Sono versus Sto

Ciao! When should I use "sono" and when should I use "sto"? For instance, "I am tired" is Sono stanco. Why wouldn't I say Sto stanco? And for "I am well" it is Sto bene. Why wouldn't I say Sono bene. Is there a way for me to know for certain when to use "sono" and when to use "sto"? Grazie mille, Luigi

Cioa Luigi Sto is usually used when something is happening at this very moment ie sto mangiando la mia colazione, I'm eating my breakfast (at this very moment) ie sto aspettando al ristorante, I'm waiting at the restaurant. Sto is from 'stare' (to do something, to stay/remain etc.) Sono is from essere (to be) So 'sono stanco' is being tired not doing tired as 'sto mangiando' is doing the eating ie 'sto bene' I am doing well, rather than I am being well I hope this helps Buona fortuna

Ciao Grahame, this is super helpful! Seeing it as "doing" versus "being" really makes sense. Grazie mille! Luigi

Is there a reference place on the Rocket Italian website to all the conjugations of these two verbs, stare and essere?

Hi Kathleen, the subject is mentioned in the lesson 2.6 . Let me know if you need more information. Ciao

I found the verbs in Lesson 2.6. Grazie mille. Ma dov'è una lista delli altri?

Non si trova una lista completa

Hi Kathleen, there is no list of all conjugations of the two verbs. You will find some of them spread in different lessons. Let me know if you needs more assistance. Ciao

to Grahame r so, I wouldn't say "sto male" but "sono male", because I'm 'Being' sick as opposed to 'doing' sick?

Hi Dario No, "I'm being sick" is you are doing something, literally being sick. "Sono" is to be something, try to think of it as what you are, (I am a human being). "Sono stanco". I am tired. You're not doing tired but being tired. When you say "sono stanco" you are that tired person (human being). That's how I get my head round it. Sometimes you just need to memerise the sayings. Sto male. I'm sick/ill. Sto bene. I'm fine/well. There are a lot of other phrases, I am cold, I am afraid, I am hungry You don't say "sono freddo" (I am cold) but "Ho freddo" (I have cold) from the verb avere. Ho paura (I'm afraid). I have fear. Ho fame (I'm hungry). I have hunger. All very confusing! Memerising the phrases I think is the best way. I hope this helps. I'm sure Maria can clarify things better and point out my mistakes. Buona fortuna. Grahame

No, that actually helps quite a bit. I got to the 'avere' lesson a few days ago, so I'm familiar with "Having" hunger rather than "Being" hungry. Grazie!

Prego

Hi Dario, this is one of first thing where students get confused. In lesson 2.6 and 2.7 you can find the use of the verb "essere" (to be) and "avere" (to have). Differently from English, in Italian in order to express a feeling or state you will need to use the verb "avere". Example: Ho fame = I'm hungry The easiest way to learn them is to memorize when you find any of these expressions. I hope this helps Ciao