In our previous lesson, we tackled a unique Italian grammar collision: using a reflexive verb inside an impersonal statement. This happens when two conditions meet: 1) We use a reflexive verb like vestirsi (to dress oneself), where si is part of the verb. 2) We want to speak impersonally ("people in general"), which also requires the subject si.
Other Ways to Say the Same Thing:
To help you see how this structure compares to other common subject pronouns and nouns, look at these alternative options:
Uno si veste a cipolla per fare trekking. (Using the singular pronoun uno (someone): "One dresses in layers...")
Una persona che va a fare trekking si veste a cipolla. (Using a singular noun una persona: (a person dresses...)
La gente, quando fa trekking, si veste a cipolla. (Using the collective singular noun la gente: "People dress...")
Le persone che fanno trekking si vestono a cipolla. (Using the plural noun le persone, which forces the verb into the plural si vestono).
Ci vestiamo a cipolla quando facciamo trekking. (Using the "we" form: "We dress ourselves in layers when we hike." Here, ci actually does mean "us"!).
Ci si veste a cipolla quando si fa trekking. (impersonal + reflexive combo: "People dress in layers when people/they go hiking.")
We closed the previous lesson with this example that uses 2 different kinds of impersonal forms. Let's examine this clip further.
The second boldface set of words: si mangiano pietanze is not a reflexive construction, but we can consider this si to be impersonal, since there is no mention of anyone specific. There is, however, a direct object: le pietanze (the dishes). The verb mangiare can take a direct object, for example, Mangio la pizza una volta alla settimana (I eat pizza once a week) or not: Si mangia (time to eat)! With the presence of a direct object we have to pay attention to whether the object is singular or plural. With a singular direct object, the verb will be in the singular.
Si mangia la pizza in pizzeria o a casa (Pizza can be eaten in a pizzeria or at home/One can eat pizza in pizzeria or at home).
But if the direct object is in the plural, the verb flips to the plural to agree with the plural object!
Si mangiano tanti tipi di pizza in quella pizzeria (many types of pizza can be eaten in that pizzeria/one can eat many types of pizza in that pizzeria).
➡️ If you have read Italian grammar books, you might know that when we are using a verb transitively, that is, with a direct object, the si is technically called the si-passivante, because it shifts the focus of the sentence, just as when we use the passive voice in English. The object pietanze (dishes) becomes a passive subject, and the phrase can be translated in the passive voice in English. When the direct object is in the singular, the si acts just like a si impersonale. We just have to remember that when we see a direct object in the plural, the verb has to agree with it. Having to remember what a si passivante is might just add confusion to an already tricky grammatical concept. Here's the example from the previous lesson, which we hope is clearer now. We've provided two different translations that work.
E come tanti altri italiani, il ventiquattro sera, verso le sette, ci si mette a cena, e si mangiano pietanze a base di pesce.
And like many other Italians, the evening of the twenty-fourth, around seven, one sits down to dinner, and one eats dishes with fish as their basis.
And like many other Italians, the evening of the twenty-fourth, around seven, people sit down to dinner, and dishes with fish as their basis are eaten.
Captions 5-8, Marika spiega La Vigilia di Natale
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And here is an example that contains 3 different ways we use the impersonal reflexive. We looked at the first 2 ways in the previous lesson, so pay close attention to the 3rd way.
Questa è la stanza in cui ci si rilassa, si legge, si fanno tante attività.
This is the room in which one relaxes, one reads, one does many things.
Captions 2-3, Marika spiega Il salone
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Here are two examples with a transitive use of the verb vedere. The object would be la città, a singular noun. But we could easily express this in the passive mood. Can the whole city be seen? So we can sense that whether there is a direct object or not, the si is impersonal. The only trap is that when the direct object is plural, we have to use the plural with the verb after si.
Si vede tutta la città?
Can one see the whole city?
Can the whole city be seen?
Caption 2, La compagnia del cigno S2 EP 2 - Part 13
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Here's another example where the object is in the plural, and so when we use an impersonal formula, the verb vedere has to be in the plural to agree with the noun. The translation is in the active mood, but we could also say, "The frescos from that time are still visible." The focus is on the frescoes, and so linguistically speaking, this is a si passivante, not impersonal. The English translations in the passive voice often sound stilted, so we often use active-voice translations, but the Italian way of using this impersonal construction with si-passivante is used all the time.
E si vedono ancora degli affreschi di allora.
And one still sees frescoes from that time.
Frescoes from that time are still seen.
Caption 14, Meraviglie EP. 1 - Part 14
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Here, the direct object is dischi (CDs) and comes first.
I dischi non si vendono più.
CDs are no longer selling.
Caption 51, Chi m'ha visto film - Part 2
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Here, the direct object comes first, and it's in the singular and so is the verb.
Ma l'appartamento si vende, Le interessa?
But the apartment is for sale. Are you interested?
Caption 65, Imma Tataranni Sostituto procuratore S1 EP5 Rione Serra Venerdì - Part 11
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One word we find very often in the si-formula with a direct object is parlare (to speak). Go into a city like Rome or Florence, and you might see signs that say: Qui si parla inglese (here, English is spoken). In our next example, the direct object is dialetto.
Che dialetto si parla a Milano?
What dialect do they speak in Milan?
What dialect is spoken in Milan?
Caption 37, L'Italia a tavola Interrogazione sulla Lombardia
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But if we want to talk about multiple dialects, we need to put the verb in the plural to agree with dialetti. As you can see, in English, it works in either the passive voice, or the active voice.
In Puglia si parlano tanti dialetti.
In Puglia, many dialects are spoken.
In Puglia, they speak many dialects.
Caption 32, L'Italia a tavola Interrogazione sulla Puglia
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Talking About People in General (the ci si formula)
When you want to talk about people in general and what they do, there are various options in Italian. Let's kick off the lesson with a common fact: Italians eat a lot of pasta.
We can say:
Gli italiani mangiano tanta pasta (Italians eat a lot of pasta).
In Italia, quasi tutti mangiano la pasta (in Italy, almost everyone eats pasta).
But we have another very popular option. Instead of specifying anyone in particular with nouns like "Italians" or "everyone," we can use a special formula to talk about what "people in general" do. We do this by placing the little word (also called a "particle") si right before a third-person singular verb. Here it is in action:
In Italia, si mangia tanta pasta.
Even though it translates to "In Italy, people eat a lot of pasta," this formula with si functions a bit like the English word "one" (as in, "one eats a lot of pasta in Italy"). The basic rule for this general si structure is that the verb stays in the third-person singular almost all the time (with some exceptions we'll get to later).
And if you are ever a guest in an Italian home, you will definitely hear someone call out:
"Si mangia!" It means "it's time to eat!" or "The food's on the table!"
Literally, it translates to "one eats," making it the ultimate everyday example of this structure in action.
Now we know that when we're talking about people in general performing an action, we can just put si in front of the third-person singular verb, such as si mangia (one eats/people eat) or si viaggia (one travels/people travel).
"Ormai si viaggia più spesso in aereo",
"These days, one travels more and more often by plane,"
Caption 32, Corso di italiano con Daniela La forma passiva - Part 3
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The Grammar Collision: When Reflexive Verbs Join the Party
So far, the verbs we've talked about have been, let's say, standard verbs. But what happens when the verb we want to use with a si formula is already a reflexive verb? That's when the "collision" happens.
That's because we also use this same particle, si, when conjugating reflexive verbs, those verbs in which the subject and the object are the same. ➡️ Learn about reflexive verbs in this lesson, and how to conjugate them in this lesson.
When we conjugate a verb like svegliarsi (to wake up), we need si.
Tutte le mattine si sveglia con il cuscino pieno di lacrime.
Every morning she wakes up with her pillow full of tears.
Caption 42, Volare - La grande storia di Domenico Modugno Ep. 2 - Part 15
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So when we have a conjugated reflexive verb where we need si AND an impersonal formula where we need si, we have a unique kind of grammar collision.
In other words:
1) We use a reflexive verb like vestirsi (to dress oneself), where si is part of the verb. For example: Di solito, una persona che fa trekking si veste a cipolla (usually, a person who goes hiking dresses in layers).
2) We want to speak impersonally ("people in general"), which also requires the subject si (as we illustrated earlier in the lesson).
In essence, we want to combine the impersonal subject with a reflexive verb. So we try it out: Di solito si si veste a cipolla...
But that does not cut it. It is not good Italian. To Italians, repeating si - si doesn't work. To make it sound better, Italian grammar requires always changing the first particle in a double-pronoun chain. Since the reflexive pronoun si is stuck tightly to the verb, it stays where it is, and it is actually the first si (the impersonal one) that changes to ci.
So this is the process:
⚠️ It's easy to confuse this grammatical ci with the word ci meaning "us." In fact, this is just one of the many ways we use ci in Italian! ➡️ For more on ci, see this lesson!
Real-World Examples from the Wild
Let’s look at how we use this ci-si trick with everyday verbs: divertirsi (to have fun), svegliarsi (to wake up), riposarsi (to rest), sentirsi (to feel).
A Dixieland ci si diverte con poco e nulla.
At Dixieland one has fun with next to nothing.
Caption 30, Dixiland La magia di Tribo
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E, no. -No, domani è domenica, ci si sveglia tardi, -E sì. -ci si riposa.
No. -No, tomorrow is Sunday, one wakes up late, -Yes. -one rests.
Captions 45-46, La compagnia del cigno S2 EP 2 - Part 11
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E... volevo chiederti, come ci si sente da sposati?
And... I wanted to ask you, how does one feel, married?
Captions 52-53, Sposami EP 5 - Part 16
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In this next example, the speaker is using the impersonal form to speak in general about modern life, using "one" in the third-person singular.
Note that the last 2 verbs are reflexive verbs: vestirsi (to dress) and pettinarsi (to style one's hair), so for the first 2 verbs — viaggiare (to travel) and parlare (to talk), there is just the impersonal si, and for the last 2, we find ci si, in other words, both the impersonal si transformed into ci and the reflexive si.
