In this lesson of Coffee Break Spanish we listen to Carmen’s response to the letter of Jesús which we read in the last episode. This provides a further opportunity to look at a different, more formal, style of language which is rich in expressions and grammar points
Episode 14 – Season 4 – Coffee Break Spanish
In this latest episode of Coffee Break Spanish Season 4 we join María and Rory as they read the first of the love letters they’ve discovered in the attic. We’re immediately transported to 1949 when María’s grandparents were engaged and start to build a picture of what life was like at the time. The text contains a new style of language and, as usual, is rich in expressions and grammar points.
Episode 13 – Season 4 – Coffee Break Spanish
In episode 13 of Coffee Break Spanish Season 4, we hear the continuation of the conversation between María and Rory as they clean the attic ahead of Alejandro’s arrival and discover something which will play an important role in the story moving forward! As usual there are many examples of interesting grammar points and idiomatic expressions in this episode.
Episode 12 – Season 4 – Coffee Break Spanish
In episode 12 of Coffee Break Spanish Season 4, we listen in on a conversation between Rory and María. Rory has been cleaning the attic in Consuelo’s hotel in preparation for Alejandro’s arrival and he’s not having much fun. María arrives to help. As usual there are many examples of interesting grammar points and idiomatic expressions in this episode.
Episode 11 – Season 4 – Coffee Break Spanish
In episode 11 of Coffee Break Spanish Season 4, we read María’s diary entry about the latest events in Mallorca. Rory has arranged for his friend Alejandro to stay in Consuelo’s hotel, and we find out about the preparations which Rory must undertake ahead of his arrival. As usual there are many examples of interesting grammar points and idiomatic expressions in this episode.
Season 4 – Episode 40 – Coffee Break French
In the final episode of the series we join Matthieu who is replying to Gabrielle’s email – for the last time! As ever Mark and Pierre-Benoît are on hand to discuss the episode and it’s finally time to tackle the tricky issue of c’est vs il est among many other language points. If you’re interested in finding out more about what happens next in the Coffee Break French series, please click here.
How to slow down a lesson to understand a tricky word using Apple Podcasts app
Have you ever listened to one of our lessons and found it difficult to understand a particular word or sentence because it’s spoken too fast by a native speaker? It’s very easy to slow down a podcast in order to listen to part of the audio at 50% of the normal speed and this video shows you how.
Watch our Video Guide below
How to listen to our lessons and read the notes or transcripts simultaneously
Our premium members have access to lesson notes or transcripts for each lesson of the course. It’s very easy to listen to the lessons and access the notes simultaneously on an iPad, and this step-by-step guide will show you how. In this tutorial,l we assume that you’re using the Apple Podcasts app on your iPad to store your lesson content.
Step-by-step guide
The steps are as follows:
- From the Podcasts app, tap on the lesson you want to listen to.
- Once the lesson has started to play, tap the back arrow (top left) to go back to the list of files.
- Now tap the transcript. It will open initially in Safari.
- If you wish you can open the pdf lesson guide in iBooks and store it there with your other pdf files and ebooks.
Newsletter Activity 8 – estar a punto de hacer algo
In this newsletter activity we have another useful construction for you: estar a punto de hacer algo. This means “to be about to do something” or “to be on the point of doing something” and so can be used to refer to an imminent action. Note that this structure needs to be followed by an infinitive.
Veamos unos ejemplos:
- Andrea está a punto de terminar la carrera de medicina, solo le queda un examen – Andrea is about to finish her medicine degree, she only has one exam left
- tienes que darte prisa, están a punto de salir – you need to hurry, they are about to leave
- estaba a punto de llamarte por teléfono cuando llegó mi vecino – I was just about to call you when my neighbour arrived
This construction is very easy to use, just remember to conjugate the verb estar. ¿Y vosotros? ¿Qué estáis a punto de hacer? Have a closer look at the tenses used in the examples and then try to come up with your own sentences. ¡Esperamos vuestros comentarios!
