By taking the time to understand how the Italian language works, you'll be able to speak Italian naturally, and read and write in Italian. We know this can be one of the more challenging parts of your course, and we’re here to help! You can browse the topics, do a search in the top right corner of this page, or start a new conversation. Don’t be shy!
Lesson 5.9: Possible error in translation?
In this lesson we are given Capisci il discorso? which is translated as Do you understand the speech?, but a couple of examples later we have Capisce il tedesco?, translated as Do you understand German?In both examples the “you” is in parentheses as the ...
1 reply - Last post by Enxhi-Rocket-Italian-Tutor - November 24, 2023
Use of Impersonal to talk about yourself
Hi, Can you help me with a feature of spoken Italian please? I listen to quite a lot of street interviews with Italians. Sometimes I see Italians use the ‘Si Impersonale’ to talk about what they are doing themselves, not what people do in general. One exa...
5 replies - Last post by Susan K - November 18, 2023
In lesson 4.9, there is the sentenceScrivete cartoline spesso per la tua zia in Germania?translating to Do (you) write postcards often for (your) aunt in Germany?In the flashcards we are given the hint “P” (plural), which seems consistent with scrivete. ...
4 replies - Last post by Peter--252 - October 19, 2023
Hi, Can you provide some advice please? I am reading a book and keep coming across a construction which I don't understand. Here are two examples: “Chiude la porta a chiave e SE la mette in tasca” “Tutte le amiche SE ne sono andate” Can you tell me what S...
3 replies - Last post by Enxhi-Rocket-Italian-Tutor - October 19, 2023
Mastering Italian: Tips for English Speakers
Ciao a tutti! (Hello, everyone!) :) I'm here to provide some valuable tips to enhance your learning experience. Italian is a captivating language, and with a bit of practice, you'll soon be speaking like a pro. - Embrace the Musicality: Italian is known ...
12 replies - Last post by Maxie - October 1, 2023
Where to place the adjective in relation to the noun.
In Lesson 5.1, what is the difference between ‘appartamento piccolo’ and ‘piccolo appartamento'? Does it really matter in this example and are there instances where the placement is important?
1 reply - Last post by Enxhi-Rocket-Italian-Tutor - September 2, 2023
checking the “Subjunctives in Clauses” lesson, I didn't understand one of the examples in the section “the only one”: Giovanni ѐ l'unico bambino che non ascolta mai la maestra. I believe that the subjunctive verb in this example is “ascoltare”, but since...
1 reply - Last post by Enxhi-Rocket-Italian-Tutor - August 1, 2023
I need help with a grammar rule ...when to use io, mi, sto...( I am)
Ciao…I have been studying Italian for 2 years…very slowly…and I always have this issue regardless of where I am with my studies. When do I use the correct form of “essere” when it comes to actions I am taking?io, sono, mi, sto…it is giving me anxiety all ...
12 replies - Last post by Enxhi-Rocket-Italian-Tutor - July 27, 2023
Back before level 2 was updated, there was a lesson on partative articles (when you want “some” or “a part of” something. According to my notes there are a few ways to say this, but there was a handy table on combining “di + definite article” that I can't...
4 replies - Last post by Enxhi-Rocket-Italian-Tutor - July 23, 2023
Ciao a tuttiHave a good book to recommend. Italian Verb Tenses By Paola Nanni-Tate.Some really great expanations concerning verbs. Plus will increase your vocabulary.I am using this to supplement verb explanations, as Rocket manages to confuse me time an...
5 replies - Last post by Enxhi-Rocket-Italian-Tutor - July 11, 2023
Ciao a tuttiI have been doing some revision lately. I have found it interesting that the first time around I missed so much. Now that I am more comfortable speaking and understanding the vocabulary, have noticed that I can concentrate more on things like ...
3 replies - Last post by Enxhi-Rocket-Italian-Tutor - July 10, 2023
Hi, Can someone help with some advice please? I keep seeing “lo” in Italian sentences, where it is not used in English. I would like to know if: 1. “Lo” is necessary 2. If we only use “lo” with specific verbs3. If there are any rules about when to use “lo...
3 replies - Last post by Enxhi-Rocket-Italian-Tutor - July 4, 2023
Is there a lesson on using: “di aver” such as in the sentence: “penso di aver perso il portafoglio”? Thank you.
1 reply - Last post by Enxhi-Rocket-Italian-Tutor - July 4, 2023
Am I the only beginner confused about which scenarios require which verb? The examples used in this section do not seem consistent, based on the posted rules. Does this really matter in the real world?
2 replies - Last post by Enxhi-Rocket-Italian-Tutor - July 4, 2023
Ciao! Nella lezione sul impersonale SI l'esempio : “Cosa fare se si e dimenticato di pagare?” Questo sta nella parte dei esempi di verbi riflessivi. Pero non deve essere “Cosa fare se ci si e dimenticato di pagare”? E anche, le regole dicono che il p...
