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Numbers in Italian – How to count, pay and talk about dates using them

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Have you ever thought about how important numbers are in your daily life? From talking about your family to paying a bill, they are always around. So, if you plan to visit an Italian-speaking country, being able to understand numbers in Italian is a must. 

In this blog post, you will find helpful number vocabulary for your future travels. In addition, if you are a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this article will give you what you need. 

Press play to listen to the podcast and get more insight into the pronunciation of the words we will present to you in this article. 

Siamo pronti?

Numbers in Italian: a guide on how to count, handle money and discuss dates

As we mentioned before, learning numbers in Italian is a crucial step for anyone wanting to master the language. Whether you’re travelling through the picturesque streets of Rome or shopping in Milan’s bustling markets, understanding how to count, manage money, and talk about dates is indispensable.

Let’s have a closer look into this world: 

Counting in Italian

Let’s start with the basics — numbers 1 to 10 in Italian

  • Uno
  • Due
  • Tre
  • Quattro
  • Cinque
  • Sei
  • Sette
  • Otto
  • Nove
  • Dieci

Ok, now moving forward, we can have a look at the numbers 11 through 20:

  • Undici
  • Dodici
  • Tredici
  • Quattordici
  • Quindici
  • Sedici
  • Diciassette
  • Diciotto
  • Diciannove
  • Venti

For the numbers 21 to 29, you can simply add the smaller number onto the word for twenty. However, we have some exceptions: uno begins with a vowel, so we need to drop the -i at the end of venti before adding on the word uno. This gives vent + uno = ventuno twenty-one. The same thing happens with ventotto twenty-one.

The same logic applies to the numbers from 30 to 100.

  • Trenta (30)
  • Quaranta (40)
  • Cinquanta (50)
  • Sessanta (60)
  • Settanta (70)
  • Ottanta (80)
  • Novanta (90)
  • Cento (100)

For numbers beyond one hundred, you combine cento with the remaining digits. Here are a few examples:

  • Centocinquantatré one hundred and fifty-three
  • Settecentoquattordici seven hundred and fourteen

It is also important to bear in mind that that tre (3), when combined with another number, always requires the grave accent, like: 

  • 23 = ventitré

Dates in Italian

Discussing this topic involves knowing the days of the week, months and, since we are talking about numbers in Italian, how to format years. With that in mind, let’s have a look at these words,, starting with the days of the week: 

  • lunedì Monday
  • martedì Tuesday
  • mercoledì Wednesday
  • giovedì Thursday
  • venerdì Friday
  • sabato Saturday
  • domenica Sunday

One marker to pay attention to is that all weekdays end in -dì, an old word for ‘day’ in Italian, with the exception of Saturday and Sunday. Now let’s check the name of the months in Italian:

  • gennaio January
  • febbraio February
  • marzo March
  • aprile April 
  • maggio May
  • giugno June
  • luglio July
  • agosto August
  • settembre September
  • ottobre October
  • novembre November
  • dicembre December

Another thing to observe is that unlike in English, in Italian the days of the week and months of the year are not capitalised. Now that you are aware of these details, let’s focus on dates in Italian. To say them we use the cardinal numbers for the day, the month names and the numbers in Italian.  

For example:

  • 01/7/2024: primo luglio duemilaventiquattro 
  • 25/03/2024: venticinque marzo duemilasette
  • 16/10/1991: sedici ottobre millenovecentonovantuno

Rember that primo is the only non-cardinal number used in Italian for dates – it’s the equivalent of ‘first’. 

Oh, you can also use one of these useful phrases for asking about dates:

  • Che giorno è oggi? What day is today?
  • Quando è il tuo compleanno? When is your birthday?

Paying in Italian

The numbers in Italian can also help you talk about prices and payments. When asking for prices, you can use the phrase “Quanto costa?” or  “Quanto viene?”. For example: 

  • Quanto costa questo libro? How much does this book cost?
  • Costa dieci euro. It costs ten euros.
  • Quanto viene una pizza? How much is a pizza?
  • Viene sette euro e cinquanta centesimi. It’s seven euros and fifty cents.