Newsletter Activity 8 – si + present tense
Today we are going to practise how to express a hypothesis in French using si, to say for example, “if you come, I’ll make a cake”.
There are three possible formulas we can follow:
- si + present tense, followed by present tense
- si + present tense, followed by future tense
- si + present tense, followed by imperative (command form)
These formulas are used to express an action which will come true in the present or future as a result of something else happening. Let’s look at some examples:
- si tu viens, je fais un gâteau – if you are coming, I am making a cake
- si tu viens, on regardera un film – if you come, we will watch a film
- si tu viens, préviens-moi – if you’re coming, let me know
Of course, it is also possible to invert the structure:
- je fais un gâteau si tu viens
- dis-le-lui si tu l’aimes
- le professeur ne sera pas content si tu ne le fais pas
The important thing to remember is that in this context si needs to be followed by a verb in the present tense. Now that you have seen some examples, try to build your own example sentences to practise this construction. Allez!
Season 4 – Episode 39 – Coffee Break French
In the penultimate episode of the series we join Pierre-Benoît and Mark as they discuss Gabrielle’s email to Matthieu. The text gives us the opportunity to look at the complicated pronouns lequel, laquelle, lesquels and lesquelles, negative infinitives, the expression faire des folies and lots more.
CBI 1-20 | Buying train tickets and Review
In lesson 20 of Coffee Break Italian you’ll continue to learn useful words and phrases to deal with buying tickets for public transport. You’ll also join Katie in a conversation which puts to the test much of the Italian you’ve learned so far on the course.
Essential tips for navigating public transport in Italian
Exploring any Italian-speaking city is a dream for many travellers. While the vibrant culture of these places and their delicious cuisine seem attractive, navigating public transport can initially be challenging for non-Italian speakers. Whether you’re taking a train from Florence to Rome or hopping on a bus to a local piazza, knowing some key phrases and tips about transport in Italian can make your journey much smoother.
In this blog post, we will give you some tips to navigate any transportation in Italian. As always, listen to the podcast to learn how to pronounce the words and learn more important vocabulary.
Understanding the basics of public transport in Italian
Most Italian-speaking countries have a robust and efficient public transportation system that includes trains, buses, trams and metros. Before diving into the key phrases and tips to navigate it, let’s have a closer look at what they are called.
Treni
Treni trains are one of the most popular modes of transportation for both locals and tourists. Italy offers high-speed trains like the Frecciarossa and regional options for shorter distances.
Coaches
For places not connected by rail, buses are a reliable alternative. Pullman is typically used for longer journeys between cities.
Metro
Major cities of Italy and Switzerland have metropolitano/a systems that are ideal for quick city travel.
Tram
A nostalgic and scenic way to travel, trams operate in cities like Milan and Turin.
Phrases for using public transport in Italian
If you combine your knowledge of directions in Italian and the ability to navigate public transport, your next adventure in an Italian-speaking country will be unforgettable. To help you with that, here are a few simple sentences to help you get a stress-free experience.
These phrases will help you purchase tickets, ask for schedules, and find the right platform or stop.
Asking about departure and arrival times
To ask about the train schedules, you can use two main sentences: A che ora parte il treno per…? At what time does the train for… depart? and A che ora arriva l’autobus da…? At what time does the bus from… arrive?. Let’s see it in context:
- A che ora arriva l’autobus da Genova? At what time does the bus from Genoa arrive?
Finding platforms and stops
You’ll often need to know where the platform and the stops of your bus when navigating public transport in Italian. That is why these two phrases come in handy:
- Da che binario parte il treno per…? From which platform does the train for… leave?
- Dov’è la fermata dell’autobus? Where is the bus stop?
Tips for navigating transport in Italian
These basic Italian travel phrases will help you find your way around any city. But, to make your experience even better, we’ve separated three top tips.
If you have a paper train ticket, just check whether you have to validate it prior to boarding the train. You can do so using the yellow or green machines located in the station or on the platforms.