3 replies - Last post by Enxhi-Rocket-Italian-Tutor - July 4, 2023
Hi AllAm looking at reflexsives and there is a notation there that in the possessive lesson there is a notation on body parts. Cannot find it under possessives. Could you please direct me to where it is. Thank youMaxie
1 reply - Last post by Enxhi-Rocket-Italian-Tutor - July 4, 2023
Leeson 3.9: Why no definite article for "mine" (possessive pronoun"?
There is a sentence La casa è mia which is translated as The house is mine. I was under the impression that for mine you need il mio or la mia (in the sentence above).Are they both correct?
3 replies - Last post by Enxhi-Rocket-Italian-Tutor - July 4, 2023
I am having difficulty with the word vorrei. Is it proper to use this word when ordering something at a restaurant? ie..Vorrei un tasse caffe
2 replies - Last post by Enxhi-Rocket-Italian-Tutor - July 4, 2023
Hi, Can you help please? I have seen many Italian sentences with “Che” followed by a conjugated verb that seems to translate as the verb in the gerund. Here are some examples: C'e molta gente che passeggia = There are many people WALKING Sono qui CHE ammi...
2 replies - Last post by David. - July 2, 2023
Non vengono a cena né Michele né Elena.Neither Michele nor Elena is coming to dinner. Above is how this is given. But why isn't it né Michele né Elena vengono a cena? as in the translation the verb comes after né
1 reply - Last post by Enxhi-Rocket-Italian-Tutor - July 2, 2023
Hi Was doing some revision and came across this sentence.Guardando il mare, penso alle vacanze.I understood from a previous lesson on the presente progressivo that one needed the verb Stare in the sentence. Why does this one not follow that rule?Thanks M...
1 reply - Last post by Enxhi-Rocket-Italian-Tutor - July 2, 2023
Hi everyone / anyone .. I am new Rocket Italian Learner. Can somebody explain why the proposition dei suddenly appears in the sentence “Voi avete dei compiti”. I understand dei is masc plural preposition meaning of or from. But why is dei not used i...
2 replies - Last post by LisaOz - December 25, 2022
CiaoLesson 4.8Venite verso di lui. The translation Is You Why is it venite not vieni.? I get that, that is maybe for the lui, but then how would you know that it is referring to “you”GrazieMaxie
7 replies - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - December 11, 2022
Ciao a tuttiI am still struggling to find my way aroound this pesky issue. I see the la attatched to a verb, as in portarla and still have no idea how to convert it to not being attatched to a verb. ExampleWhen I see them side by side it is logicalHas any...
1 reply - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - December 11, 2022
In Lesson 2.8 there is a sentence Puoi dirmi l'ora, per favore? - Can you tell me the time, please?In a previous lesson (2.3) we learn various similar types of question, for example Mi può dire…? - Can you tell me.. ? etc.Are these forms interchangeable? ...
2 replies - Last post by Peter--252 - November 13, 2022
I'm currently on lesson 3.10, and was checking the conjugation of certain verbs on other sites; it appears that the subject pronouns for 3rd person singular are “egli” and “ella”, whereas earlier in the course (e.g. lesson 1.9) we were given “lui” and “le...
2 replies - Last post by Peter--252 - November 13, 2022
Is there any difference in meaning between: Sono quattro anni che vivo in ItaliaandVivo in Italia da quattro anni The lesson says the sentences mean exactly the same thing in English, but there must be a slight difference in Italian, otherwise why do both...
1 reply - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - November 12, 2022
I've probably forgotten why, but the sentence “È una peccato che non abbiamo più caramelle.” in Hear It, Say It in lesson 13.6 sounds like “un peccato” but is translated as “una peccato”. It's masculine according to Collins Dictionary and is shown as “un...
1 reply - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - November 12, 2022
Different Phrases yet both mean the same thing in English
Not sure where to post this. Would be nice if there were Forums for questions on individual lessons. But here is the question:In Lesson 2.1 you see the phrase. “per andare alla stazione dei treni?” and the English translation is shown to be, “How do...
1 reply - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - November 12, 2022
Question about sample sentence in lesson 8.2
One of the sample phrases in this section is “Se si è fiduciosi e si hanno i vocaboli, si possono affrontare tutte le situazioni.” Why is the first sentence fragment singular “Se si è fiduciosi” but the second and third fragments are plural “si hanno i vo...
1 reply - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - November 12, 2022
The boys dont have enything to eat
the translation in the flashcard is: I ragazzi non hanno da mangiare. Could you say it in another way, per esempio: I ragazzi no hanno di niente per mangare orI ragazzi non hanno nessuno mangato ?