After reading this article and listening to the podcast along with it, we are sure you have learned some useful vocabulary and are ready to deal more effectively with numbers in Italian. Finally, if you’d like to learn more about shopping vocabulary in Italian, you should check the blog article and the next episode we prepared exclusively about the theme! 

Season 4 – Episode 36 – Coffee Break French

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In this latest episode of Coffee Break French, Mark and Pierre-Benoît discuss Matthieu’s latest email reply to Gabrielle. As usual there are a number of interesting language points to be discussed including further examples of the subjunctive with triggers we have seen before, and a brand new situation when the subjunctive is used after a superlative.

Episode 8 – Season 4 – Coffee Break Spanish

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In this episode we listen to María’s latest diary entry in which she recounts a conversation she has had with her father in which she learns more about the history of her family. As usual the episode is rich in idiomatic expressions and complex grammatical points.

Essential Italian hotel phrases for checking in and out

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If you’re planning a trip to Italy, learning a few key Italian hotel phrases can significantly enhance your experience. Whether you’re checking in at a bustling Roman hotel, booking a boutique stay in Florence or requesting room service at a coastal retreat in Amalfi, knowing how to communicate effectively will ensure your journey is stress-free and enjoyable.

In this blog post, we’ll explore essential phrases for every stage of your hotel stay, from checking in to checking out!

Italian hotel phrases – checking in 

You get to your Italian-speaking destination after travelling for a couple of hours and we are sure you just want to check in at your hotel with no headaches. To start things off with the right foot, be sure to use an Italian greeting like buongiorno good morning or buonasera good evening. 

After that, it is time for you to describe your reservation. Here are a few crucial phrases to help you begin the process:

  • Ho una prenotazione. I have a reservation.
  • Ho una prenotazione per due notti. I have a reservation for 2 nights.
  • Ho una prenotazione per una settimana. I have a reservation for a week.
  • Ho una prenotazione a nome Fraser. have a reservation in the name of Fraser.

The person at the reception might than ask you: 

  • Posso vedere il suo passaporto? Can I see your passport?
  • Mi può dare la sua carta di credito? Can you give me your credit card?

If you’re asked for details about your stay, these phrases might come in handy:

  • Vorrei una camera singola. I would like a single room.
  • Vorrei una camera matrimoniale. I would like a double room.
  • Vorrei una camera doppia. I would like a twin room.

Additionally, if you don’t have a reservation and would like to ask if you could stay, then you can say: Non ho una prenotazione. Avete camere libere? I don’t have a reservation. Do you have any available rooms?.

Extending your stay or making changes

You might need to modify your reservation if your plans change during your trip. Here’s how to handle those conversations with some other Italian hotel phrases:

  • Posso estendere il mio soggiorno? Can I extend my stay?
  • Posso cambiare camera? Can I change room?
  • Avete una camera con vista? Do you have a room with a view?

Useful Italian hotel phrases for checking out

When your stay comes to an end, these phrases will help you navigate the check-out process:

  • Vorrei fare il check-out. I would like to check out.
  • C’è una tassa di soggiorno? Is there a tourist tax?
  • Grazie mille per l’ospitalità! Thank you very much for the hospitality!

Many hotels in Italy have check-out times at 10 AM. If you are leaving the city later on in the day, you can ask: Posso lasciare i bagagli? Can I leave my luggage?. See, travelling in Italy can be a delightful adventure, and knowing some key Italian hotel phrases will not only make your stay more enjoyable but also help you connect with the locals. 

Even though you don’t want it to happen, some problems or confusion might arise during your hotel stay. To know how to get around them, check out the article we have prepared to help you navigate common issues at the hotel.

Season 4 – Episode 35 – Coffee Break French

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In this episode of Coffee Break French, Mark and Pierre-Benoît discuss the latest email from Gabrielle to Matthieu and look in particular at a number of interesting language points contained in the lesson. Expressions in this episode include the expressions ce n’est pas ton fort, prendre peur and rendre des comptes à quelqu’un.