Perché qua sta cambiando un po' tutto. -Sì, e... Come si viaggia, come si parla, come ci si veste, come ci si pettina.
Because here, everything is kind of changing. -Yes, and... The way one travels, the way one talks, the way one dresses, the way one styles one's hair.
Captions 11-13, Volare - La grande storia di Domenico Modugno Ep. 1 - Part 23
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A Sneak Peek into the next lesson on this topic:
Here is an example using the verb mettersi (a very common reflexive form of mettere — to put), meaning to sit down/set oneself to a task. Pay close attention to the second half of this sentence:
E come tanti altri italiani, il ventiquattro sera, verso le sette, ci si mette a cena, e si mangiano pietanze a base di pesce.
And like many other Italians, the evening of the twenty-fourth, around seven, we sit down to dinner, and one eats dishes with fish as their basis.
Captions 5-8, Marika spiega La Vigilia di Natale
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Did you spot the twist? The phrase si mangiano refers to an object in the plural (le pietanze - the dishes), so the verb magically flips to the plural to agree with it! This takes some getting used to, and it brings us to our next big topic...
The Plural Object Trap: If people are acting on multiple objects, the verb unexpectedly flips to the plural!
Standard: Ci si prepara un caffè. (One prepares a coffee.)
The Trap: Ci si preparano tre caffè. (One prepares three coffees.)
When you are out in the wild watching Italian videos or chatting with locals, don't worry about memorizing heavy grammar terms. Just remember our two simple visual tricks:
The si-si fix: When a verb is reflexive and impersonal, change that first si to ci to keep things flowing smoothly (ci si veste).
The order rule: The front word (ci) means "people in general," and the back word (si) stays glued to the verb.
In our next lesson, we are going to dive deeper into that final example. We will unpack exactly why si mangia suddenly transforms into si mangiano when plural objects enter the room. Until then, keep your ears open for the ci-si trick. Alla prossima!
Thanks for reading. Write to us at [email protected]. We love to hear from you!
In a recent episode of Romanzo italiano, there is a noun with an S-prefix that we perhaps haven't seen before. It's a word we encounter quite often, however, as we travel around Italy: la sbarra. We can perhaps figure out that it comes from barra, which resembles the noun "bar" — not the kind of bar where one can have a drink, but a physical bar, that's long and narrow.
Clicca su "Play" o semplicemente premi sulla barra spaziatrice della tua tastiera.
Click on "Play" or simply press the space bar on your keyboard.
Captions 5-6, Tutorial Yabla Comandi base del riproduttore
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Barra also means "slash," as in a URL. We can use it in casual conversation to indicate a range or option. Here too, it could be translated as "slash."
E io, naturalmente, ho già preparato un impasto perché deve lievitare, deve lievitare almeno due barra tre ore,
And naturally, I already prepared a batch of dough because it has to rise, it has to rise for at least two to/slash three hours,
Captions 66-67, L'Italia a tavola Panzerotti Pugliesi - Part 1
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Barra can also be part of an address, un numero civico: For example, one address might be via nuova, 41 and another address nearby might be via nuova, 41/A — quarantuno barra A.
Barrare is a verb we use when we cross off an item from a list, or when we check a box on a multiple-choice quiz. We often make a slanted line (that is naturally, narrow and long).
We have seen that the S- prefix can give a negative value to a word, whether it be a noun, verb, or adjective. But it can also reinforce the meaning.
Finché Lei resta lì, no, mi sbarra la strada.
As long as you stay there, no. You're blocking my path.
Caption 37, Volare - La grande storia di Domenico Modugno Ep. 1 - Part 11
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The noun la sbarra is the gate or barrier that blocks you from crossing a threshold until you get a ticket, pay, or show some ID. We find una sbarra in parking lots, toll booths, private driveways, level crossings, and yes, prisons, as in the following example.
Alla sbarra, quando mi fermo per farmi riconoscere, mi viene da abbassare gli occhi e la vedo alzarsi con uno sforzo enorme, quella sbarra.
At the barrier, when I stop to identify myself, it makes me want to lower my eyes and I see it rise with enormous effort, that barrier.
Captions 37-41, Romanzo Italiano Campania - Part 3
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Può dirsi fortunato chi imbocca un passaggio a livello un attimo prima che calino le sbarre.
He can count himself lucky, whoever crosses a railroad crossing an instant before the barriers are lowered.
Caption 28, La Mille Miglia del passato per vivere quella di oggi - Part 2
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And since prison bars are used to block inmates from leaving, sbarre is used for these, too.
In this example, journalist Oriana Fallaci is talking about the conditions of Muslim women in Islamic countries.
Attraverso quei buchi, le donne guardano il cielo come attraverso le sbarre di una prigione.
Through these holes, the women look at the sky as through the bars of a prison.
Captions 3-4, L'Oriana film - Part 4
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And here, Alberto Manzi is teaching young kids in a juvenile detention center.
Se guardi il cielo, non ci sono sbarre, non ci sono muri.
If you look at the sky, there are no bars, there are no walls.
Captions 22-24, Non è mai troppo tardi EP1 - Part 12
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La sbarra can be negative and imply being imprisoned, but it's also commonplace in so many places where there is no free passage, so it's a good word to have in your toolbox, along with its variants.
Thanks for reading. Write to us with questions and ideas at [email protected].
It's easy to get confused between two similar verbs, supportare and sopportare, especially since they both look similar to the English verb "to support." As a matter of fact, they also both come from the same Latin roots: the Latin prefix "sub-" (meaning "under" or "from below") combined with "portare" (meaning "to carry"). There are other Italian and Latin words with variant spellings, so that's not so unusual, but supportare and sopportare had different evolutions and now have different meanings.
Supportare is a cognate of the English "support," in both physical and figurative senses. It gives a sense of aid, and therefore, of something positive.
La Space Station è fornita di enormi pannelli solari, pannelli fotovoltaici che generano l'energia necessaria per supportare tutta l'infrastruttura e gli astronauti a bordo della stazione orbitale.
The Space Station is equipped with huge solar panels, photovoltaic panels, which generate the necessary energy to support the entire infrastructure and the astronauts aboard the orbital station.
Captions 67-71, Space to ground EP2 Energia dell'universo. Luce - Part 2
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Ma ci sono state anche tutte delle cose che sono nate per supportare le famiglie degli operai.
But there have also been all the things that were created to support the families of the workers.
Captions 76-78, Romanzo Italiano Campania - Part 3
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There is a noun form as well: il supporto
No, io volevo ri'... chiaramente ringraziare la dottoressa Piras per il supporto che ci ha dato durante tutto il nostro processo investigativo.
No, I wanted, of course, to thank Doctor Piras for the support she gave us during our entire investigative process.
Captions 7-9, I Bastardi di Pizzofalcone S1EP1 I Bastardi - Part 26
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Here are some synonyms for supportare when it's physical or structural:
And here are synonyms when supportare has to do with people, ideas, projects, etc.
Although stemming from the same Latin root, sopportare has an entirely different meaning from supportare. The English word "to bear," with its different connotations, does provide some overlap, however.
Sopportare tends to express a sense of bearing something negative, enduring or tolerating an emotional burden, for example, but also a physical one.
Livietta è troppo piccola per sopportare il peso di un divorzio.
Livietta is too young to bear the burden of a divorce.
Caption 11, Provaci ancora prof! S1E3 - Una piccola bestia ferita - Part 19
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È quando torni dall'ufficio col muso lungo che proprio non ti sopporto.
It's when you come back from the office with a long face that I just can't stand you.
Captions 44-45, Com'è umano lui Film - Part 18
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Sopportare has some synonyms, some of which overlap with supportare. Read about one of them, reggere, in this lesson.
In everyday conversation, sopportare will likely be the verb we hear more often, especially in reference to relationships. But as English terminology gains standing in the Italian language, especially in the area of psychology and therapy, supporto is used more and more often, especially in contexts such as the following: support group = gruppo di supporto.
Insomma, il bastardo t'ha fatto un gruppo di supporto perché non suoni abbastanza bene.
So, basically, the bastard made a support group for you because you don't play well enough.
Captions 27-28, La compagnia del cigno S2 EP 2 - Part 3
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A common synonym for the noun il supporto is il sostegno.
Questo prodotto si caratterizza della fatica [sic: è caratterizzato dalla fatica] di molti uomini che hanno la capacità di trasformare scarti di produzione alimentare in un prodotto nobile, capace di dare sostegno al cammino dell'uomo.
This product is characterized by the efforts of many men who have the ability to transform food production waste products into a noble product, capable of giving support to man's stride.
Captions 13-16, L'Italia che piace Stile di vita - Part 4
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In English, we can talk about a support group, but we can also say someone is being supportive. In this case, too, we can use di supporto. Or we can say solidale.
Dobbiamo essere solidali.
Dobbiamo essere di supporto.
We have to be supportive.
Caption 56, Sposami EP 3 - Part 20
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Let's not overlook a very important adjective we use to describe a person or situation: insopportabile, used more often in its negative form. We have used "unbearable" as the English translation, but we can also use "obnoxious," "intolerable," "insufferable," and other similar adjectives.
Melissa è insopportabile,
Melissa is unbearable.
Caption 3, JAMS S1 EP1 - Part 4
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A positive form of the adjective exists as well. It's used a lot when referring to pain. Is it bearable? È sopportabile?
Ma vedi, il mondo è diviso in due categorie: quelli come te, che cercano di renderlo migliore, e quelli come me che cercano solo di renderlo sopportabile.
But you see, the world is divided into two categories: the ones like you, who try to make it better and the ones like me who just try to make it tolerable.
Captions 61-63, Il Commissario Manara S1EP6 - Reazione a Catena - Part 3
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We hope this lesson hasn't been too insopportabile. We just want to be di supporto, in other words, supportive.
