Some Italian verbs followed by the preposition “di” can support a second verb (infinitive) and describe decisions, thoughts, opinions, hope and much more. Learn with some examples.
Penso di andare al cinema… I think I’ll go to the movies. Learn more verbs with some examples and try to translate them n your language. English translations are close, not exact.
Le congiunzioni, Italian coordinating conjunctions, connect sentences, parts of the same sentence or other groups of words.
Italian conjunctions, prepositions and pronouns, are all connectors, or connettivi in Italian. Congiunzioni connect different elements of a sentence. I already mentioned the role of the simple prepositions, or preposizioni semplici, and the difference between prepositions and conjunctions. Please have a look if you have doubts.
Italian conjunctions can be of two types, coordinating or subordinating (coordinanti o subordinanti), depending on the relation between the words they connect. Today we are going to see coordinating conjunctions. Sounds difficult? Let’s see some examples.
* All the examples will be in Italian. Please make and effort and try to understand the sentences. Add questions or suggestions in the comments if you wish.
Congiunzioni coordinanti
If words or clauses linked by a conjunction have the same weight and function, we talk about coordinating conjunctions. For example:
Subjects: Mario e Luigi sono due idraulici.
Objects: Ho mangiato il pane e il formaggio.
Adjectives: Voglio una maglietta rossa o verde.
If we simply look at the structure of conjunctions, we can identify 3 types.
Simple, just one word: Vuoi il caffè o il cappuccino?
Compound, two words form one: Ho fame perché (per + che) non ho mangiato.
Expressions working as conjunctions: Torno a casa visto che è tardi.
Now, we are going to see some examples of coordinating conjunctions based on their function.
Copulative
When a conjunction simply puts together “a couple” of words or sentences, we have a congiunzione copulativa.
e – Abbiamo incontrato Stefano e Claudia.
anche – Vieni anche tu al cinema?
e anche – Ho telefonato a tua sorella e anche a tuo fratello.
pure – Hai visto pure tu la partita della Juventus?
né – Stasera non ho mangiato né bevuto.
neanche – Non ho neanche un euro!
neppure – In albergo non funziona la doccia, e neppure l’aria condizionata.
nemmeno – Se non vai in piscina, non ci vado nemmeno io.
Avversative
When a conjunction links two opposite words or situations, we have a congiunzione avversativa.
ma – Mio padre ha molti soldi, ma non vuole spenderne mai.
d’altra parte – Non mi piace lavorare in ufficio, d’altra parte devo pagare l’affitto.
tuttavia – Sei sempre stato poco gentile con me, tuttavia ti aiuterò.
ciò nonostante – La mia squadra ha perso l’ultima partita, ciò nonostante ha vinto il campionato.
però – Nevica, però non fa molto freddo.
eppure – Faccio del mio meglio per cucinare bene, eppure i miei piatti sono pessimi.
anzi – Vorrei una casa al mare anzi due!
nonostante – La città è piena di gente nonostante il freddo.
bensì – Il signor Rossi non è mio zio bensì mio cugino.
invece – Pensavo di avere il serbatoio pieno di benzina, invece era quasi vuoto.
mentre – Le mie due figlie sono bionde mentre mio figlio ha i capelli neri.
al contrario – Io non ho finito l’università, al contrario di te.
Disgiuntive
When the conjunction creates an alternative between opposite words or sentences, we have a congiunzione disguintiva.
o – Preferisci la carne o il pesce?
oppure – Sei venuto in macchina oppure in treno?
altrimenti – Per favore, compra del pane altrimenti lo compro io.
ossia – Adoro l’entomologia, ossia lo studio degli insetti.
