Graziana Filomeno

Are you learning Italian and want to avoid saying things like “Io è fame” [I is hungry] when your stomach is rumbling? You’re in the right place! This test will help you discover if you can already order a coffee without making the barista raise an eyebrow, or if you still risk creating awkward situations.

Spoiler: Some sentences are correct, others… well, better not say them around!

Today we’re talking about one of the most beloved Italian traditions: the aperitivo!

If you’re learning Italian, you’ve surely heard this word a thousand times. But do you really know what it means and why Italians are so obsessed with this time of day?

You’ve been studying Italian for months, maybe years, but when you talk to a real Italian you feel lost? The problem is often not grammar, but those little words that Italians insert everywhere and that are never found in textbooks. If you want to understand real Italian, the kind spoken on the street, these five words are absolutely essential!

What is the difference between ESSERE and STARE? These two verbs may seem similar, but they have very different functions and meanings. In this complete guide, you will learn to distinguish them and use them correctly, with plenty of practical examples, idiomatic expressions, and the most common mistakes to avoid.

Did you know that Italians talk about Christmas even in the middle of summer? There are many idiomatic expressions related to Christmas that we use every day, at any time of the year. If you don’t know them, you risk not understanding what your Italian friend is saying when they tell you: “Ma che, credi ancora a Babbo Natale?” [What, do you still believe in Santa Claus?]

When you speak Italian, knowing the right expressions for every situation is as fundamental as knowing grammar. This article shows you more than 70 essential phrases that Italians use every day in normal conversations. You’ll learn practical expressions for greeting, thanking, apologizing, asking for help, and much more.