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!
Ways of saying the word 'What': Che vs Cosa
I am having difficulty choosing the word for WHAT. For example - Che tempo fa : What is the weather like? Cosa fanno i tuoi: What are your parents doing? Guidance please.
3 replies - Last post by Enxhi-Rocket-Italian-Tutor - April 17, 2024
I am confused by the answer to the quiz question below. I thought that when we tell someone NOT to so something in Italian, we use Non+ the infinitive. And if it is reflexive, the pronoun goes either before the infinitive or attached to the end, as per ...
1 reply - Last post by Enxhi-Rocket-Italian-Tutor - April 12, 2024
In the morning: mattino vs mattina
I notice that the word ‘morning’ can be spelled either ‘mattino’ or ‘mattina’. It looks like ‘mattino’ is used when referring to a specific time in the morning, as in “delle sette del mattino”. However when used without reference to a specific time, ‘i...
1 reply - Last post by Enxhi-Rocket-Italian-Tutor - April 12, 2024
Lesson 4.6: weather, confusion
I understand there are many verbs that can be used with weather but in the flashcards a number of sentences done seem to follow the runes. One example:In the sentence "it is windy and raining" is translated as "C'e vento e piove" . Confusing, does not f...
1 reply - Last post by Enxhi-Rocket-Italian-Tutor - April 9, 2024
Adjective placement - before or after the noun
In lesson 5.1, I notice that the word ‘piccolo’ is placed BEFORE the noun ‘appartamento’ in one sentence but AFTER it in another sentence. What is the grammatical rule here?
1 reply - Last post by Enxhi-Rocket-Italian-Tutor - April 6, 2024
Use of direct object pronoun 'Ci'
I understand the use of direct object pronouns in this lesson, however I am having difficulty understanding the use of ‘ci’ in this sentence: Ci vediamo dopo (See you later.) It seems like it should be Vi vediamo dopo. Can you explain please?
2 replies - Last post by Enxhi-Rocket-Italian-Tutor - March 31, 2024
In lesson 4.7 on Possessive pronouns, I learned that a definite article (il, la) is usually required before the possessive pronoun, and that the possissive pronoun (my, your, his) goes before the noun. However in 4.8, I see the following example. “C...
1 reply - Last post by Enxhi-Rocket-Italian-Tutor - March 24, 2024
Changes to the conjunction "e" in written Italian
In lession 4.6, I learn that in written Italian the conjunction “e” changes to “ed” if the following word begins with the letter ‘e’. However, in an earlier lesson, it appears to also change if the following word begins with the letter ‘i’ - such as “io...
1 reply - Last post by Enxhi-Rocket-Italian-Tutor - March 9, 2024
alle sette e mezzo vs alle sette e mezza
Some conversations in Rocket Italian use “mezza” and some use “mezzo” when expressing half past the hour. Is there a pattern? Thanks!
1 reply - Last post by Enxhi-Rocket-Italian-Tutor - February 4, 2024
Working on Lesson 4.8. In this sentence - “Scrivete cartoline spesso per la tua zia in Germania?”, the subject, you, is plural. For “your aunt”, wouldn't “la vostra zia” be correct? Or am I confused (again)?
1 reply - Last post by Enxhi-Rocket-Italian-Tutor - January 28, 2024
Sentence structure when using two pronouns
Working on section 5.6 (Italian pronouns are really confusing!) Please comment on the following two sentences:Il mio professore mi insegna a parlare italiano.Me lo insegne il mio professore. When using two pronouns, does the subject of the sentence alway...
2 replies - Last post by Susan K - January 20, 2024
For the most part, I understand the difference between stare and essere in lesson 3.9. However, I'm confused by two examples. “We are sitting down right now” can be either "siamo seduti adesso" or “stiamo seduti adesso”, which is translated exactly the ...
2 replies - Last post by Susan K - January 14, 2024
Came across this clear, comprehensive guide which gives good explanations of when to use da vs di, a vs in etc. This comes up a lot. I printed it out and keep it handy for those times when the reason for choice of preposition in a Rocket sentence isn't ...
1 reply - Last post by Enxhi-Rocket-Italian-Tutor - January 6, 2024
Where can I find homework plans?
Ciao.Where might I find homework plans (book, website, etc) that roughly corresponds to the RocketItalian lessons, so that I can use a structured way of re-enforcing what I learn?Grazie!
4 replies - Last post by Maxie - January 5, 2024
Confused by a couple of the flashcards in lesson 4.8. "His house is next to the station" - “His house” is translated as “casa sua”. I thought possessive, with very few exceptions, would be “la sua casa”. “We go near her” is translated as “andiamo verso d...
1 reply - Last post by Enxhi-Rocket-Italian-Tutor - January 2, 2024
Working on lesson 3.4. Maria tells Alex “riposa e cerca di dormire”. Riposare and cercare are “are” verbs. Why is the verb conjugation is for the third person singular (ending in a) and not the second person singular, ending in i? “(Tu) riposi e cerc...
3 replies - Last post by Enxhi-Rocket-Italian-Tutor - December 31, 2023
una buon'idea or una buona idea
Just checking to see which is correct - una buon'idea (as in lesson 3.8) or una buona idea (lesson 5.3). Is either form correct???
3 replies - Last post by Enxhi-Rocket-Italian-Tutor - November 27, 2023
Is it il mio fratello gemello or just mio fratello gemello (lesson 5.4). I thought if the singular noun is modified, you had to add the definite article????
2 replies - Last post by AnnetteV - November 27, 2023
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