Questions? Comments? Write to us at [email protected]. We love to hear from you!
Here's a word to know that has a mundane literal meaning, but it also has a figurative meaning that's good to know about. Let's get into it.
The adjective digiuno derives from the Latin "ieiūnus," which means "on an empty stomach" (abstaining from eating), "sterile," or "arid." The noun il digiuno comes from the verb digiunare (to abstain from eating, starving). Although digiuno can be used as an adjective, it's more often used as a noun as we will see below.
Fare un digiuno is to fast, to carry out or to go on a fast.
Noi musulmani facciamo digiuno dall'alba al tramonto.
We Muslims fast from dawn to dusk.
Caption 63, La Ladra EP. 6 - Nero di rabbia - Part 4
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E non parlarmi di diete e digiuno. Voglio tante curve come in Formula Uno
And don't talk to me about diets and fasting. I want as many curves as in Formula One
Captions 19-20, Radici nel Cemento Bella Ciccia
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Quello è il dottor Rapisarda, che ha detto che dovevi osservare un digiuno assoluto.
That is Doctor Rapisarda who said you had to observe a total fast.
Captions 49-50, La linea verticale EP 5 - Part 6
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But essere a digiuno is slightly different. It can be used literally, for example, when you are about to have an exam or operation at the hospital, and you may have to have an empty stomach: essere a digiuno (to have an empty stomach).
And it can imply hunger. In this case, we are talking about the wild animals in the Colosseum, back in Roman times.
Che cos'erano... il condannato, pensa qui, veniva sbranato da belve inferocite, lasciate a digiuno per l'occasione.
What were they? The condemned person, just think, was torn to pieces by enraged wild beasts, left unfed for the occasion.
Captions 12-13, Marika e Daniela Colosseo, interno - Part 2
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In the clip below, Eva, the owner of the restaurant, has had some shocking news and wants a glass of wine. But she hasn't eaten yet. Wine bottles always provide the percentage of alcohol, which normally ranges from 11 to 14%.
È un corruttore di gioventù. Oddio. Eva, guarda che a digiuno dodici gradi e mezzo non sono pochi, eh.
He corrupts young people. Oh my God. Eva, look, on an empty stomach, a twelve point five percentage is not nothing, huh.
Captions 34-36, La Ladra EP. 2 - Viva le spose - Part 6
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But a digiuno is also used figuratively to say you don't know anything about something, you're uninitiated, completely new to something, or clueless.
E poi quando ho iniziato questo lavoro io ero completamente a digiuno su aspetti, diciamo così, di protocollo.
And then when I started this job I was completely clueless about aspects, let's say, of protocol.
Captions 1-3, Ritratti Fabiola Gianotti - Part 18
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Thanks for reading. Write to us with questions and comments to [email protected].
Lasciare and partire both mean "to leave." So, what's the difference, if any?
Actually, there is a big difference, especially in grammatical terms. Lasciare is a transitive verb, meaning it takes a direct object. You leave a place, a thing, a person. Other meanings are: "to abandon," "to leave behind," "to let," "to let go," or "to allow."
Tanto anche se mi cacciano non mi importa, mia madre vuole che lasci Milano.
In any case, if they kick me out, I don't care. My mother wants me to leave Milan.
Captions 5-6, La compagnia del cigno EP 6 - Part 10
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When forming compound tenses, the auxiliary verb avere (to have) is used.
Tu hai finalmente lasciato quel tuo inutile fidanzato, e tua madre ed io ne siamo stati felici per te.
You finally left that useless boyfriend of yours and your mother and I were happy about that for you.
Captions 65-67, I Bastardi di Pizzofalcone S1 EP6 Buio - Part 11
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When you want someone to get off your back, either physically or figuratively, lasciare is a good verb to use.
Ma come ti... -Guarda che ti posso pagare... -Lasciami!... -te l'ho detto. Lasciami!
But how... -Look, I can pay you... -Let me go!... -I told you. Let me go!
Captions 24-25, I Bastardi di Pizzofalcone S1EP5 Misericordia - Part 28
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But this expression can be expanded, too:
Ma come ti sei vestita? -Ehi, lasciami stare.
But how did you dress? -Hey, leave me be.
But how did you dress? -Hey, leave me alone.
Captions 40-41, La compagnia del cigno EP 5 - Part 15
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Lasciatemi stare!
Let (plural) me be!
Caption 13, La compagnia del cigno EP 6 - Part 10
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Here's another common way to say "leave me alone."
Lasciami in pace.
Leave me alone (literally, "leave me in peace").
Caption 80, Com'è umano lui Film - Part 30
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Of course, in English, when we say "leave me alone," we don't mean literally "alone," we mean, "stop bothering me," or "get off my back."
Attenzione! We can also use the reflexive form of lasciare: lasciarsi, which can either mean to let yourself do something, as in the following example:
La gente quando mangia, si lascia andare, non tiene difese e io la guardo.
When people eat, they let themselves go, they let their guard down and I observe them.
Captions 35-36, I Bastardi di Pizzofalcone S1EP2 Rabbia - Part 4
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Note that when we use the reflexive form lasciarsi, we use the auxiliary essere (to be).
Da quando a Cappellini era morta la moglie, si era lasciato andare in un modo decisamente eccessivo.
Since Cappellini's wife died, he had let himself go in such a way [that was] decidedly excessive.
Captions 10-12, Provaci ancora prof! S2E3 Dietro la porta - Part 16
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We can use lasciarsi reciprocally, as when a couple breaks up.
No, ci siamo lasciati.
No, we broke up.
Caption 91, Provaci ancora prof! S3EP3 La terza vittima - Part 4
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Partire, on the other hand, is an intransitive verb. No direct object here.
Devo partire con lei.
I have to leave with her.
Caption 7, La compagnia del cigno EP 6 - Part 10
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Purtroppo martedì noi partiamo per Londra.
Unfortunately, on Tuesday we leave for London.
Caption 11, Sposami EP 3 - Part 6
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We use the verb partire to mean "to start," as in a car not starting:
Problemi, prof? -E sì, non parte.
Problems, Prof? -Yes, it [the car] won't start.
Captions 53-54, Provaci ancora prof! S3EP2 Doppio imprevisto - Part 3
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But we also use it when we want to start doing something, such as a race, a competition, a discussion, or when we start rehearsing a musical piece together.
Partiamo con gli assaggi dei vostri arancini.
We'll begin with tasting your rice balls.
Caption 2, JAMS S1 EP4 - Part 3
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We hope you have a better idea about the difference between lasciare and partire. This is a partial picture, as both of these verbs are used in various situations, with nuanced meanings. Write to us with your questions or comments. We love to hear from you: [email protected].
The plural noun paletti came up in a recent video on Yabla, leading to thoughts about palo and pala (paletti is the plural diminutive of palo). They have similarities that can truly confound. Let's go through these words, one by one, to make sense of them.
Un palo is a pole, post, or mast. It's a masculine noun.
Però mi ricordo soltanto che era piccola e scura, perché quando è uscita dal garage, ha urtato contro un motorino che era legato a un palo.
But I just remember that it was small and dark, because when it left the garage, it hit a scooter that was locked to a post.
Captions 19-21, Provaci ancora prof! S2EP2 Una mina vagante - Part 21
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It's also used to mean "goal post."
Quando un giocatore fa gol, si può dire anche "rete!". Ma se sbaglia e prende un palo, si dice solo "palo".
When a player scores, you can also say "Net!" But if the player makes a mistake and hits a goal post, you just say "goal post."
Captions 19-22, Marika spiega Gli sport
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One more figurative meaning of un palo is "a lookout."
Gina è rimasta fuori in macchina a fare il palo. Se vede movimenti sospetti, ci avverte subito.
Gina stayed out in the car to act as the lookout. If she sees any suspicious movements, she'll warn us right away.
Captions 12-13, La Ladra EP. 6 - Nero di rabbia - Part 11
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When un palo is small, it's un paletto. So if you are building fences, such as to keep chickens and foxes out of your vegetable garden, you might use the small size of this item: un paletto. We're using the word literally. And we often find the plural used, so it's good to remember i paletti.
Si coltiva su una trama di paletti di legno e fil di ferro,
It is grown on a framework made up of wooden stakes and wire,
Caption 26, Pomodori Vulcanici Pomodori del Vesuvio - Part 4
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But paletti is used figuratively quite often when referring to restrictions, obstacles, or boundaries in human interaction and endeavors.
Era dico, perché oggi ci sono molti più paletti per chiunque vada negli Stati Uniti. -Sì. Ah no, per chi va negli Stati Uniti,
It was, I say, because, today there are many more restrictions for anyone going to the United States. -Yes. Oh no, for those who go to the United States,
Captions 40-43, Professioni e mestieri La chef Sandra Stefani - Part 3
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In a new relationship, or when raising children, you might put up some boundaries... mettere dei paletti.
Una pala, on the other hand, can be a shovel, a blade, or even an altarpiece! It's a feminine noun.
La preparazione del terreno per la semina, il contadino la fa con una vanga, che è una specie di pala ma fatta apposta per il terreno, fatta a punta per entrare bene nella terra.
The preparing of the ground for sowing, the farmer does with a spade, which is a kind of shovel but made especially for the ground, made with a point to enter nicely into the earth.
Captions 24-28, La campagna toscana Il contadino - Part 2
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From the RAI biopic about the famous early Baroque painter, Caravaggio:
Presto potrete ammirare la sua pala d'altare nella chiesa del Gesù.
Soon you will be able to admire his altarpiece in the Church of Jesus.
Caption 63, Caravaggio EP1 - Part 16
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Wind turbines are found on tall cement poles, which could be thought of as pali, but the proper term for the tall, vertical part of the structure is la torre (the tower). Pala, in this case, actually refers to the blade of the turbine. It would be correct to say la turbina eolica to mean "the wind turbine," but the everyday term is la pala eolica or le pale eoliche (in the plural) to refer to the entire structure. There are usually more than one, so we've included the plural.