Dichiarative
They link a statement and an explanation (or declaration).
cioè – Ci vediamo il 19 agosto, cioè mercoledì prossimo.
infatti – Non mi piace Maurizio, infatti non andrò alla sua festa.
difatti – Il coltello di ceramica era molto fragile, difatti si è rotto.
ossia – Marina è la moglie di mio fratello, ossia mia cognata.
vale a dire – Tua madre ha la stessa età della mia, vale a dire sessant’anni.
in altre parole – Abbiamo deciso di vivere insieme, in altre parole ci sposeremo presto.
in effetti – Mi sembravi stanco e in effetti il tuo lavoro non andava bene.
in realtà – Sembrava che Flavio non avesse studiato ma in realtà si è impegnato molto.
Correlative
They work in couples and build a correlation between two elements.
o… o – O vendi la macchina, o la moto.
né… né . Non voglio né l’insalata verde, né gli spinaci.
sia… sia – Siete ridicoli, sia tu sia i tuoi amici.
tanto… quanto – Ho tanto bisogno di te, quanto tu ne hai di me.
tale… tale – tale padre, tale figlio.
sia che… sia che… Devi finire i broccoli, sia che ti piacciano, sia che non ti piacciano!
Conclusive
When a conjunction introduces the conclusion of a sentence , we have a congiunzione conclusiva.
inoltre – Voglio dirti inoltre che sabato la scuola sarà chiusa.
quindi – Oggi è venerdì quindi ci vediamo tutti per un aperitivo.
insomma – Avevo finito i soldi, insomma ero disperato.
allora – Volevo studiare qualcosa di interessante, allora ho scelto la storia romana.
dunque – I tuoi amici sono arrivati, dunque possiamo iniziare la festa.
per cui – La lavatrice si è rotta, per cui ho chiamato il tecnico.
cosicché – Sono tornato a casa tardi, cosicchè non ho potuto mangiare.
perciò – Giulio è malato, perciò non può venire stasera.
pertanto – Adesso è già agosto, pertanto le giornate presto si accorceranno.
così – Ho pensato a te, così ti ho telefonato.
sicché – Non ho guardato l’orologio, sicché ho perso il treno.
Again, all the congiunzioni above connect elements that are independent of each other or sentences which can well stand alone. We’ll see pretty soon the congiunzioni subordinanti.
Thanks for reading. Please try the quiz and check your level.
Some Italian verbs followed by the preposition “a” can support a second verb and give more structure to a sentence.
They describe actions such as beginning, continuing or succeeding … and much more.
Some verbs followed by the preposition A can support and introduce another verb (infinitive). Some interesting examples. Translations in English are close, not exact.
Italian prepositions are challenging. Hopefully, some simple examples will help you
Prepositions VS Conjunctions
Italian simple prepositions are eight, usually taught in the following order :
DI – A- DA- IN- CON -SU -PER -TRA/FRA
The role of prepositions in a sentence is to introduce some information attached to a verb or a noun, and explain their function, in the form of a “complemento”. Complements “complete” the sense of a sentence, so changing a simple preposition can change the meaning of a phrase. For example:
Ho appena parlato di Mario. I’ve just talked about Mario.
Ho appena parlato con Mario. I’ve just talked to Mario.
The first is a “complemento di argomento”, so the Mario was the topic of the conversation. The second is a “complemento di compagnia”, because I shared the action (parlare) with Mario.
Today’s lesson is not about complementi, however, we will use them to explain the different functions of every single preposition. Read and listen to the examples. Solve the quiz at he bottom of this page.
Preposizioni, Italian prepositions: a nearly complete guide.
This is a “freemium” Italian language blog and quiz
The dining table is the most important piece of furniture in Italian houses. Italian familial relationships are forged “a tavola” and children learn very soon how they should behave
1.) SI MANGIA TUTTI INSIEME – WE EAT ALL TOGETHER
Italian see their children as young adults. We eat all together, no discussions. Parents help their kids to eat only until they learn to hold a fork. Children learn very soon that “a tavola” is a very important call.
2.) MANGIAMO LE STESSE COSE – WE EAT THE SAME THINGS
As soon as children don’t need help with fork and knife, they eat exactly what adults have on the plate. In Italy children eat smaller portions, but the food is exactly the same. If you will go on holiday in Italy, you will notice that there’s no “children menu” in restaurants.