As in any place, transport strikes can occur, affecting trains, buses, and metros. It’s always a good idea to check ahead of time for any disruptions, especially if you are on a tight schedule to get to your next destination. Finally, remember to look for apps like Trenitalia to check the status of your journey, tickets and much more. You can also use Google Maps to check times for buses and metro.
Navigating transport in Italian is an essential skill for travellers eager to explore an Italian-speaking country. Armed with these phrases and tips, you’ll not only get from point A to B efficiently but also be able to connect more with the local culture.
And for tips on how to buy travel tickets in Italian, don’t miss the blog post and episode we prepared to help you review all the essential vocabulary for that!
Season 4 – Episode 38 – Coffee Break French
In this episode of Coffee Break French, Pierre-Benoît and Mark discuss Sylvie’s most recent email to her mother Monique. The text gives us the opportunity to talk about a number of interesting grammar points and idiomatic expressions including further examples of the gerund, s’apercevoir de quelque chose, insister pour and the expression brûler les étapes.
Episode 10 – Season 4 – Coffee Break Spanish
In episode 10 of Coffee Break Spanish Season 4, María and Rory are looking forward to the future and talking about their studies and their possible plans for further travelling. They also discuss Alejandro’s visit. As usual there are many examples of interesting grammar points and idiomatic expressions in this episode.
CBI 1-18 | Asking for directions in Italian
If you’re planning to explore any Italian-speaking country, knowing how to ask ‘where is’ in Italian and get directions can save you from getting lost and even improve your travel experience. After all, being able to navigate the tiny streets and alleys becomes much easier when you can communicate with locals.
To help you, we’ve created a list of 10 key phrases for ‘where is’ in Italian and understand the responses! As always, listen to the podcast below to discover key tips on pronunciation!
1. Mi potrebbe dire come arrivare a…?
Ready to learn how to ask for ‘where is’ in Italian? Well, the first and most important phrase you’ll need to ask directions is Mi potrebbe dire come arrivare a…?, which translates to Could you tell me how to get to…? . This phrase is perfect for when you’re speaking to strangers.
For example:
- Mi potrebbe dire come arrivare alla stazione? Could you tell me how to get to the station?
- Mi potrebbe dire come arrivare al Colosseo? Could you tell me how to get to the Colosseum?
2. Dove si trova…?
Another handy phrase for asking for ‘where is’ in Italian is Dove si trova…? which translates to Where is…?. It’s a great alternative to Mi potrebbe dire when you want to keep things simple and direct.
Let’s see how it looks in place:
- Dove si trova il museo? Where is the museum?
- Dove si trova il ristorante? Where is the restaurant?
This phrase will help you out when you’re not sure where exactly a place is located, especially in crowded areas or unfamiliar neighbourhoods.
3. Vada dritto
Once you’ve asked for directions, you might hear instructions like Vada dritto, which means Go straight on. It’s a common phrase used in Italian to direct someone to keep walking straight ahead. This is the formal way of speaking.
So, if the person you ask tells you that, it means you should keep going straight along the road until you reach the destination or a new set of instructions.
4. Giri a sinistra / a destra
You’ll also need to know how to understand directions in Italian for turning left or right. The phrases Giri a sinistra Turn left and Giri a destra Turn right are common directions you’ll hear when asking for directions or following a guide.
For example:
- Giri a sinistra al semaforo. Turn left at the traffic light.
- Giri a destra alla rotonda. Turn right at the roundabout.
Being able to recognise these directions will ensure you can follow instructions with ease while exploring new areas. Be aware that this is the formal way of speaking.
5. Attraversare
Sometimes, when receiving directions in Italian, you will need to cross a street, square, or even a bridge. The verb attraversare means to cross, and is essential for understanding and giving directions in a city or town.
- Attraversi la piazza e poi giri a destra. Cross the square and then turn right.
- Attraversi il ponte e poi vada dritto. Cross the bridge and then go straight on.