È il rumore di una pala eolica, me lo sono ricordato, si trova vicino a una stalla abbandonata.
It's the sound of a wind turbine. I remembered it, it's near an abandoned barn.
Captions 13-15, Il Commissario Manara S2EP12 - La donna senza volto - Part 10
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Another confusing moment for la pala is when it is included in the common pairing: pail and shovel. We hear "pail" and it sounds kind of like pala, but la pala is the shovel! The pail is il secchio. When it's about kids at the beach, it's la paletta e secchiello.
The diminutive of pala, paletta, can be a number of things: a dustpan, a small shovel, a fly swatter, a scoop, a spatula, a trowel, a paddle...
Per pulire il pavimento, userò una scopa e una paletta.
To clean the floor, I'll use a broom and a dustpan.
Caption 13, Marika spiega Le pulizie di primavera - Part 1
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In this next example, la paletta represents a sign on a stick.
Signori, siamo pronti per votare, siamo pronti per votare. Tutti pronti con le palette.
[Ladies and] Gentlemen, we're ready to vote, we're ready to vote. Everyone ready with their signs.
Captions 56-57, Fellini Racconta Un Autoritratto Ritrovato - Part 17
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And this same name is given to the "paddle" the police or carabinieri use to wave a car down on the side of the road.
Just for fun:
Quando Marco era bambino, passava le estati al mare con la sua famiglia. Sulla spiaggia giocava per ore con la pala e il secchio, costruendo castelli di sabbia. A volte perdeva la sua paletta, e allora ne chiedeva un’altra ai genitori.
When Marco was a child, he spent his summers at the beach with his family. On the beach, he played for hours with a pail and shovel, building sandcastles. Sometimes he lost his little shovel, and then he would ask his parents for another one.
Un giorno, tornando a casa, vide per la prima volta delle pale eoliche sulle colline. Gli sembravano enormi girandole che giravano lentamente nel vento, molto diverse dalla sua piccola paletta da spiaggia.
One day, on the way home, he saw wind turbines on the hills for the first time. They looked like enormous pinwheels turning slowly in the wind, very different from his small beach shovel.
Anni dopo, Marco comprò una casa in campagna. Per sistemare il giardino, usò una grande pala per piantare alcuni pali di legno e costruire una recinzione. Aggiunse anche dei paletti per segnare il sentiero tra gli alberi.
Years later, Marco bought a house in the country. To do some work on the garden, he used a large shovel to put in some wooden posts and build a fence. He also added some small stakes to mark the path among the trees.
Nel lavoro, però, Marco doveva anche “mettere dei paletti”: doveva essere chiaro con i colleghi e stabilire dei limiti. “Qui bisogna mettere dei paletti,” diceva spesso, “altrimenti non potremo lavorare bene insieme.”
At work, however, Marco also had to “set boundaries”: He had to be clear with his colleagues and establish limits. “We need to set some boundaries here,” he often said, “otherwise we won't be able to work well together.”
Così, tra pale, palette, pali e paletti, impariamo che piccole differenze nelle parole possono cambiare molto il significato.
Thus, from shovels to signs, to posts and boundaries, we learn that small differences in words can significantly change their meaning.
Thanks for reading. Still confused about palo, pali, pala, pale, paletto, paletti, paletta, and palette? Write to us at [email protected].
Prepositions and articles before a noun can make a difference in meaning. In this case, we are talking about the noun il tempo. It's an important noun, especially because it can be the subject of everyday, casual conversation. Il tempo can mean "the weather." Che tempo fa (what's the weather like)?
Or, it can just mean "time" with no article.
Vedo che non perdi tempo.
I see you're not wasting time.
I see you don't waste any time.
Caption 13, I Bastardi di Pizzofalcone S2 EP1 Cuccioli - Part 16
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È successo un sacco di tempo fa,
It happened a long time ago,
Caption 54, I Bastardi di Pizzofalcone S2 EP1 Cuccioli - Part 18
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To be more specific, we can add an article.
Il tempo era scaduto.
The time was up.
Caption 39, JAMS S1 EP9 - Part 6
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When we add a preposition, things can get a little more complex. At first glance, the following example might mislead us into assuming that the Higgs boson (a particle important to particle physics) would be punctual, or that it would arrive in time to be counted. But that wouldn't be right. With the addition of a preposition combined with a definite article (in this case, the preposition in, with the article il), it means, instead, "over time."
For more about prepositions combined with definite articles, called preposizioni articolate, see this lesson.
E che il bosone di Higgs sarebbe arrivato nel tempo. Avrebbe preso anni per essere scoperto.
And that the Higgs boson would come over time. It would have taken years to be discovered.
Captions 8-11, Ritratti Fabiola Gianotti - Part 16
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If the speaker, Fabiola Gianotti, had said in tempo instead of nel tempo, what would she have meant? She'd have meant it would arrive in time for something, or it would have arrived in orario (on time). To mean "in time," the article isn't used. It's just in tempo.
Ci dica subito dov'è Suo figlio, che forse siamo ancora in tempo.
Tell us immediately where your son is because maybe we're still in time.
Captions 36-37, I Bastardi di Pizzofalcone S1 EP6 Buio - Part 22
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Fabiola had been envisioning a long timeline. She added: Avrebbe preso anni per essere scoperto (it would take years to be discovered). She is reiterating her point. That something would have taken a long time to happen. Here's another example.
È bello, diciamo, assaggiarlo e sentire quelle sensazioni che però possono cambiare nel tempo.
It's nice, let's say, to taste it and to feel those sensations which, however, can change over time.
Captions 42-43, Pomodori Vulcanici Pomodori del Vesuvio - Part 3
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Another way to express "over time" is nel corso del tempo. Here, we have two prepositions combined with a definite article, in other words, preposizioni articolati.
Poi ossidazioni possono essere anche le cortecce degli alberi, perché, eh, è una trasformazione che avviene nel corso del tempo.
Then, oxidation can also be the bark of trees, because, uh, it's a transformation that comes about over time.
Captions 52-54, Armando Casali Ossidazioni, Cose dell'altro mondo - Part 2
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Here is a chart of common preposizioni and their corresponding articolate forms, that is, combined with articles.
| Preposition ⬇️ article ➡️ | il | lo | la | l' | i | gli | le |
| di (of from) | del | dello | della | dell' | dei | degli | delle |
| a (to, at) | al | allo | alla | all' | ai | agli | alle |
| da (from) | dal | dallo | dalla | dall' | dai | dagli | dalle |
| in (in, to) | nel | nello | nella | nell' | nei | negli | nelle |
| su (on, about) | sul | sullo | sulla | sull' | sui | sugli | sulle |
Thanks for reading. You can write to us with questions and/or suggestions at [email protected].
Let's talk about two important Italian adverbs of time: già and ormai
Già, meaning "already" comes from the Latin "iam," later spelled "jam," meaning "already," "now," or "presently" in English. It indicates a change of state, that something has occurred "by this time." It then became già in Italian. We could say già marks a transition between a previous and present moment in time. In other words, we're talking about something that has happened in the past relative to the present or relative to a more recent point in the past, in the case of past tenses.
Perché casa mia non era all'altezza? -Te l'ho già detto, per adesso sono felice di aver lasciato casa dei miei.
Because my house wasn't up to par? -I already told you. For now, I'm happy to have left my parents' house.
Captions 4-6, I Bastardi di Pizzofalcone S2 EP1 Cuccioli - Part 14
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The example above is something people say quite often: Te l'ho già detto (I already told you that).
If we think about the English translation of già, "already" does the trick most of the time.
Anzi, il destro [è] di diverso colore, quindi era già stato sostituito.
Rather, the right one [is] of a different color, so it had already been replaced.
Captions 33-35, Autocollection EP2 - Part 8
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Be', forse era già incinta.
Well, maybe she was already pregnant.
Caption 71, I Bastardi di Pizzofalcone S2 EP1 Cuccioli - Part 12
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On a practical level, however, there are nuances that an Italian-Italian dictionary such as Treccani will point out. And if we look at the etymology (etimologia) of a word, it can help provide insights into its meanings and deepen our understanding, depending on where we are coming from. If someone has studied Latin, for example, etymology can be quite helpful. Or if someone knows French or Spanish, there can be clues to help us remember an Italian word, for instance, in Spanish, "ya," and in French "déjà," in the case of già.
A common expression is Già fatto (already done/[I've] done it already)! In this case, we don't need to add a personal pronoun and the auxiliary verb avere (to have). È una frase fatta (it's an idiomatic expression) meaning "already done/taken care of."
Bisogna chiamare subito il commissario. -Già fatto, ma ha il cellulare spento.
We have to call the chief right away. -Already done, but his phone is off.
Captions 31-32, Provaci ancora prof! S2EP1 - La finestra sulla scuola - Part 17
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Già fatto can also be posed as a question: Già fatto (are you already done)? And when we want to ask, "Already?", we can use: di già?
Io vado, eh. -Di già?
I'm going, huh. -Already?
Caption 43, JAMS EP6 - Part 4
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We can also use già all by itself, or preceded by eh, to confirm something someone has said, as in, "Oh, right," "Yeah," "Yes, of course," or "Yeah, yeah."
Gli uomini sposati non le lasciano le mogli. -Già.
Married men never leave their wives. -Yeah/Oh, right.
Captions 83-84, Il Commissario Manara S2EP8 - Fuori servizio - Part 4
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It's often used after person A reminds person B of something, and person B remembers and says Già or Eh, già.
Vieni a prenderlo. -Hai promesso. -Eh, già, i patti sono patti.
Come and get it. -You promised. -Yeah, yeah, a deal's a deal.