3.) È PRONTO! – IT’S READY
When mom or dad say “è pronto”, kids must join immediately the family at the table. If they don’t, parents or older brothers go and pick them up. No excuses.
4.) AIUTAMI A PREPARARE IL TAVOLO – HELP ME TO SET THE TABLE
It’s like a game. When mamma (nowadays also papà) asks for some help for setting the table, children put la tovaglia, the table cloth (there’s no Italian table without table cloth!) i tovaglioli (napkins), i piatti (plates) and le posate (fork and knife). When everything is set, kids are ready to sit down.
5.) USA FORCHETTA E COLTELLO – USE FORK AND KNIFE
It is amazing to see how Italian children learn to use fork and knife so early. A fork is as dangerous as a knife, so the soonest children learn to use knives properly, the better. When I was s child in elementary school, I clearly remember we used a safe knife, but definitely learn how to handle it.
6.) PER FAVORE, GRAZIE E PREGO – PLEASE, THANKS AND YOU ARE WELCOME
Please, thanks and you are welcome, per favore, grazie e prego are words Italian children learn at the table when they ask for more food or water. Mamma is ready with a smile or the magic question:”Come si dice?”. Si dice “per favore”.
7.) NIENTE COCA COLA – NO COKE, WE DRINK WATER
Soft drinks in Italy are not as common as they are in the US. Italians usually drink water. Coca Cola is allowed in pizzeria or in special occasions, like parties or meetings with other kids. Young Italian parents know how toxic that stuff is. Grandmas, be aware!
8.) FACCIAMO GLI GNOCCHI? – LET’S MAKE GNOCCHI TOGETHER
There are some positive habits coming from this long lasting economic crisis. America is doing good, by Italy is still in trouble with unemployment. Italian families are going back in time and make their own food with basic ingredients. Young parents ask grandma and grandpa how to prepare proper food. It’s cheaper and better. Children learn how to make bread, pizza, gnocchi and pasta with mom and dad.
9.) NON LO MANGI OGGI, LO MANGI DOMANI – YOU DON’T EAT IT TODAY, YOU EAT IT TOMORROW
Italian parents used to be quite strict with “bambini capricciosi”, naughty children. When children refused to eat, mamma would put the same thing on the plate the day after. Nowadays parents are softer, but this rule is quite common even these days.
10.) NON SI MANGIA FUORI DAI PASTI – DON’T EAT WHEN YOU ARE HUNGRY. RESPECT LUNCH AND SUPPER TIME
Merenda is the Italian word for the afternoon snack. Fruit, a small pizza (pizzetta), focaccia (soft bread with salt and olive oil) or a tasty panino with salame or prosciutto (Italian sandwich) are common. But the size is pretty small. No sauce. That’s the only food children are allowed to eat outside regular meals. Before lunch (pranzo) and after supper (cena) the fridge (frigorifero) is off limits.
What is your experience as an Italian chid, or as a tourist in Italy? Please add your comments.
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The Italian “connettivi”, are conjunctions, adverbs, prepositions or common expressions used to connect elements inside of a sentence
Connettivi in Italian are essential for constructing sentences logically and cohesively. These connectors include conjunctions, adverbs, prepositions, or common expressions that create relationships between sentence elements. They are indispensable tools for clear communication.
Depending on their function, we have:
Connettivi…
di tempo
di causa e conseguenza
di scopo e modo
di contrasto/concessione, condizione/dubbio
di inclusione / esclusione
di struttura
I am going to provide plenty of examples down below. I left the examples in Italian only. All the sentences are part of the Freemium blog, please log in or subscribe for free to read them and to access the freemium quiz.
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CONNETTIVI DI TEMPO
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English translations of these connettori are not always a perfect match. Experience will help you to use them naturally.