6. Quanto dista da qui?
This question is essential when you’re trying to gauge the distance between your current location and your desired destination. It’s a simple and direct way to ask about how far something is, and it’s especially useful when you’re exploring a new city or trying to get directions to a place of interest, such as a museum, restaurant, or tourist attraction:
- Quanto dista da qui il parco? How far is the park from here?
- Quanto dista da qui il palazzo? How far is the palace from here?
- Quanto dista da qui il museo? How far is the museum from here?
Now, whether you’re exploring a bustling city, relaxing in a quiet town or visiting a tourist attraction, you know how to ask ‘where is’ in Italian! Remember, even if you make a mistake or don’t understand perfectly, Italians are generally very friendly and appreciate any effort to speak their language.
And, to learn how to navigate transport in an Italian-speaking country, read the article we prepared with key vocabulary to help you in your next trip!
Italian phrases for tourists: your guide to buying souvenirs
Planning a trip to Italy? While many locals in tourist areas speak some English, knowing a few basic Italian phrases for tourists can make your adventure go smoothly.
Inspired by Coffee Break Italian Lesson 17, this blog post provides some essential vocabulary for souvenir hunting! Don’t forget to listen to the podcast below to discover how to pronounce some of the new words and review some key concepts!
Basic greetings and politeness
As you already know, saying hello in Italian when entering a store is polite and expected, setting a positive tone. A casual buongiorno good morning or ciao is fine in smaller shops, and arrivederci is always polite when leaving.
Remember to say grazie after any interaction; you’ll likely hear prego. Scusi, excuse me, is useful for getting a shop assistant’s attention, and per favore, please, is essential when making a request. This is definitely a useful list of basic Italian phrases for tourists.
Finding the perfect souvenir
As you know, there are some essential Italian phrases for shopping which you can use for browsing for souvenirs. If you have something specific in mind, you can use:
- Sto cercando… I’m looking for…
- Sto cercando un souvenir di Roma. I’m looking for a Rome souvenir.
Another form of finding the perfect souvenir is asking if the shop has a particular item in stock. To do that, you use the verb avete followed by the item you are searching for:
- Avete delle calamite? Do you have magnets?
Once you’ve spotted something you like, you can use these Italian phrases for tourists to help you express your preferences:
- Mi piace… I like… (singular)
- Mi piace questa maschera veneziana. I like this Venetian mask.
- Mi piacciono… I like… (plural)
- Mi piacciono queste miniature. I like these miniatures.
- È bello/a. It’s beautiful.
Vocabulary for souvenirs in Italian
From charming ceramics to exquisite glassware, Italy offers several different options of souvenirs. To make your shopping experience even more rewarding, familiarising yourself with the Italian names for these souvenirs will allow you to communicate more effectively with vendors:
- una cartolina a postcard
- un francobollo a stamp
- una calamita a magnet
- vetro di Murano Murano glass
- una maschera veneziana a Venetian mask
- un portachiavi a keychain
- un prodotto tipico a typical product
- del vino some wine
- dell’olio d’oliva some olive oil
Asking about prices and making a purchase
Price is an important factor when shopping for souvenirs. Use these phrases to inquire and make a purchase:
- Quanto costa? How much does it cost? (singular)
- Quanto costa questo portachiavi? How much does this keychain cost?
- Quanto costano? How much do they cost? (plural)
- Quanto costano questi bicchieri di Murano? How much do these Murano glasses cost?
- C’è uno sconto? Is there a discount?
By learning these Italian phrases for tourists, you will be able to buy your souvenirs with no hassle. Moreover, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate Italian markets and shops and find the perfect memorabilia. A little effort to speak the language goes a long way and can lead to more rewarding and memorable travel experiences.
But what if you find yourself lost in Italy? Would you be able to ask where your hotel is and understand the directions to it? If you are not so sure, read the article we prepared to help you understand how to say where a place is in Italian!