Episode 7 – Season 4 – Coffee Break Spanish

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In the latest episode of our advanced Spanish course we eavesdrop on a conversation between María and Rory about their plans for a weekend away, visiting the town of Valldemossa. As usual the episode is rich in idiomatic expressions and complex grammatical points.

In the preview episode available here on the Radio Lingua site, on iTunes and on Soundcloud, you’ll be able to listen to Carmen and Mark’s introduction, to the core text of this episode, and to the summary in English of what happens in the text. For a full analysis of the text and in-depth discussion of the words and phrases contained in the episode, you can subscribe to our premium version. For further information, please see below.

Accessing the Premium Version

The premium version of Coffee Break Spanish Season 4 provides additional materials which will help you move forward more effectively with your advanced studies of Spanish. The premium version includes the following elements:

  • full-length audio episode: in each episode Mark and Carmen discuss the language covered in each text in depth, providing further examples and testing you on your understanding;
  • transcript: a full transcript of the entire episode including notes on complex language and grammar points;
  • bonus audio episode: test yourself on the key constructions included in the audio episode with this bonus audio translation exercise.

Learn more about Coffee Break Spanish Season 4
The members’ version can be accessed through our membership system. You can purchase a membership using the links below.

Subscribe links

Subscribe in iTunes | RSS Feed | Purchase members’ audio and transcripts | Members’ login

8 essential Italian restaurant phrases for learners

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Exploring Italy’s culinary delights is an integral part of any visit to this beautiful country. Whether you’re savouring a classic pizza in Naples or indulging in handmade pasta in Rome, knowing a few essential Italian restaurant phrases can make your dining experience even better. 

In this article, you will get familiar with some useful vocabulary and learn how to say your likes and dislikes in the language. Don’t forget to press play to listen to the episode of Coffee Break Italian to master the pronunciation. 

Siamo pronti?

1. Ho fame! 

The first essential phrase we will explore is restaurant-related in a way. After all,  if you are hungry, you might want to look for a place to eat.

2. Vorrei un tavolo per due, per favore. 

This one is a very handy sentence in the list of essential Italian restaurant phrases, as it helps you get a table for yourself and the people who are accompanying you. In this case, you are asking for un tavolo per due a table for two, but you can easily adapt that using your knowledge of numbers in Italian. 

Be sure to always add per favore for politeness.

3. Posso avere…?

You can use this phrase to begin ordering by adding the item you’d like from the menu. For example:

  • Posso avere una pizza margherita, per favore? Can I have a margherita pizza please?

You can also use the verb volere, which was mentioned in the previous topic:

  • Vorrei una cotoletta alla milanese, per favore I would like a cutlet of veal, please. 

4. Che vino mi consiglia?

Suppose you want to enjoy a nice wine, but you are not really sure which one on the menu you would prefer. In that case, you should add this sentence to your essential Italian restaurant phrases:

  • Che vino mi consiglia? Which wine do you recommend?

It’s perfect for seeking recommendations from the waiter!

5. Buon appetito! 

When dining in Italy, you’ll often hear the phrase ‘Buon appetito’ ,which translates to ‘Enjoy your meal!’. It’s a common and friendly way to wish others a pleasant meal. 

You can use it when your food arrives or when others start eating.

6. È delizioso/a! 

To express your enjoyment of the meal, this is a useful sentence in our list of Italian restaurant phrases: ‘È delizioso!’. You can definitely guess what this one translates to, right? 

If your guess was ‘It’s delicious!’ y,ou got it right. Complimenting the food not only shows your appreciation but also makes the dining experience more engaging and pleasant for everyone involved.

You could say: 

  • Questa pizza è deliziosa! This pizza is delicious!

7. Mi può portare…? 

If you need to ask the waiter for something else, this is one of the Italian restaurant phrases that is very useful as it means ‘Can you bring me…?’. It is followed by the item you need. For example:

  • Mi può portare un’altra bottiglia di acqua, per favore? Can you bring me another bottle of water, please?

8. Il conto, per favore. 

When you’re ready to pay and leave, you can say ‘Il conto, per favore’ which means ‘The bill, please’’. It’s a straightforward and polite way to ask for the check, signalling that you’re finished with your meal and ready to settle the bill.