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QUIZ: I CONNETTIVI
Connettivi di tempo
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Drag and drop the words listed below next to the correspondent sentence
mentre – entro – non appena – prima – dopo – finché
This is a “freemium” Italian language blog and quiz
This is a very basic introduction to the Italian impersonal verbs, verbi impersonali
Italian impersonal verbs (verbi impersonali) are very common in the spoken and written language.
Solve the quiz at the bottom and win an italian Skype class.
LEVEL: B1
The verbi impersonali don’t have a specific subject. They are common across all tenses and moods and we conjugate them using the third singular person, or with simple indefinite moods (infinito, participio, gerundio).
Let’s see together some examples and review with the quiz.
Domani pioverà
This is a typical example of verbs without subject.
piovere: Oggi piove
nevicare: Domani nevicherà
grandinare: Ieri ha grandinato
I used the indicativo to keep it simple, but we could say
Penso che domani nevichi
and use, for example, a congiuntivo.
The passato prossimo, or any other compound tenses of verbi atmosferici, work with both essere or avere:
Ieri ha piovuto and Ieri è piovuto are equivalent.
Similar expressions with the verb FARE and an adjective or a noun, can act as impersonal verbs:
fa caldo, fa freddo, fa bello (fa bel tempo), fa brutto (tempo),
Bisogna andare!
There are some particular verbi impersonali introducing a so called “proposizione soggettiva”, a subjective clause: a sentence acting as a subject. If you are not a grammar freak, we can go through that quite easily. An example:
Bisogna che tu vada a casa. It is necessary that you go home.
(The fact that) you go home = …che tu vada a casais the subject (proposizione soggettiva) is necessary = bisogna is an impersonal verb.
We can have a variety of solutions, depending on the verb, preposition, conjunction, different elements in the period. In this case we used a congiuntivo, in others we can use the infinito.
Bisogna essere onesti = it is necessary to be honest
Other verbs and examples. You will notice some synonyms. Try to understand and translate them.
accadere = to happen- Accade spesso di perdersi.
bisognare = to be necessary – Bisogna fare attenzione.
avvenire = to happen – Avviene raramente di vedere una Ferrari.
parere = to seem – Pare che Mario parli bene il tedesco.
convenire = to be convenient – Conviene andare in vacanza a settembre.
occorrere = to be necessary – Occorre che cambiamo macchina al più presto.
succedere = to happen – Non succede mai di vincere alla lotteria.
capitare = to happen (by chance) – Capita a tutti di fare errori.
importare = to matter – Non importa se hai sbagliato.
dispiacere = to feel sorry – Dispiace vedere tanti giovani senza lavoro.
bastare = to be enough – Basta mangiare poco per dimagrire.
servire = to be necessary – Serve studiare di più.
Ci si vede
There’s always some confusion when we see a single pronoun with different functions. It is the case of the “si impersonale” and “si riflessivo“. This is a rather complex topic, so the following is only a brief introduction.
Si impersonale
We can use the “si impersonale” with any verb, as long as we don’t mention any object.
In Italia si mangia bene.
Quest’anno non si va in vacanza.
It means that eating in Italy is always good. No subject. In this case the “si” is a handy impersonal pronoun.
Si riflessivo impersonale: CI SI…
Usually, this is the structure of a sentence with a regular “verbo riflessivo”.
Luigi si lava in bagno.
I have already mentioned that impersonal verbs need to be 3rd person singular
–> si lava.
In order to make it impersonal we should add another “si” impersonale, which would sound horrible: “si si”. So, we say “CI SI”.
Ci si lava in bagno.
Meaning that (everyone / people / one) wash (oneself) in the bathroom.
I hope this post will help you to understand the Italian verbi impersonali. Enjoy the quiz!
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Learn the most famous Italian “scioglilingua”, tongue twisters: challenge your fluency, pronunciation, speed and precision.
Translating these sentences is quite pointless, because they make little or no sense. You can however recognize some common words. Thanks to our teacher Alessandra for recording these challenging sentences!
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