Captions 55-56, Il Commissario Manara S2EP4 - Miss Maremma - Part 7
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Ormai or oramai (both are correct) can mean "by now," "at this point," or "already." The difference between già and ormai is in relation to the current moment. As opposed to ora (now) and già (already), which primarily refer to the present and the past, respectively, we use ormai to emphasize the passage of time and its relevance to the current situation, so it's more about the relationship between the past and the present.
In the following example, ormai has been translated as "now," but only because it's together with "for some time."
È il progetto del grande centro residenziale a cui stiamo lavorando ormai da tempo.
It is the project of the large residential complex on which we have been working for some time now.
Captions 13-14, Imma Tataranni Sostituto procuratore S1 EP5 Rione Serra Venerdì - Part 6
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The most common English equivalents for ormai are "at this point" and "by now." If you are thinking in English and looking for the right Italian word, ormai is your friend.
Ormai è sicuro, gatta ci cala [sic: ci cova].
At this point, it is certain that something fishy is going on.
Caption 39, Provaci ancora prof! S2E6 La strana ossessione - Part 6
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Una precisione: Note that, even though a sentence can be in the past, oramai or ormai doesn't change, but the English translation will change from "by now" to "by then," or from "at this point" to "at that point."
Era l'unico modo che avevo per bloccarla e mi sono pentito subito dopo, ma ormai era troppo tardi.
It was the only way I had to block her and I regretted it right after that, but at that point it was too late.
Captions 62-64, Imma Tataranni Sostituto procuratore S1 EP4 Maltempo - Part 19
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When it's too late to change a situation, ormai is a good word. In other words the person is saying, "Well, if you didn't want to disturb me, it's too late because you have already disturbed me."
No, no, non mi disturbi, cioè, sì, anche se mi disturbi, ormai è fatta.
No, no, you are not interrupting me, I mean, yes, even if you're interrupting me, at this point, it's done.
Captions 28-29, Provaci ancora prof! S2E4 L'amica americana - Part 19
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Niente, che non rispondono nemmeno ai messaggi, quindi mi sa che ormai non vengono.
Nothing, they're not even replying to texts, so I guess they're not coming at this point/by now.
Captions 11-12, La compagnia del cigno EP 5 - Part 13
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As we mentioned above, oramai and ormai are equivalents, but in everyday, informal speech, ormai is more common. Nonetheless, we do see oramai used occasionally. Here, we have oramai plus già! Ungaretti was a writer and a poet, and was born in 1888, so it's not surprising he said the more archaic oramai.
C'era il mondo elegante di Roma e c'erano centinaia e centinaia di studenti che stavano nei corridoi perché non riuscivano a entrare nella, nell'aula magna oramai già gremita di gente.
There was the elegant world of Rome, and there were hundreds and hundreds of students who were in the corridors because they couldn't enter, in the great hall, by then, already crowded with people.
Captions 41-44, Giuseppe Ungaretti Intervista - Part 1
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Daniela teaches a lesson devoted to ormai. Check out the video here.
Thanks for reading. Doing a search of già and ormai on the videos page will bring up dozens more authentic examples of these adverbs. If you see some examples that you have trouble understanding, please leave a comment or write to us at [email protected].
We talked about the verb provare and related words in a recent lesson. There are a few other words to look at that have the same root.
First, we have the noun il provino. It's related to prova and provare, because it's about trying out. When you try out for a part in a play, a movie, a theater production, you have to audition. Although the noun l'audizione (cognate of "audition") has become popular, the classical term is il provino or, in the plural (like prove) i provini. It likely came into vogue with sound cinema in the 20th century.
There can be un provino for getting into a school of performing arts, a summer course, getting a part as a soloist or even as part of an orchestra, landing a role in a movie, or on TV.
Non sarai mica venuto a fare il provino come conduttore? -No.
You haven't come to try out to be the show host, have you? -No.
Caption 111, Un medico in famiglia Stagione 3 S3EP4 Lo stagno del ranocchio - Part 9
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Provino can stand for "screen test" when it's about movies or TV.
Ah, comunque ho assistito al tuo provino, sei brava.
Ah, anyway, I saw your screen test, you are good.
Caption 33, Imma Tataranni Sostituto procuratore S1 EP4 Maltempo - Part 14
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Just as for le prove, auditions are often mentioned in the plural, perhaps because there is usually more than one person trying out for a part. Also, you might do multiple auditions for the same part. In the following example, the audition is for teaching Italian on TV in the sixties. Alberto is very nervous and has no idea what to expect.
Mi scusi, per i provini?
Excuse me, for the auditions?
Caption 47, Non è mai troppo tardi EP 2 - Part 11
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We know from reading actor biographies that it's often necessary to go to many auditions before landing a part. It can be depressing and frustrating.
Franca, io faccio provini su provini, ma mai nessuno che mi dice: "Guarda, Mimmo, smettila, non fa per te, cambia mestiere".
Franca, I do audition after audition, but never does anyone say, "Look, Mimmo, quit it. It's not for you. Change professions."
Captions 32-34, Volare - La grande storia di Domenico Modugno Ep. 1 - Part 28
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Lei studia danza moderna da tanti anni e adesso ci sono i provini per un musical.
She's been studying modern dance for many years and now there are auditions for a musical.
Captions 21-22, La Ladra EP. 4 - Una magica bionda - Part 2
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Partenza la mattina, audizioni il pomeriggio, ritorno di notte.
Departure in the morning, auditions in the afternoon, return at night.
Caption 44, Volare - La grande storia di Domenico Modugno Ep. 2 - Part 2
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The noun "audition" can seem rather formal in certain contexts, especially non-musical ones, and the translation "tryout" can work just fine.
Senti, Cettina, ma veramente lo devo tentare il provino alla radio?
Listen, Cettina, but should I really do a tryout for the radio station?
Caption 57, Un medico in famiglia Stagione 3 S3EP4 Lo stagno del ranocchio - Part 6
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In English, we can also use the compound verb "to try out," but in Italian, we still use fare un provino or fare un audizione. There is no specific verb. Provare might be used in certain contexts, but as we have learned, provare has various nuances. In sports or jobs, la prove can represent "the tryout."
Donata Miulli aveva una prova come cameriera, qui da Lei?
Donata Miulli had a tryout as a waitress, here at your place?
Caption 2, Imma Tataranni Sostituto procuratore S1 EP4 Maltempo - Part 6
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We can also say that someone who is still trying out for a job is in prova.
Certo che per essere in prova ce la mette tutta per farsi licenziare.
Certainly, for being evaluated, he's doing everything he can to get fired.
Caption 5, La Ladra EP. 3 - L'oro dello squalo - Part 1
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In photography, i provini can indicate the contact prints made from film, from which to choose the photos to enlarge. It can also mean to take some test shots.
Ho conosciuto Lenox circa un mese fa per lavoro, e quella sera dovevo fare dei provini su uno still life.
I met Lenox about a month ago for work, and that evening I was supposed to do some test shots on a still life.
Captions 31-32, Provaci ancora prof! S2EP2 Una mina vagante - Part 6
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Finally, just in case you are wondering, we have la provetta. It has nothing to do with auditions or contact prints, but it does have to do with blood tests, or tests of other materials. It's used in a lab.
Umberto, prepara una provetta con le feci di questo ragazzo. -Subito.
Umberto, prepare a test tube with the stool of this boy. -Right away.
Caption 19, Moscati, l'amore che guarisce EP1 - Part 21
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Have we missed anything? Do you have questions? Write to us at [email protected]. Thanks for reading!
Provare is a common word used in various contexts. We have talked about some in this lesson and in this one, too. It generally means "to try," but not only. In this lesson, we'll be talking about using the verb provare and related words in the context of music and other performing arts.
While a rock band or jazz band will likely practice, an orchestra, classical ensemble, or theater production rehearses. In Italian, the verb for both is generally provare. The group is trying things out if we think about it.
Da oggi, compreso oggi, abbiamo quattro giorni per provare prima che arrivi il maestro.
From today, including today, we have four days to rehearse before the maestro arrives.
Captions 39-40, La compagnia del cigno S1 EP3 - Part 2
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But what do we call the rehearsal itself?
When it's at a specific time and place, we might hear it used in the singular. Let's keep in mind that "una prova" can have multiple meanings, and depending on the context, might not pertain to music or theater. Sometimes, especially for a band, the kind of prova will be specified, with the term la prova musicale (the musical rehearsal, the music practice session).
Be', io devo tornare, il ragazzetto rompicoglioni deve studiare, domani ho una prova importante. -E, no.
Well, I have to go back, the pain in the ass boy has to study. I have an important rehearsal tomorrow. -Hey, no.
Captions 43-44, La compagnia del cigno S2 EP 2 - Part 11
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And there are certain cases in which the singular la prova is used for sure. The dress rehearsal is called "la prova generale."
Non sono preparato, non ho tempo, non ho dimestichezza con i bambini. -Ma è perfetto, con l'occasione fai una prova generale.
I'm not prepared, I don't have time, I'm not familiar with children. -But it's perfect, with this opportunity you'll do a dress rehearsal.
Captions 57-59, Provaci ancora prof! S3EP2 Doppio imprevisto - Part 15
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But often, even when referring to one rehearsal, the plural is used. It's just what people say.
Anche oggi delle prove durissime.
Even today, a very tough rehearsal.
Caption 1, La compagnia del cigno EP 5 - Part 6
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Non dovevate finire le prove alle sette?
Weren't you supposed to finish the rehearsal at seven?
Caption 60, La compagnia del cigno S1 EP3 - Part 9
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Ti va di cenare insieme dopo le prove?
Do you want to have dinner together after the rehearsal?
Caption 14, La compagnia del cigno EP 5 - Part 9
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In this next example, it's about a band. Fare le prove is literally, "to do/make the rehearsal/practice session."
Dove devi andare? A fare le prove per il concerto. -Mhh...
Where do you have to go? To practice for the concert. -Hmm...
Captions 29-30, Milena e Mattia L'incontro
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But what about when you are at home or in your practice room practicing? That is studiare, which means, in a general context, "to study."