Bonus sentence – ‘mi piace…’ 

Finally, in our list of essential Italian restaurant phrases is ‘mi piace’, which translates to ‘I like’ in English. You can use this sentence to express your likes of food as well when talking about your hobbies, for example. However, this structure only works with singular nouns.

Using this structure is straightforward. For singular objects or actions ,you can say:

  • Mi piace la pizza I like pizza.
  • Mi piace mangiare I like to eat.

You can also say: 

  • Mi piace mangiare una pizza I like to eat pizza.
  • Mi piace mangiare un gelato I like to eat gelato.

Mastering these Italian restaurant phrases will not only make your dining experiences in Italy more enjoyable but also help you connect with locals and appreciate the rich culinary culture. So, the next time you find yourself in a cosy trattoria or a bustling pizzeria, use these phrases to enhance your experience and savour every moment of your Italian gastronomic adventure.

If you want to keep improving your Italian skills, check out our blog post that will reveal essential hotel vocabulary in Italian! 

How to order food in Italian: key vocabulary for beginners

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Are you wondering how to order food in Italian in a café? Well, that is a fantastic way to practise the language and feel like a local, whether at a café in Rome or a cosy trattoria in Florence. To help you with that, in this blog, we’ll cover some essential Italian phrases and vocabulary to navigate a menu. 

Don’t forget to listen to the podcast in order to discover how to pronounce these newly found words. 

Asking for the menu and food

The first step to knowing how to order food in Italian in a café asking for the menu. Here’s how:

  • Avete un menù? Do you have a menu?
  • Avete un menù in inglese? Do you have a menu in English?
  • Avete un menù per bambini? Do you have a children’s menu?

These phrases are essential, just remember, using per favore please at the end of your question will show politeness. Now let’s get to the fun part: ordering food! Italian menus feature a variety of delicious items, so let’s go over some of the basics you might encounter:

  • Un panino al… a sandwich
    • Un panino al prosciutto a ham sandwich
    • Un panino al formaggio a cheese sandwich
    • Un panino con pomodoro e mozzarella a sandwich with tomato and mozzarella

If you’re in the mood for pizza, here are some classic choices:

  • Una pizza a pizza
    • Una pizza con prosciutto cotto A pizza with cooked ham
    • Una pizza con funghi A pizza with mushrooms
    • Una pizza con gli zucchini / le zucchine A pizza with zucchini
    • Una pizza con funghi e olive A pizza with mushrooms and olives

To make your order even more complete, you can use a set phrase to say I would like in Italian using vorrei. For example: Vorrei una pizza con prosciutto crudo, funghi, olive e melanzane. I would like a pizza with cured ham, mushrooms, olives, and aubergines.

Read also: 8 essential Italian restaurant phrases for learners

Helpful phrases for ordering food in Italian

If you would like a recommendation from the waiter or manager of the café, a good set phrase to have under your belt is:

  • Cosa consiglia? What do you recommend?

The person you are talking to will probably suggest a snack from the menu, so if you miss something you can always ask him or her to point it out to you.  And if you need something specific, here are a few more handy phrases:

  • mi può dare una forchetta, per favore? can you give me a fork, please?
  • mi può dare un coltello, per favore? can you give me a knife, please?
  • mi può dare un cucchiaio, per favore? can you give me a spoon, please?

Before digging into your meal, people will probably say buon appetito. And there you have it! Now you know how to order food in Italian. With these essential phrases and vocabulary, you’re equipped to handle your Italian dining experience with ease. 

Read the blog post we prepared on eating out in an Italian restaurant to keep learning important vocabulary on asking for food in Italian!

Season 4 – Episode 34 – Coffee Break French

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Mark and Pierre-Benoît are back with another episode of our advanced French course. In this episode we’re focusing on the latest email from Sylvie in which she updates her mother on her date with Matthieu. As usual the episode is rich in interesting grammar points and idiomatic expressions and our two hosts are on hand to discuss the language used and to help listeners understand the content. Expressions in this episode include il devait y avoir, être désolé de + infinitive and the placement of adjectives in phrases such as il a de grands yeux bleus vraiment magnifiques.