1 reply - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - November 12, 2022
You are my colleague (S-F) translates to : Lei è il mio collegaMa perchè no Lei è la mia collega?Grazie:)
3 replies - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - October 24, 2022
There really wasn't a category for this question, so I just picked one. Is there a text version of the lessons available?My reasoning is I can not always have a computer etc. at hand, but if after completing a course having a text version would be helpful...
1 reply - Last post by Margaret-RocketLanguages - October 14, 2022
Hi, in module 5 (level 1), putting Direct and Indirect Objects Pronouns Together, they put the next example:Giorgio chiede a Carola i librithen with the direct and indirect object pronouns:Giorgio glieli chiede I dont understand why they are using “glieli...
5 replies - Last post by cristhian33 - September 9, 2022
How describe feelings in the past
Hi. Can someone advise me please? How do I say: “I felt ill yesterday” I've seen examples using passato prossimo like “Mi sono sentito male ieri” However, since we are describing a state of mind, not a completed action I thought the imperfect would be mor...
2 replies - Last post by David. - July 1, 2022
Ciao a Tutti,Please help: with ALL nouns eg gatto and gatta--- is there a KEY to changing from masculine to feminine? Or do you have to remember both words for male cat and female cat? Any good cheat sheets out there? Grazie Million.
2 replies - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - June 16, 2022
Question about a sample sentence in section 4.9 of Level 1
Hi, I've only been on Rocket Italian for a little over a month, and I'm really enjoying it. I hope that this is the correct place to post my question. In section 4.9 of Level 1 there is a sentence that I am having trouble with: “Scrivete cartoline spesso...
2 replies - Last post by MarkB137 - May 25, 2022
Using indirect and direct pronouns together
Can anyone explain how “ Ce li chiedono” translates to “They ask us for them”?Isn't ‘Ce' the indirect pronoun? Shouldn't it be “They ask them for us”?
1 reply - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - May 25, 2022
Ciao a tuttiIn lesson 7.7 Prendo il piatto del giorno. I will have the plate of the day.Can one use this in as: "i have the plate of the day. In other words I am eating this Sebongela
4 replies - Last post by Maxie - May 9, 2022
Present simple and present progressive tense
How do we know when to use present simple tense or present continuous tense?
3 replies - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - May 9, 2022
Double Pronouns with Passive Participle
Hello, Is there a module on Rocket Italian that deals with double pronouns with passive participle? For example: Hai portato la spessa alla nonna? (Did you bring the shopping to grandma?)Sì, gliel'ho portata. (Yes, I brought it to her) I'd like to explor...
1 reply - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - May 9, 2022
Lesson 5.6 Sentence - Technical Breakdown Request
Hi there, For the sentence: Te li regala Enrico?Does Enrico give them to you? Why isn't it: Te li Enrico regala? That's how I always want to translate it in my head. Can I get an explanation why the English translation is written the first way? Is my way ...
2 replies - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - May 9, 2022
In what situations would we use ‘avvicinarsi’ instead of ‘avvicinare’?I am confused because both mean ‘to get near’ or ‘to come closer’. I don't understand the need of the reflexive verb here.What would be the difference between using “mi avvicino” and “...
1 reply - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - May 9, 2022
How to know which preposition to put in front of a verb, and which do not need prepositions
Hello, How do I know which proposition to put in front of an infinitive verb? Or, why is there sometimes no preposition? For instance: Ho deciso di portare una bottiglia di vino.Vado a prendere la macchina.Devo andare a lavoro. Is it just pure memorizatio...
4 replies - Last post by moralawardsuit - April 20, 2022
Hi, I am learning the Imperfect Tense in lesson 9.5. I noticed it can be used for ‘was/were talking’ and ‘used to talk’. In English they have somewhat different meanings. ‘Used to talk’ suggests reminiscing about a distant past, whereas ‘was talking’ nor...
3 replies - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - April 6, 2022
Cose vi è succeso? Shouldn't it be ti instead of vi to agree with è? Or vi siete? Cose ti è succeso?Cose vi siete succeso?
3 replies - Last post by LuzM18 - March 29, 2022
Hello,Can you help with a grammar question please?I am on lesson 9.2. The lesson has this phrase in the conversation: L'ha indossata - did you wear it? I thought the past participle of indossare with ‘avere’ would be indossato - ending in -o'. Can you t...
3 replies - Last post by David. - March 23, 2022
Ciao a tuttiI'm confused by this translation:Ho visto tuo fratello qualche minuto fa.(I) saw your brother a few minutes ago.Is there a reason it isn't “minuti” as it is plural?GrazieChris
3 replies - Last post by Maxie - March 1, 2022
Purpose of the word in this context
What is the purpose of the word “il” in this sentence: Lei `e il mio collega.
2 replies - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - February 28, 2022
Voglio dare loro un consiglio.After stating that the indirect personal pronoun goes before the verb, why does loro go after the verb “dare”When the previous sentences they go before the verb.When is this ever not confusing. LOLSebongela
1 reply - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - February 16, 2022