Grammar
Learn the basics of Italian grammar, from indefinite articles and subject pronouns to parts of speech and the «passato remoto».
An Italian Would Never Say That
You'll never sound like an Italian native if you persist in repeating linguistic "dead giveaways"—that is, grammatical mistakes, habits, or tics that always identifies a native English speaker regardless of how competent that person is in Italian.
You'll never sound like an Italian native if you persist in repeating linguistic "dead giveaways"—that is, grammatical mistakes, habits, or tics that always identifies a native English speaker regardless of how competent that person is in Italian.
Being Naive
Determined to finally speak Italian fluently, the author heads to Rome and is shocked at how little she knows. A trip to the supermarket introduces her to rapid-fire two-word exchanges instead of familiar classroom dialogs.
Determined to finally speak Italian fluently, the author heads to Rome and is shocked at how little she knows. A trip to the supermarket introduces her to rapid-fire two-word exchanges instead of familiar classroom dialogs.
Business Italian: Writing a Formal Letter
Gent.li Sig.ri! Dealing with bureaucracy in your own country is challenging enough, so imagine the difficulty of writing a letter in Italian to request a copy of vital documents, contact long-lost relatives in Italy, or reserve a hotel room.
Gent.li Sig.ri! Dealing with bureaucracy in your own country is challenging enough, so imagine the difficulty of writing a letter in Italian to request a copy of vital documents, contact long-lost relatives in Italy, or reserve a hotel room.
Counting In Italian
Learn all about counting in Italian. With an explanation of both ordinal and cardinal number usage, notes on writing numbers, and special uses in dates and historical references.
Learn all about counting in Italian. With an explanation of both ordinal and cardinal number usage, notes on writing numbers, and special uses in dates and historical references.
Easier to Learn Italian Than English?
Researchers recently studied Italian and British college students and found that the Italians read and process information faster, even when reading words from other languages.
Researchers recently studied Italian and British college students and found that the Italians read and process information faster, even when reading words from other languages.
Eavesdropping
Overhearing conversations, the author understands more than she should. Why was that Italian woman greeting her lover good evening at nine o'clock in the morning. And why hadn't he known she was in Rome?
Overhearing conversations, the author understands more than she should. Why was that Italian woman greeting her lover good evening at nine o'clock in the morning. And why hadn't he known she was in Rome?
Every Tom, Dick, and Sempronio
Every Tom, Dick, and Harry. Ever hear someone use that expression to indicate multiple unspecified people? In Italian, the analogous phrase is: ogni Tizio, Caio, e Sempronio.
Every Tom, Dick, and Harry. Ever hear someone use that expression to indicate multiple unspecified people? In Italian, the analogous phrase is: ogni Tizio, Caio, e Sempronio.
Fearing Numbers
Avoiding, then confronting, and finally mastering numbers, Bonnie orders theater tickets over the phone. Will she have seats close to the stage, or will she be need binoculars to see the performance?
Avoiding, then confronting, and finally mastering numbers, Bonnie orders theater tickets over the phone. Will she have seats close to the stage, or will she be need binoculars to see the performance?
Finding My Bar
Learning to order coffee correctly, the author finally fits in, but not before conquering double consonants.
Learning to order coffee correctly, the author finally fits in, but not before conquering double consonants.
Forgotten Italian Subject Pronouns
Usually one of the first Italian language lessons that beginners study is Italian subject pronouns. Too often, though, there's a whole subset of Italian subject pronouns that's given scant attention.
Usually one of the first Italian language lessons that beginners study is Italian subject pronouns. Too often, though, there's a whole subset of Italian subject pronouns that's given scant attention.
Getting Beautiful
Emboldened by her language successes and shocked by her shaggy reflection in the salon window, Bonnie decides to brave a haircut. Will the hairdresser slip clients in front of her? Will she sit wet-headed forever?
Emboldened by her language successes and shocked by her shaggy reflection in the salon window, Bonnie decides to brave a haircut. Will the hairdresser slip clients in front of her? Will she sit wet-headed forever?
Getting Limoncello
Enjoying her last night in Rome, Bonnie receives a compliment and makes a promise to return to Italy. Only next time maybe she'll stay a long, long time and finally become fluent.
Enjoying her last night in Rome, Bonnie receives a compliment and makes a promise to return to Italy. Only next time maybe she'll stay a long, long time and finally become fluent.