Episode 6 – Season 4 – Coffee Break Spanish

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CBS Lesson 406

In this episode of our advanced Spanish course we listen to María’s latest diary entry in which she reveals an interesting story linked to her family’s past. As usual the episode is rich in idiomatic expressions and complex grammatical points.

‘I would like’ in Italian: ordering at cafés and restaurants

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CBI Lesson 11

If you’re learning Italian and planning a trip to Italy, one phrase you absolutely need to know is how to say ‘I would like’ in Italian. Why? Because making polite requests is crucial for navigating cafés, restaurants, and other public spaces.

With that in mind, today, we’ll look at how to say ‘I would like’ in Italian, using it in various situations to ensure you feel confident when ordering or making requests. In this blog post, we’ll also cover other key phrases for a comfortable experience at Italian cafés and restaurants, inspired by our Coffee Break Italian lesson that you can listen to right now!

Let’s get started!

How to say ‘I would like’ in Italian

The phrase ‘I would like’ in Italian can be simply translated with the verb vorrei. It’s polite, soft, and perfect for making requests in any setting, particularly when you’re at a café or restaurant. Let’s break down how you might use it in different contexts:

  • Vorrei un cappuccino. I would like a cappuccino.
  • Vorrei un bicchiere di vino bianco.  I would like a glass of white wine.

Using vorrei is more polite than simply saying voglio I want, which can come across as a bit demanding. 

How to order coffee in Italian? 

In the previous topic, we saw an example that gives you a hint. To order a coffee in Italian, you must simply add the name of the beverage you would like. For example: 

  • Vorrei un caffè. I would like a coffee.
  • Vorrei un caffè decaffeinato. I would like a decaffeinated coffee.
  • Vorrei una limonata. I would like a lemonade.

You may not always be ordering just for yourself, perhaps you’re with family or friends. Let’s explore how you can use vorrei to order on behalf of others:

  • Per mia madre, un cappuccino. For my mother, a cappuccino.
  • Vorrei per il mio amico una cioccolata calda. I would like a hot chocolate for my friend.

These examples are particularly useful if you’re in a group and everyone is ordering different things.

How to order drinks at a restaurant in Italian? 

Ordering drinks at a restaurant in Italy is quite similar to ordering at a café, but there are a few additional phrases that can be useful. When seated at a restaurant, a server might ask you what you’d like to drink, and you can respond using vorrei to keep your request polite.

  • Vorrei una bottiglia di vino rosso, per favore. I would like a bottle of red wine, please.
  • Vorrei un bicchiere di acqua naturale. I would like a glass of still water.

If you’re ordering drinks for your family, in Italian, you can use phrases like:

  • Per mia madre, un bicchiere di vino bianco.  For my mother, a glass of white wine.
  • Per mio padre, un’acqua frizzante. For my father, a sparkling water.

Read also: 8 essential Italian restaurant phrases for learners

Common beverages to order 

Here are some common drinks you might order in an Italian café or restaurant:

  • un vino bianco a white wine
  • uno spumante a fizz, similar to prosecco
  • un bicchiere di acqua a glass of water
  • una bottiglia di acqua naturale a bottle of still water
  • un cappuccino a cappuccino
  • un caffè corretto an espresso with a dash of liquor

Perfect. Now, you are equipped with the phrase ‘I would like’ in Italian and ready to navigate cafés, restaurants, and any setting where you need to make a request. Not only will this make your experience smoother, but it will also allow you to connect with locals politely.

Now that you know how to order beverages, how about learning how to order food in Italian? Check out the blog post and podcast we prepared to help you on your next adventure abroad!

Newsletter Activity 7 – antes de or antes de que?

