How to Say “What is it?” in Italian – Che cos’è?

If you encounter something you’ve never seen before, the most logical question you could ask is: Che cos’è? What is it? The words che and cosa, when used together, translate as what in English. Che on its own also means what whereas cosa means thing, so you are literally saying “what thing”. È, which is …

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How to Say “Come here!” in Italian – Vieni qui!

Since our young son started crawling last week, I can’t count how many times I’ve had to call out the phrase Vieni qui! (Come here!), especially when I see him cheekily inching his way towards the staircase! Vieni qui! Come here! Vieni, in addition to being the second-person singular present of venire (to come), is …

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What does Alberto say in Luca? – “Piacere Girolamo Trombetta!”

Everyone loves a feel-good movie, and Pixar’s latest release ‘Luca‘ will certainly fits the bill thanks to its loveable characters, whimsical plot and stunning (albeit animated) views of the Ligurian coastline. The story follows the eponymous Luca, a teenage sea monster who, much like Ariel in the Little Mermaid, wishes to experience life on land. …

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Italian Phrase: Hai capito? (Do you understand?)

If you have just explained something to someone, and want confirmation that they have absorbed everything you’ve said, you might ask the question Do you understand? in English. The Italian equivalent is Hai capito? Learn with our video The phrase Do you understand? can translate in three ways in Italian depending on who you’re talking …

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