Be', io no, grazie. Sto qui a studiare così domani non perdete tempo.
Well, not me, thanks. I'll stay here to practice, that way, tomorrow you won't waste time.
Captions 68-70, La compagnia del cigno EP 6 - Part 2
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Naturally, studiare also means studying for an exam.
Tu pensa a studiare che devi dare l'esame.
You think about studying because you have to take the exam.
Caption 49, Com'è umano lui Film - Part 9
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But we need to be careful, because studiare can also mean someone is "going to school," in other words, attending a school of higher learning, such as a college or university, or even a high school, since not all kids go to high school.
Io non studio, non lavoro.
I don't study/I'm not going to school, I don't work.
Caption 24, Com'è umano lui Film - Part 10
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In the series La compagnia del cigno, the kids both practice their instruments and study from books, so we need to determine the context to know what is meant sometimes.
Another way to translate "to practice" is esercitarsi. It can be a bit more specific to a certain passage or piece than studiare, which can be more general.
Va bene, grazie. -Quanto ti devi esercitare ancora?
All right, thanks. -How much more do you have to practice?
Caption 35, La compagnia del cigno S1 EP1 - Part 7
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Thanks for reading. Hopefully, you have a better grasp of the words Italian musicians and actors (and others) use when they are practicing and rehearsing. There are other related words we will address in a future lesson. If you have comments or questions, we're all ears. Write to us at [email protected].
Do you ever wonder why, sometimes, people say soltanto, rather than solo or solamente? They all mean "only" or "just."
While solo can be an adjective, adverb, or even, in some cases, a conjunction or a noun, soltanto and solamente are adverbs. That means that solo, when functioning as an adjective, will change its ending to agree with the noun or pronoun it modifies, as you can see in these 2 examples.
Ragazzi, lasciateci soli per cortesia.
Guys, please leave us alone.
Caption 1, Imma Tataranni Sostituto procuratore S1 EP6 Dalla parte degli ultimi - Part 8
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Anche quando suoni davanti a una platea sterminata, suona sempre per una persona sola.
Even when you play in front of a huge audience, always play for one person only.
Captions 23-24, La compagnia del cigno S1 EP4 - Part 13
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In the following examples, solo or solamente could work as well, but soltanto sounds better. Soltanto and solamente are often used to emphasize a limitation, as in these examples. Solamente and soltanto, being adverbs, don't change their endings.
Pensavo che fosse un'attività riservata soltanto agli adulti.
I thought that was an activity reserved for adults only.
Captions 66-67, Provaci ancora prof! S3EP3 La terza vittima - Part 11
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All'inizio degli anni Sessanta si è cominciato ad avere quest'idea, ma la scoperta poi è avvenuta soltanto dieci anni fa.
In the early sixties, we started to get this idea, but the discovery, in the end, happened just ten years ago.
Captions 1-4, Ritratti Fabiola Gianotti - Part 9
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Ha fatto solamente una telefonata ieri sera.
He only made one phone call last night.
Caption 69, Imma Tataranni Sostituto procuratore S1 EP6 Dalla parte degli ultimi - Part 20
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In the following example, soltanto or solamente could work, but in casual conversation, solo works just fine.
È rimasto solo l'acido muriatico purtroppo.
All that's left is hydrochloric acid, unfortunately.
Caption 19, Provaci ancora prof! S3EP3 La terza vittima - Part 6
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Solo can be used to represent a noun, meaning "the only one." Soltanto and solamente can't do this because they each only function as an adverb.
Non è il solo, eh, però è interessante umanamente parlando.
It's not the only one, huh, but it's interesting from a human perspective.
Captions 18-19, Ritratti Fabiola Gianotti - Part 7
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Here, solo is used as a kind of conjunction, together with che (that). You might also hear soltanto and solamente used this way.
No, no, si stava benissimo a Praga, solo che qui è tutta un'altra cosa e poi, e poi mi mancavate troppo.
No, no, it was great being in Prague, just that here, it's a whole different thing and besides, and besides, I missed you too much.
Captions 8-10, Provaci ancora prof! S3EP1 - Due americane a Roma - Part 3
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We might say the winner is solo, which can be used in so many ways, but soltanto and solamente can indicate a limitation, and can be used when solo is unclear or too general. The important thing is to understand these words. You can always fall back on solo when speaking.
Thanks for reading, and we hope you have a clearer understanding of solo, solamente, and soltanto. Questions? Write to us at [email protected].
In a previous lesson we talked about what lexical chunks are, and how we can use them to become more fluent. In this lesson, we mention 10 common chunks you'll want in your Italian toolkit.
1) Non fa niente (it doesn't matter). Literally it's "it doesn't make/do anything." It's better to know what the effect is, and when to say it, than knowing what each word means. Remember that Italian uses the double negative to form a negative, thus we have the negating word non (not) and then the negative word niente (nothing)
Ma se devi andare vai, non fa niente. -No,
But if you have to leave, it's OK/it doesn't matter. -No,
Caption 19, JAMS S1 EP4 - Part 5
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2) Di niente (you're welcome, don't mention it)
Grazie per l'assistenza. -Di niente.
Thanks for your help. -Think nothing of it/you're welcome/it was nothing.
Captions 53-54, La Ladra EP. 4 - Una magica bionda - Part 1
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3) Secondo me (in my opinion)
Però, secondo me, la ragazza ha mentito.
But, in my opinion/according to me, the girl lied.
Caption 6, Provaci ancora prof! S3EP2 Doppio imprevisto - Part 21
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For Yabla videos, we tend to translate secondo me as "in my opinion," to distinguish it from penso che (I think that), but a fluent translation of secondo me, is also "I think." If we take the word secondo by itself, it means "according to."
4) Va bene is an equivalent for all right or OK. But literally, it means, "it goes well."
Maura, appena arrivi prendi un tavolo. -Auguri. Va bene.
Maura, as soon as you arrive, get a table. -Congratulations. All right.
Captions 66-67, Com'è umano lui Film - Part 12
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And let's not forget that it can also be posed as a question: Va bene? Does it go/is it going well? You're really asking if something is OK.
5) D'accordo (agreed). Your tone of voice, as well as the context, will indicate whether you are asking if something is OK, or saying something is OK. It's another way to say "OK?" or "OK." Literally, it's "of the agreement."
D'accordo?
All right?
Caption 29, Provaci ancora prof! S2E5 Vita da cani - Part 8
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D'accordo, arrivo.
All right, I'll be right there.
Caption 29, I Bastardi di Pizzofalcone S1 EP6 Buio - Part 7
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6) But you can also say d'accordo to agree with someone. In this case, you add the verb essere (to be), in this case, sono (I am). Literally, it's "to be in agreement."
Sono d'accordo con te.
I agree with you.
Caption 9, I Bastardi di Pizzofalcone S1EP5 Misericordia - Part 25
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7) Here's a chunk we use a lot: avere bisogno di (to have need of). In English, we just use the transitive verb "to need."
Ho bisogno di tempo.
I need time.
Caption 27, Provaci ancora prof! S2E5 Vita da cani - Part 3
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8) Sometimes you just want to say, "all the better" or "just as well." Meglio così (literally, "better like that)".
Meglio così.
All the better/just as well.
Caption 13, Provaci ancora prof! S3EP3 La terza vittima - Part 11
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9) Come dire (how to say, how can I say it)?
Come dire is something you hear often in conversation. It's tricky to translate, because Italians insert it smack in the middle of what they are saying. Literally, it's "how to say?" They're basically posing the question," How can I put this?" or "What's the best way to say this?" It might even be a filler, like "You know?"
Ma non è che io, come dire, invidiassi Valentina.
But it's not that I, you know, envied Valentina.
Captions 54-55, Guido Crepax Cercando Valentina - Part 13
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In this lesson, we've shown you a number of chunks you can learn as if they were single words. Once you get the hang of them, you can use them to build sentences. We'll look at building sentences with chunks in a future lesson. Where there was a choice, we've focused on the first-person singular, since it's the person you will use a lot in speech.
Thanks for reading. As always, send your questions or doubts to [email protected].
Many of us learned that the Italian word for "again" is ancora. That is correct. But ancora has other meanings, as well, so it's handy to have an alternative way to say "again." We have added "anew" as a translation below, to provide a cognate, even though we rarely use it in English.
di nuovo (again, anew)
Sono di nuovo incinta.
I'm pregnant again.
Caption 28, Com'è umano lui Film - Part 16
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nuovamente (again)
Mi dispiace, ma dobbiamo nuovamente interrogare la Sua collega.
I'm sorry, but we have to question your colleague again.
Caption 10, Provaci ancora prof! S3EP2 Doppio imprevisto - Part 13
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un'altra volta
Yet another way to say again is un'altra volta (another time).
Ma secondo te, mi vuole interrogare un'altra volta? -Figurati,
But in your opinion, does he want to question me again? -Yeah right,
Captions 26-27, Provaci ancora prof! S3EP2 Doppio imprevisto - Part 20
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But keep in mind that un'altra volta can also mean "some other time," so context is key.
Se per te è troppo tardi, facciamo un'altra volta.
If it's too late for you, let's do it some other time.
Captions 31-32, La compagnia del cigno EP 5 - Part 9
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prefix ri-
We can also use the prefix ri- to express the idea of "again."
E un anno dopo, alla fine del duemila e nove, siamo ripartiti.
And one year later, at the end of two thousand nine, we began again.
Captions 36-37, Ritratti Fabiola Gianotti - Part 13
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And the prefix ri- is used all the time with the verb vedere (to see):
E be', se vuoi rivedere il tuo amato taccuino...
Well, if you want to see your beloved notebook again...
Caption 57, Provaci ancora prof! S1E3 - Una piccola bestia ferita - Part 16
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Every time we say arrivederci, we are hoping to see the person again.
Arrivederci.
Goodbye.