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Join the Conversation

In activity 7, we are thinking about when to use antes de and antes de que which both mean “before”. Do you know how they differ? Antes de is always followed by an infinitive and it is used when there is no change of subject in a sentence:

  • antes de llegar, ¡no sabía nada de la sorpresa!
  • he llamado a mi novio por teléfono antes de salir por la noche

If there is a change of subject, you need to use antes de que which must be followed by the subjunctive:

  • regresamos a casa antes de que empiece a llover
  • regresamos a casa antes de que empezara a llover
  • antes de que lleguen, vamos a comer
  • antes de que salgamos, tendrás que hacer la maleta

Look carefully at the different tenses used in the different examples. Now it’s over to you! Try to come up with a few different sentences to practise using antes de and antes de que. Remember that if you use a past tense in your first clause, the verb that follows antes de que should be in the imperfect subjunctive. There’s quite a lot to think about here so take your time and then share your examples. ¡Esperamos vuestros comentarios!

Newsletter Activity 7 – qu’est-ce qui vous passionne?

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CBF Join Conversation

In this activity, we are looking at different ways to express your interests by asking you qu’est-ce qui vous passionne le plus dans la vie?  There are several ways to answer this. Firstly, you can use the same structure as the question:

  • ce qui me passionne le plus dans la vie c’est…
  • ce qui m’intéresse c’est l’art moderne

You can use the transitive verb passionner:

  • mon travail me passionne – I am passionate about my work

There is also a reflexive structure se passionner pour which means “to have a passion for” or “to be really interested in”:

  • mon frère se passionne pour la guitare

Another option is to use the construction être passionné(e) de meaning “to love”:

  • elle est complètement passionnée de danse

You could also use the verb s’intéresser but remember that it must be followed by the preposition à:

  • je m’intéresse aux livres
  • mon mari s’intéresse à la cuisine
  • les enfants s’intéressent au football

Can you think of any other ways to express your passions and interests in French? Try writing a sentence or two to practise these constructions. Nous nous passionnons pour l’enseignement du français!

Season 4 – Episode 33 – Coffee Break French

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CBF Lesson 433

It’s time for another episode in our series for advanced French learners. In this lesson we read the latest email from Monique to her daughter Sylvie. Monique is desperate to hear how Sylvie got on on her date with Matthieu, and as usual Pierre-Benoît and Mark are on hand to discuss the language points contained in the text. In this episode, expressions featured include tourner en rond, la curiosité est un vilain défaut, and lots more. 

Amazing Pållöriöf Research into language acquisition

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Here at Radio Lingua we like to keep track of what’s happening in the world of research on language acquisition. Scientists at the University of Pållöriöf in northern Finland have discovered that a rare variety of edible hygrocybe known as the yellow waxcap has been linked to improved language skills. Tests were done on students in the language department at the university and it was shown that those who consumed up to 5 yellow waxcaps daily had increased ability to speak and write in the language. Not all waxcaps are edible, so we would strongly advise that you don’t try this at home!

Hmm… Really?

Wouldn’t that be wonderful? Wouldn’t it be great it there were a food that could make your brain more effective as a language learner? Of course, the University of Pållöriöf doesn’t really exist, and if you try rearranging the letters you’ll realise that this is in fact our April Fool! It is, however, worth saying that enjoying the local foods and culture of the country where the language you’re studying is spoken will undoubtedly help you improve your understanding and become “more French” (or Spanish, Italian, German, etc).

Did you know that in France the tradition is to stick a paper fish on people’s backs today, hence the name Poisson d’Avril? And that in most of the Spanish-speaking world, April 1st is just a normal day: instead people play pranks on each other on the 28th December, el día de los Santos Inocentes. Let us know know in the comments about your favourite April Fools – in whichever language you like! And just one further reminder: please do be aware that not all wax caps are edible! You have been warned…

(Photo credit: Tatiana Bulyonkova)

Newsletter Activity 6: the conditional

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Join the Conversation

This blog post is looking at some of the different uses of the conditional.