Season 4 – Episode 37 – Coffee Break French
It’s time for another episode of Coffee Break French, and in this episode Mark and Pierre-Benoît discuss the latest email from Monique to her daughter Sylvie. A number of interesting examples of French appear in this episode, including the expressions de mon temps, en faire lourd and further examples of the imperfect tense.
Episode 9 – Season 4 – Coffee Break Spanish
In the latest episode in our series we eavesdrop on a phone call between Rory and his Argentinian friend Alejandro who is on holiday in Spain and wants to come over to Mallorca to see Rory and to meet María. The episode is rich in idiomatic expressions and interesting grammar points, and you’ll also get the chance to become more familiar with the use of the Argentinian vos form of the verb.
Basic Italian vocabulary: 5 essential phrases for going shopping
Going shopping in an Italian-speaking country is not only a delight for your senses but also a chance to practise your Italian! To help you navigate any situation, we prepared a list of basic Italian vocabulary for going shopping.
The best part is that all the content in this blog post is inspired by the lesson from Coffee Break Italian, which you can listen to below. So, after reading the text, make sure to listen to the episode to learn how to pronounce each new word perfectly!
Let’s get started with our list of five essential phrases!
1. Vorrei…
The first thing you need to know for going shopping is how to say I would like in Italian. If you are already familiar with the conjugation of the verb volere, you will probably know that to express I would like you can simply use the word vorrei. For instance:
- Vorrei comprare questa cartolina. I would like to buy this postcard.
Using vorrei makes your requests sound more courteous when asking for a specific item in a shop:
- Vorrei provare questa maglietta. I would like to try on this t-shirt.
2. Posso provare…?
Another basic Italian vocabulary for going shopping for clothes or shoes is being able to ask if you can try something on. For that, you can use the structure posso provare…? Can I try…? to request access to the fitting room.
Let’s check some examples:
- Posso provare questi pantaloni? Can I try on these trousers?
- Posso provare questi vestito? Can I try on this dress?
The shop assistant might direct you to the fitting room by saying: Prego. La cabina è lì in fondo. Please. The fitting room is over there.
3. Quanto costa? / Quant’è?
Third, on our list of basic Italian vocabulary for going shopping, we have Quanto costa? or Quant’è? and both mean How much does it cost?. For example:
- Quant’è questa sciarpa? How much is this scarf?
- Quanto costa il maglione? How much does the jumper cost?
When the shop assistant responds, they’ll likely state the price in euros and cents, so be ready to understand numbers in Italian!
4. Posso pagare con la carta?
In Italy, cash is still widely used, but many shops and stores accept cards. When you’re ready to pay, you can ask:
- Posso pagare con la carta? Can I pay with a card?
If the shop accepts card payments, the assistant will likely respond with Sì, certo.
However, if cards are not accepted, they might say: Mi dispiace, solo contanti.
I’m sorry, cash only.
So, remember, when travelling to smaller towns or markets, it’s always a good idea to carry some cash.
5. No, grazie. È tutto.
Once you’ve chosen your items, the shop assistant might ask you:
- Ha bisogno di altro? Do you need anything else?
This is a polite way of ensuring you have everything you need before finalising your purchase. To which you can respond No, grazie. È tutto. No, thank you. That’s all.
Or if you remember something last minute, you can use the basic Italian vocabulary structure for shopping, Sto cercando anche… I’m also looking for… adding the name of the thing you still need.
Bonus: asking about store hours
Finally, if you would like to come back the next day or after you visit a tourist attraction, another basic Italian vocabulary is being able to ask about store hours. To say that you can use the structure:
- A che ora apre il negozio? At what time does the shop open?
- A che ora chiude il negozio? What time does the shop close?
Shopping in Italy is about more than just transactions—it’s a cultural experience! Don’t be afraid to engage in small talk or practise your basic Italian vocabulary! A simple grazie and arrivederci will leave a good impression.
But, if you find yourself lost in a small town, would you be able to ask for information in Italian? To learn how to do it and have some nice phrases under your belt, be sure to read the article we prepared to help you with that!