How To Ask Questions In Italian
Who is Carlo? Where is the train station? What time is it? Why do Italians talk with their hands? How do you make gnocchi? This How-To will help you ask all the right questions!
Who is Carlo? Where is the train station? What time is it? Why do Italians talk with their hands? How do you make gnocchi? This How-To will help you ask all the right questions!
How To Use Formal and Informal Subject Pronouns
As if learning a new language weren't difficult enough, romance languages such as Italian have separate forms of address in formal versus informal situations. This quick How-To will help you choose the correct form.
As if learning a new language weren't difficult enough, romance languages such as Italian have separate forms of address in formal versus informal situations. This quick How-To will help you choose the correct form.
How To Use Italian Suffixes
Suffixes for Italian nouns (including proper names) and adjectives can take on various shades of meaning by adding different suffixes. This How-To will help you expand your vocabulary and creatively describe nouns and adjectives.
Suffixes for Italian nouns (including proper names) and adjectives can take on various shades of meaning by adding different suffixes. This How-To will help you expand your vocabulary and creatively describe nouns and adjectives.
Immersing Myself
Shopping for lotion in her no-tourist neighborhood, Bonnie discovers the dangers of full-immersion. She becomes immersed in Italian, but not in the way her Italian teachers had in mind.
Shopping for lotion in her no-tourist neighborhood, Bonnie discovers the dangers of full-immersion. She becomes immersed in Italian, but not in the way her Italian teachers had in mind.
Italian Language Week: The Art of Words
That's the theme chosen for the second annual Settimana della Lingua Italiana nel Mondo. The initiative, inaugurated with much success in 2001 both in Italy and abroad, renews the commitment of Italian institutions to the promotion and diffusion of the Italian language and culture.
That's the theme chosen for the second annual Settimana della Lingua Italiana nel Mondo. The initiative, inaugurated with much success in 2001 both in Italy and abroad, renews the commitment of Italian institutions to the promotion and diffusion of the Italian language and culture.
Italian Modifying Suffixes
Sometimes an Italian noun can be modified to express a particular quality without using a qualifying adjective. These nouns are created by taking the root of the noun and adding a suffix. Italian nouns formed this way are called i nomi alterati (altered, or modified, nouns).
Sometimes an Italian noun can be modified to express a particular quality without using a qualifying adjective. These nouns are created by taking the root of the noun and adding a suffix. Italian nouns formed this way are called i nomi alterati (altered, or modified, nouns).
Italian Nouns: Gender and Number
All nouns in Italian have a gender; that is, they are either masculine or feminine. They also have changes in their vowel endings to indicate number.
All nouns in Italian have a gender; that is, they are either masculine or feminine. They also have changes in their vowel endings to indicate number.
Italy Declares War on Officialese
Italy has declared war on officialese, vowing to simplify the way the state communicates with its citizens. A project called Chiaro! aims to rid the language used in bureaucratic texts of complex clauses and confusing terms.
Italy has declared war on officialese, vowing to simplify the way the state communicates with its citizens. A project called Chiaro! aims to rid the language used in bureaucratic texts of complex clauses and confusing terms.
Learning To Chat
Ignoring her embarrassing first attempts, the author seizes the chance to talk to her neighbors, and in the process learns everything she ever wanted to know about the weather in Rome.
Ignoring her embarrassing first attempts, the author seizes the chance to talk to her neighbors, and in the process learns everything she ever wanted to know about the weather in Rome.
Learning To Speak Italian in Italy
Bonnie Smetts first fell in love with Italian when she decided to take a few classes before visiting a friend who’d moved to Umbria. Five years later, she’s studied all the grammar, read stacks of classics, and participated in myriad conversation groups. Read all about one woman’s twelve-part adventure in fluency.
Bonnie Smetts first fell in love with Italian when she decided to take a few classes before visiting a friend who’d moved to Umbria. Five years later, she’s studied all the grammar, read stacks of classics, and participated in myriad conversation groups. Read all about one woman’s twelve-part adventure in fluency.
Love Those Romance Languages
What comes to mind when you hear the word romance? Champagne and chocolates, candle-lit dinners, soft music, and Valentine's Day. Not many people will think Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese. So what are Romance languages and why is Italian part of this group?
