Surviving as a foreigner in Italy involves learning lots of basic Italian phrases. One that you simply cannot live without is Che cosa vuoi? which means What do you want? Che cosa vuoi? What do you want? Learn with our video Let’s break the phrase down into its component parts: che cosa Che cosa is …
In both Italian and English, a common way of informally asking to have a quick word with someone is: Hai un minuto? Do you have a minute? This phrase breaks down in the following way: hai The second person singular present indicative of avere (to have). It is pronounced /ai/ without the /h/. un The …
Last year, we covered how to say “I’m hungry!” in Italian, so today we’re going to look at what to say when you’re feeling a little (or very) parched! Ho sete! I’m thirsty! Let’s break the phrase down into its component parts: ho The first person singular conjugation of avere (to have). Note that Italians …
Winter (inverno) can be a gloomy time of year in Italy, but it is brightened annually by the arrival of carnevale (carnival), a festival that takes place during the week before Lent (quaresima) involving music, processions, dancing and people dressed up in elaborate costume. A fun saying you can learn in preparation for this beloved …
Valentine’s Day may be over, but there’s never a bad time to learn a romantic Italian greeting, wouldn’t you agree? Ciao, amore mio! Hello, my love!Hi, my love! Let’s break it down into its component parts: ciao Ciao is a standard informal greeting in Italian that translates as hello / hi when you meet someone …
In Italy, it is common for people to wish each other Buona giornata! as a farewell greeting in the early morning or afternoon, or Buona serata! at around 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. when the sun starts to set. So what about the time between morning and evening? Do Italians even say Good afternoon or …