Caption 1, La compagnia del cigno S1 EP4 - Part 4
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"again" in the negative
As we mentioned in a previous lesson, when we use ancora preceded by non, it often means "not yet." So, in order to say "not again," or "never again," we can use non più (not more, not anymore).
Poi da quel giorno non l'ho più vista.
Then, from that day on, I never saw her again.
Caption 40, I Bastardi di Pizzofalcone S2 EP1 Cuccioli - Part 11
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Va be', se ti vergogni vuol dire che hai capito e quindi non lo farai più, e questa già è una buona notizia.
OK, if you're ashamed it means you understand, and so you're not going to do it again, and this is already good news.
Captions 8-9, La Ladra EP. 1 - Le cose cambiano - Part 8
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In that same previous lesson, we mentioned that ancora can also mean "still." Consider this example.
Che l'hai ancora con me, Renzo?
What, are you still mad at me, Renzo?
Caption 34, Provaci ancora prof! S3EP2 Doppio imprevisto - Part 10
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There is a chance that the meaning could have been "again": Are you mad at me again, Renzo? However, it would likely have been said in a different way. Once again, we have to be careful with the context when it comes to ancora.
Another consideration is that ancora is used more often in situations where you do something repeatedly (again and again). In this case, we can also use ripetutamente (repeatedly).
Lo pongolava [sic: pungolava] ripetutamente con il suo becco, ma non si muoveva niente.
She would poke at it repeatedly with her beak, but nothing moved.
Captions 19-21, Le fiabe di Yabla Arianna racconta Il Brutto Anatroccolo - Part 1
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Di nuovo, on the other hand, can imply starting over, rather than just doing something again.
We hope you have a better sense of different ways to say "again" in Italian. If you find other ways, please let us know! Write to us at [email protected]. Thanks for reading!
When we learn a language by ear, we don't always know what each individual word means. And for speaking and making ourselves understood, it doesn't really matter much of the time. In fact, we often learn chunks* of words that mean something specific, without knowing the individual words that make up that chunk*. We just learn what to say in a given situation, by repeating what we hear.
But as we progress in a language, we sometimes like to know more. We wonder, "What does that really mean?" There is a time and a place for both strategies.
If we look at Yabla games, for instance, we can think about Parrot as just listening and repeating, and breaking up the captions into chunks to start speaking — not trying necessarily to repeat an entire caption, as sometimes they are just too long for that, and not necessarily understanding every word. We can just repeat a chunk and then go on to another chunk. Scribe is more about getting into the nitty-gritty of the language, looking at the structure of a sentence, figuring out how the language works.
We can break up a phrase or chunk* into its parts: the noun, the verb, the preposition, the adjective, the pronoun, etc. This can be very useful for understanding how the grammar works, especially after we have already been able to speak the phrase or chunk in a single breath. Because if we get caught up in the meaning of each word right away, in other words, overthinking things, it may inhibit us from speaking smoothly and sounding natural. Our brains will get the better of us.
*A chunk, or more accurately, a lexical chunk, is a pre-assembled, natural combination of words — rather than isolated words, which native speakers use as a single unit of meaning.
Here's an example of a chunk we use a lot. In fact, it's likely one of the first things we learn to say and understand in Italian.
Cosa vuoi fare adesso, Sara? -Non lo so.
What do you want to do now, Sara? -I don't know.
Captions 66-67, La compagnia del cigno EP 5 - Part 11
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If we think about each word, we realize that there is an object pronoun in the Italian phrase: non ([I] don't) lo (it) so (I know), but not in the English "I don't know." There are variations on this chunk in both Italian and English, but this is the most common version.
If we have studied a little grammar, we recognize or look up that so is the first person singular of the verb sapere. But when you learn the phrase for the first time, you might very well have no idea that the verb is sapere. And that's OK. You just know what it means in essence. You can start speaking Italian without really knowing how to conjugate verbs. Then, little by little, you put the pieces of the puzzle together.
As we progress, we get used to the idea that it's not necessary to include the personal pronoun io (I) before a verb unless we need it for clarity. The negating word is non. And what about the word order? Non comes first! We put the object before the verb? Crazy. That's a lot of stuff to keep track of for one simple phrase you'll likely say and hear numerous times a day.
So it's much easier and more natural to learn that non lo so simply means "I don't know." And the same goes for many other chunks of Italian we use every day.
Non lo so is a full sentence, but it can also be considered to be a "chunk" to become an element in a longer sentence. Learning lexical chunks can help you think in Italian, which is what you want to do to become more and more fluent.
In this example, even though there is an object, lo is still present.
Questo non lo so.
That I don't know.
Caption 80, Provaci ancora prof! S2E4 L'amica americana - Part 11
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Here, the pronoun is omitted. There is an object cosa (thing, what).
Non so cosa dirti.
I don't know what to tell you.
Caption 2, Com'è umano lui Film - Part 22
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Here, too, lo seems superfluous, but that is how people talk!
Non lo so se sono capace,
I don't know if I'm capable,
Caption 34, La compagnia del cigno S2 EP 2 - Part 7
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Here's an additional, longer chunk using the same basis.
Non lo so e non lo voglio sapere.
I don't know, and I don't want to know.
Caption 29, La Ladra EP. 4 - Una magica bionda - Part 14
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In our next lesson, we will look at some common lexical chunks that you can put in your toolbox to then build on them. Thanks for reading! As always, send your comments and questions to [email protected]
It's easy to get confused about when and how to use scusi and scusa, which both mean "Excuse me," or "I'm sorry." Let's go back to the origins of this common expression.
Scusare is a transitive verb that means "to excuse," or "to forgive." We often find it in the infinitive, preceded by a modal verb, such as dovere (to have to) or potere (to be able to).
No, Lei mi deve scusare, io non lo sapevo che mi stesse aspettando.
No, you have to forgive me, I didn't know you were waiting for me.
Captions 25-26, La linea verticale EP 5 - Part 5
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Puoi scusarmi un attimo?
Can you excuse me a moment?
Caption 10, Provaci ancora prof! S1E4 - La mia compagna di banco - Part 15
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However, when it's used in the reflexive form, scusarsi, it means "to apologize." We can conjugate it and precede it with a reflexive particle. Being a true reflexive verb, the subject is both initiating and receiving the action of excusing.
Mi scuso (I apologize)
Ti scusi (you apologize)
Si scusa (he/she apologizes)
Ci scusiamo (we apologize)
Vi scusate (you [plural] apologize
Si scusano (they apologize)
Perché ti scusi?
Why are you apologizing?
Caption 15, I Bastardi di Pizzofalcone S1 EP6 Buio - Part 19
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E domani mi scuso con Gavina.
And tomorrow I'll apologize to Gavina.
Caption 48, Provaci ancora prof! S1E2 - Un amore pericoloso - Part 22
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And we can use modal verbs, here, too. But the situation is different from our first examples, where the object and the subject are two different people. Here it's the same person. While scusare remains in the infinitive, the modal verb is conjugated. So, in the following example, it's mi + devo (both in the first person singular).
Io mi devo scusare per oggi.
I have to apologize for today.
Caption 15, Liberi tutti EP7 Quanto vale una pera al Milanetto? - Part 7
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If instead, I don't exactly want to apologize, I want to ask (or demand) forgiveness, then I might say:
Mi puoi scusare per oggi (can you forgive me for today)?
Tu mi devi scusare per oggi (you have to forgive me for today).
Mi (me) remains as the object, but the "forgiver" is tu (you).
We can also use the imperative, the command form of scusare.
In the following examples, scusare is used in the second person plural imperative with a noun that's not a person. If you are late for a meeting, you might say:
Scusate il ritardo.
Forgive the delay.
Scusate per il ritardo
Sorry for the delay.
Caption 24, Sposami EP 6 - Part 13
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Here, you (1 person) are talking to more than one person about your being late.
But what about simply scusi and scusa? We hear these all the time. These commands have to do with one-on-one communication. One person, talking to one person. If you are talking to someone formally, or to an authority figure, you will actually be using the third-person subjunctive (Lei form), which acts as a formal "exhortation." So you say, Scusi (excuse me) or Mi scusi (excuse me). You can use this both when jostling a person by mistake, to apologize, or to ask someone something, for example, directions, or the menu in a restaurant.
Che cosa significa questa storia? -Ah, scusi signor Preside, ma perché Anna non può stare qui?
What does this thing mean? -Uh, excuse me, Mister Principal, but why can't Anna be here?
Captions 40-41, Provaci ancora prof! S3EP3 La terza vittima - Part 2
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When we personalize this further, with mi, note that in the Lei form, the particle comes before the verb.
Ah, un'altra cosa, signora, mi scusi.
Oh, one more thing, Ma'am, excuse me.
Caption 56, I Bastardi di Pizzofalcone S1EP5 Misericordia - Part 13
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Attenzione: We might be tempted to think that with its i ending, scusi is second-person informal conjugation of the verb scusare. And it would be true, as in the example below, which we saw at the beginning of this lesson, but it is also the formal singular imperative (which comes from the third-person singular subjunctive).
Perché ti scusi?
Why are you apologizing?
Caption 15, I Bastardi di Pizzofalcone S1 EP6 Buio - Part 19
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It's not imperative, it's the second-person conjugation of the reflexive form scusarsi.
But if you are talking to a friend, then you use the second-person imperative, scusa.
Scusa, perché ridi?
Sorry, why are you laughing?
Caption 47, La compagnia del cigno EP 5 - Part 13
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Here, too, we can personalize the command with mi. The mi gets attached to the end of the root verb.
Scusami, non posso tornare a casa con te.
Sorry, I can't go home with you.
Caption 23, La compagnia del cigno S1 EP4 - Part 14
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Consulting the conjugation chart for the verb scusare might be helpful in sorting out what we have presented in this lesson. We hope that you now understand how to apologize to a friend or to a boss or authority figure. Have questions? Write to us at [email protected].