What comes to mind when you hear the word romance? Champagne and chocolates, candle-lit dinners, soft music, and Valentine's Day. Not many people will think Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese. So what are Romance languages and why is Italian part of this group?
Making Hamburgers
Thinking she has figured out how to shop in the outdoor market, the author ends up with a surprise. When Bonnie discovers that she's actually bought ground meat and buns, she makes hamburgers—not what she expected to be eating in Italy.
Thinking she has figured out how to shop in the outdoor market, the author ends up with a surprise. When Bonnie discovers that she's actually bought ground meat and buns, she makes hamburgers—not what she expected to be eating in Italy.
(Not) Learning Italian
Struggling to understand Italian as spoken in Rome, Bonnie makes mistakes and learns a new language. Little did she know that the Roman dialect chews up familiar words and spits out new ones.
Struggling to understand Italian as spoken in Rome, Bonnie makes mistakes and learns a new language. Little did she know that the Roman dialect chews up familiar words and spits out new ones.
Online Italian Language Help
Even though Dante isn't alive today to answer email about Italian grammar, usage, and style, there are practical alternatives that can be every bit as authoritative and offer realtime assistance to master the Italian language.
Even though Dante isn't alive today to answer email about Italian grammar, usage, and style, there are practical alternatives that can be every bit as authoritative and offer realtime assistance to master the Italian language.
Possiamo Darci Del Tu? (Part I)
Usage of the formal and informal Italian subject pronouns tu, voi, Lei, and Loro.
Usage of the formal and informal Italian subject pronouns tu, voi, Lei, and Loro.
Possiamo Darci Del Tu? (Part II)
Historical background on the courteous form of address in Italian.
Historical background on the courteous form of address in Italian.
Taking A Tour
Feeling more confident in her Italian, Bonnie is embarrassed by mistaking Spanish for Italian. Down in the Roman catacombs, she discovers that she's joined a Spanish-speaking tour group and can't decide which language to respond in.
Feeling more confident in her Italian, Bonnie is embarrassed by mistaking Spanish for Italian. Down in the Roman catacombs, she discovers that she's joined a Spanish-speaking tour group and can't decide which language to respond in.
Ten Ways to Improve Your Italian
Take a class in Italian language, and you'll review definite articles, direct object pronouns, and prepositions. But at a certain point, you'll want to learn some shortcuts and quick pointers that will supercharge your lessons.
Take a class in Italian language, and you'll review definite articles, direct object pronouns, and prepositions. But at a certain point, you'll want to learn some shortcuts and quick pointers that will supercharge your lessons.
Ten Ways to Speak Italian Quickly
We live in an era of E–ZPass highway lanes, instant messaging, and microwave pizza. Even language instructors promise that you can learn Italian in just one weekend! In the spirit of these hyperactive times, then, here are ten great ways to speak Italian quickly and effectively while divertendoti.
We live in an era of E–ZPass highway lanes, instant messaging, and microwave pizza. Even language instructors promise that you can learn Italian in just one weekend! In the spirit of these hyperactive times, then, here are ten great ways to speak Italian quickly and effectively while divertendoti.
The Best Way To Learn Italian
The secret to learning Italian? Practice, practice, practice. Any method is appropriate, whether it's reading an Italian textbook, taking a language course at a university or local language school, or conversing with a native Italian speaker.
The secret to learning Italian? Practice, practice, practice. Any method is appropriate, whether it's reading an Italian textbook, taking a language course at a university or local language school, or conversing with a native Italian speaker.
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Learning Italian
What was already a comprehensive approach to learning la bella lingua has now become an even more exhaustive resource with new and exciting features that will enrich your Italian language learning experience and motivate you in unimaginable ways.
What was already a comprehensive approach to learning la bella lingua has now become an even more exhaustive resource with new and exciting features that will enrich your Italian language learning experience and motivate you in unimaginable ways.
Think Like An Italian, Speak Like An Italian
If you want to learn Italian, forget your native tongue. If you want to achieve competency in Italian, you must think like an Italian—and that means getting rid of the helpers that are really hindrances and standing on your own two (linguistic) feet.
If you want to learn Italian, forget your native tongue. If you want to achieve competency in Italian, you must think like an Italian—and that means getting rid of the helpers that are really hindrances and standing on your own two (linguistic) feet.
Top 10 Italian Grammar and Vocabulary Guides
There are Italian language learning materials for all levels of proficiency. Here is a list of recommended study materials such as grammar books, vocabulary phrase books, CDs, and tapes to help you improve your language skills.
