a blue shirt,

with verbs to give

ADVERB a word used

action tal<es place, for exam ple, here, todoy,

example, extremelv quick, verv quickly.