Let's zoom in on the noun la fiducia and related words. Fiducia means "trust," "faith," or "confidence," depending on the context. And there are related adjective and verb forms, which we will discuss, as well.
Devi andare alla polizia e costituirti spontaneamente. Abbi un po' di fiducia.
You have to go to the police and voluntarily turn yourself in. Have a little faith.
Captions 20-21, Provaci ancora prof! S2E5 Vita da cani - Part 20
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There are a few different verbs we use with this noun:
Avere (to have):
Avere fiducia in qualcuno / qualcosa (to have trust in someone/something).
Ho sempre avuto fiducia in te,
I have always had faith in you,
Caption 32, Moscati, l'amore che guarisce EP 2 - Part 19
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Dare (to give)
Dare fiducia a qualcuno (to give one's trust to someone, to trust someone).
Infatti, mi sto occupando da tempo, in prima persona, di questo problema, però Lei deve darmi un po' di fiducia.
In fact, I have been working for a while now, personally, on this problem, but you have to trust me a little.
Captions 13-14, Imma Tataranni Sostituto procuratore S1 EP4 Maltempo - Part 19
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Perdere (to lose)
Perdere fiducia (to lose one's faith/trust).
Le parole bugiarde te [ti] fanno perde' [perdere] la fiducia.
Lying words make you lose trust.
Caption 43, Sposami EP 4 - Part 11
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Related adjective: fiducioso / fiduciosa (trusting, optimistic)
Lascia stare, che il mistero a volte ti può tirare brutti scherzi. Ma io sono fiduciosa.
Forget that. Sometimes mystery plays nasty tricks. But I am confident/hopeful.
Captions 15-17, Sei mai stata sulla Luna? film - Part 13
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Fiducioso can also mean "hopeful," because in this case, hope is based on trust.
So instead of saying, "I hope you will be on time," I might say, "I trust you will be on time."
Related verb: fidarsi (to trust)
In Italian, fidarsi is a reflexive verb.
This already makes it different from English.
1. Why fidarsi is reflexive:
Italian does not say “to trust” in the same direct way as English.
Instead of "I trust you," or "I trust in you," Italian often says:
Mi fido di te (literally: I entrust myself to you).
The reflexive pronoun (mi, ti, si, ci, vi) shows that trust is seen as an inner decision of the person who trusts, not just an action directed outward.
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2. Fidarsi di + person / thing
The verb normally takes the preposition di (of).
Negli ultimi tempi, quali sono state le donne a contatto con Dodo? Qualcuna di cui lui potesse fidarsi?
In recent times, who were the women in contact with Dodo? Someone he could trust [in]?
Captions 43-45, I Bastardi di Pizzofalcone S1 EP6 Buio - Part 17
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3. Why Italians can say just “Fidati.”
Italian often omits what is obvious from the context (the indirect object, for example).
• Fidati. = Trust me / Trust it / Trust.
Even if di me is not said, it is understood.
The following example has two instances of fidarsi. The first is in the imperative and we hear it all the time. The second is the first person singular, which is handy to recognize and remember.
Non ci facciamo una figuraccia con questo Marsili, no? Fidati. -Mi fido di più se mi dici chi te l'ha detto. -Una persona molto affidabile.
We're not going to look like idiots with this Marsili, right? Trust me. -I trust [you] more if you tell me who told you. -A very reliable person.
Captions 50-53, Il Commissario Manara S1EP5 - Il Raggio Verde - Part 6
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Let's also note that the root fida is part of the adjective affidabile (reliable, trustworthy). The opposite is inaffidabile.
Che tu ci sei [sic: sia] rimasta male lo capisco, però che Paolo sia inaffidabile lo sapevamo.
I understand that you are upset, but we knew that Paolo was unreliable.
Captions 34-35, Com'è umano lui Film - Part 10
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And here's a first-person singular conjugation of fidarsi in the negative:
Tanto ho capito, io il tipo l'ho inquadrato. Non mi fido.
Anyway I understand, I have that type figured out. I don't trust [him].
Captions 44-45, Il Commissario Manara S1EP1 - Un delitto perfetto - Part 8
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Note that in the negative imperative, the infinitive form of the verb is used (in the familiar second-person).
Libero, non ti fidare.
Libero, don't trust [him].
Caption 30, Un medico in famiglia Stagione 1 EP 4 Buon Compleanno Maria - Part 4
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Leaving out the object sounds quite natural in Italian, but can be confusing for learners who expect it.
In English, saying only “Trust.” sounds incomplete.
In Italian, Fidati. works as a complete sentence.
Thanks for reading. We hope you have a better understanding now of fiducia and related words. Write to us at [email protected].
When you buy something in a shop in Italy, one question you might get is whether you would like a bag. But if you think the only word for bag is un sacchetto (the diminutive of un sacco), you're mistaken. Of course, people will understand you if you ask for un sacchetto, but you might hear other words, as well. These can vary according to region or personal preference. So let's take a look.
First of all, let's look at sacco and sacchetto.
Ma che stai comprando un sacco di patate?
But what, are you buying a sack of potatoes?
Caption 47, Un Figlio a tutti i costi film - Part 12
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It's good to know that while un sacco can mean a literal sack — containing something like potatoes, potting soil, animal feed, charcoal, kindling, etc., the noun un sacco is commonly used in a figurative sense to mean "a whole lot." It's used for things as well as situations or feelings.
Ti ho appena fatto riparare e ho anche speso un sacco di soldi.
I just had you repaired and I even spent a bunch of money.
Captions 50-51, Provaci ancora prof! S3EP2 Doppio imprevisto - Part 3
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Io mi sto divertendo un sacco.
I'm having a lot of fun.
Caption 35, Provaci ancora prof! S3EP2 Doppio imprevisto - Part 22
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Ciao, scusami, io ho visto un sacco di gente.
Hi, excuse me, I've seen a whole lot of people.
Caption 1, Passeggiando per Roma per Roma - Part 2
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And now we come to sacchetto.
Ho pulito la pistola dalle impronte, l'ho messa in un sacchetto di plastica insieme al proiettile
I cleaned the handgun of fingerprints, I put it in a plastic bag together with the bullet,
Captions 22-23, Provaci ancora prof! S2E5 Vita da cani - Part 9
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In certain parts of Italy, such as Emilia-Romagna, un sacchetto is a paper bag, but una sportina is a plastic bag. And nowadays, bags are not free in supermarkets and many shops.
Here is another word for "bag," the kind of bag you will get in a shop or supermarket. It generally refers to a rather small bag.
Vuole una busta?
Do you want a bag?
Caption 16, I Bastardi di Pizzofalcone S2 EP1 Cuccioli - Part 7
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Busta is an interesting word because busta is also "envelope." But it also refers to a bag, either plastic or paper. If the bag is small, it might be referred to as una bustina. But bustina can also refer to a packet, such as for dried yeast, or tea bags: una bustina di tè.
Duecentocinquanta grammi di farina, io vi consiglio di usare lo zero, una bustina di lievito per dolci,
Two hundred and fifty grams of flour, I advise you to use "zero," one packet of baking powder for desserts,
Captions 1-3, La linea verticale EP8 - Part 7
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The noun borsa has various meanings, including handbag, bag, stock exchange (with a capital B), and scholarship (borsa di studio).
Dammi la mia borsa, subito. Non è tua, è di mamma.
Give me my bag, right now. It's not yours, it's Mom's.
Captions 50-51, Com'è umano lui Film - Part 29
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Instead of saying either valigia or bagaglio, it's common to use le borse, similarly to English.
Datemi le borse così me le porto in albergo. -Ah, sì, sì e il casco.
Give me your bags, that way I will take them to the hotel. -Ah, yes, yes, and the helmet.
Caption 69, Imma Tataranni Sostituto procuratore S1 EP4 Maltempo - Part 9
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Le borse can also mean, generally, all the shopping bags you bring home from the supermarket.
A man, instead of carrying a handbag, might carry un borsello. It's usually a tracolla (with a shoulder strap).
Se hai smarrito un borsello, l'abbiamo trovato noi, ma è vuoto. Se lo vuoi, te lo vieni a riprendere, sennò lo buttiamo.
If you lost a shoulder bag, we found it, but it's empty. If you want it, come and get it, otherwise, we'll throw it out.
Captions 42-43, Ma che ci faccio qui! Un film di Francesco Amato - Part 6
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When you do sports or go to the gym, you might have un borsone for your change of clothes.
Solo Massimo, l'autore del gol, se ne sta davanti alla sua macchina nel parcheggio a cercare nel borsone il caricabatterie.
Only Massimo, the author of the goal, is standing in front of his car in the parking lot, looking in his duffel bag for his battery charger.
Captions 63-65, Fulvio Benelli Crimine Infinito, romanzo - Part 3
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The closest cognate to "baggage" is bagaglio, so it's easy to remember.
Ma tutto qui il tuo bagaglio? No, no, no, il resto arriverà.
But is this all your luggage? No, no, no, the rest will come.
Captions 18-19, Il Commissario Manara S1EP1 - Un delitto perfetto - Part 3
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Some English speakers use the French word "valise" for "suitcase." "Valise" is a cognate of valigia.
Aiutami a chiudere 'sta [questa] valigia, va'.
Help me shut this suitcase, come on.
Caption 47, Volare - La grande storia di Domenico Modugno Ep. 1 - Part 4
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Una valigetta could be a small suitcase, but it commonly refers to a briefcase.
Sei riuscita a vedere che c'è nella valigetta? Un mucchio di soldi. Dobbiamo agire al più presto, OK?
Did you manage to see what's in the briefcase? A bunch of money. We have to act as soon as possible, OK?
Captions 40-41, La Ladra EP. 8 - Il momento giusto - Part 6
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Thanks for reading. Perhaps we've given you more than you wanted or needed to know about bags, but you can pick the words you think you might need. If you search a word on the videos page and look at the list of instances of it, you'll get a feel for how these words are used in Italian. Write to us at [email protected].
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