There are Italian language learning materials for all levels of proficiency. Here is a list of recommended study materials such as grammar books, vocabulary phrase books, CDs, and tapes to help you improve your language skills.
Top 10 Italian Literature and Stories About Italy
There are a number of Italian texts, both classic and contemporary, that are must-reads for anyone interested in the history, culture, and language of Italy. Whether it's a trip to hell and back, a year's worth of love poems, or ribald, coarse humor during the plague, there's a tale for everyone.
There are a number of Italian texts, both classic and contemporary, that are must-reads for anyone interested in the history, culture, and language of Italy. Whether it's a trip to hell and back, a year's worth of love poems, or ribald, coarse humor during the plague, there's a tale for everyone.
Top 10 Myths About Learning Italian
Do you want to learn Italian, or do you want to spend your time coming up with excuses for why you can't learn Italian? Like other self-improvement activities you can convince yourself with a multitude of excuses why you can't pronounce Italian words or conjugate Italian verbs, or you can use that time and energy to learn Italian.
Do you want to learn Italian, or do you want to spend your time coming up with excuses for why you can't learn Italian? Like other self-improvement activities you can convince yourself with a multitude of excuses why you can't pronounce Italian words or conjugate Italian verbs, or you can use that time and energy to learn Italian.
Una Pizza Grande o Una Grande Pizza?
Adjectives in Italian: form, agreement, and position.
Adjectives in Italian: form, agreement, and position.
Why Learn Italian?
No matter what your motivation--the opportunity to work overseas, cultural exchange in a land steeped in history and culture, researching your genealogy, or studying other topics such as Italian literature or art history--you can discover new worlds when learning Italian.
No matter what your motivation--the opportunity to work overseas, cultural exchange in a land steeped in history and culture, researching your genealogy, or studying other topics such as Italian literature or art history--you can discover new worlds when learning Italian.
Xke No-ing? Or Connecting With Friends
Wanting a social life, Bonnie struggles to master her cell phone and text messaging in Italian. It seems as if SMS is the new way of writing and communicating in Italian.
Wanting a social life, Bonnie struggles to master her cell phone and text messaging in Italian. It seems as if SMS is the new way of writing and communicating in Italian.
Agenda Grammatica
E-commerce site featuring packs of photocopy masters suitable for use by school, college, and university students. The four grammar and homework packs cover all areas of Italian grammar and include exercises, puzzles, and activities.
E-commerce site featuring packs of photocopy masters suitable for use by school, college, and university students. The four grammar and homework packs cover all areas of Italian grammar and include exercises, puzzles, and activities.
ILUSS Grammar
Online grammatical lessons arranged by level, part of the Italian Language Update School Service.
Online grammatical lessons arranged by level, part of the Italian Language Update School Service.
La Corrispondenza Italiana
How to write a letter in Italian. Includes labeled examples of personal, professional, and business correspondance as well as instructions on how to address an envelope, common abbreviations, and a comprehensive list of phrases and sayings for many occasions. [in Italian]
How to write a letter in Italian. Includes labeled examples of personal, professional, and business correspondance as well as instructions on how to address an envelope, common abbreviations, and a comprehensive list of phrases and sayings for many occasions. [in Italian]
Piccolo Manuale di Stile
Detailed style guide to the rules and regulations for writing a formal paper or tesi di laurea in Italian, including formatting bibliography entries and citations. [in Italian]
Detailed style guide to the rules and regulations for writing a formal paper or tesi di laurea in Italian, including formatting bibliography entries and citations. [in Italian]
Syllabos
Articles on linguistics, grammar tips, a list of online dictionaries, and other resources. For Italian language learners, those interested in Italian linguistics, translators, and interpreters. [in Italian and English]
Articles on linguistics, grammar tips, a list of online dictionaries, and other resources. For Italian language learners, those interested in Italian linguistics, translators, and interpreters. [in Italian and English]
Teach Yourself Italian
Textbook-format site featuring such chapters as "The Alphabet and Basic Sounds" and "Gender and Number of Nouns, Adjectives, and Articles" includes exercises.
Textbook-format site featuring such chapters as "The Alphabet and Basic Sounds" and "Gender and Number of Nouns, Adjectives, and Articles" includes exercises.