Forming the conditional is quite straightforward as the endings are the same for -AR, -IR and -ER verbs and you add the endings directly onto the infinitive. The endings are as follows:

  • ía          > empezaría               recibiría              volvería
  • ías        > empezarías             recibirías            volverías
  • ía          > empezaría               recibiría              volvería
  • íamos  > empezaríamos      recibiríamos      volveríamos
  • íais       > empezaríais           recibiríais           volveríais
  • ían        > empezarían           recibirían            volverían

You may notice that these are the same as the -ER and -IR endings in the imperfect tense. It is important to remember that some irregular verbs have a different stem in the conditional (and future) form (i.e not the infinitive like most verbs) but the endings remain the same. Some of the most common verbs with irregular stems in the conditional are listed below.

  • decir > dir-
  • haber > habr-
  • hacer > har-
  • poder > podr-
  • poner > pondr-
  • querer > querr-
  • saber > sabr-
  • salir > saldr-
  • tener > tend-
  • venir > vendr-

The conditional can be used in a variety of ways. It can be used to express possibility and talk about hypothetical situations:

  • Pensé que llegaríamos a tiempo

It can express a wish or desire:

  • Me gustaría vivir en España
  • Me encantaría estar de vacaciones

You can also use the conditional to make polite requests:

  • ¿Podría decirme la hora por favor?

Can you think of any other situations when you would use the conditional? Try and write a sentence or two of your own using the conditional. If you’re looking for a bit of a challenge, try building a sentence around a si clause. ¡Nos gustaría ver vuestros comentarios!

Newsletter Activity 6 – False Friend: rude

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CBF Join Conversation

In this newsletter activity, we’re looking at a false friend.

The French word rude in French does not mean the same as the English word “rude”. Can you work out its meaning from the following examples?

  • ma professeur est rude, elle ne veut jamais qu’on parle en cours
  • je fais de l’escalade, j’ai une rude épreuve qui m’attend demain

This is quite a tricky one. Once you have worked out its meaning, post a comment and try to write a sentence in French which makes the differences in meaning between the French word and the English word obvious. For an extra challenge, try to include other false friends in your comment.

Remember that for every false friend, there are two words to discover, so do you know how to say “rude” in French?

Bonne chance!

Is it hard to learn Italian? 5 things you already know that prove that it isn’t!

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CBI Lesson 10

If you are wondering, ‘Is it hard to learn Italian?’, don’t worry! It is much easier than you might think. With its logical structure and phonetic pronunciation, Italian offers a rewarding and accessible language-learning experience.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the things you are already familiar with, proving that learning the language is not so hard. Ah, don’t forget to press play to listen to the podcast while reading the article!

1. Starting a conversation 

If you have been following the Coffee Break Italian Season 1 podcast or have read our blog post on how to say hi in Italian, you are already able to start a conversation. You can definitely say things like: 

  • ciao;
  • buongiorno / buon giorno;
  • buonasera / buona sera.

Moreover, we are sure you can ask people ‘how are you?’, ‘where are you from?’ and ‘where do you live?’. So, if you’re still asking, ‘Is it hard to learn Italian?’, consider this proof that you’re further along than you think!

2. Talking about family 

Discussing family is a fundamental part of any language, and Italian is no different. If you’ve been following along with the Coffee Break Italian podcast or our previous blog posts, you’re likely already familiar with some basic family-related vocabulary. 

Here are some examples to remind you that you’re already on your way to mastering Italian:

  • Mamma Mum
  • Papà Dad
  • Fratello Brother
  • Sorella Sister
  • Nonno Grandfather
  • Nonna Grandmother

With these terms in hand, you can easily talk about your family. For instance, you might say:

  • Questa è mia mamma. This is my mum.
  • Mio nonno si chiama Mario. My grandfather’s name is Mario.

3. Dealing with numbers

Is it hard to learn Italian? Surely not for you, as you might already be familiar with Italian numbers. Let’s have another look at the basics if you need a little review session:

  • Uno One
  • Due Two
  • Tre Three
  • Quattro Four
  • Cinque Five
  • Sei Six
  • Sette Seven
  • Otto Eight
  • Nove Nine
  • Dieci Ten
  • Undici Eleven
  • Dodici Twelve

Using these numbers, you can easily handle everyday situations, such as:

  • Vorrei due caffè, per favore. I’d like two coffees, please.
  • Sei in vacanza a Napoli per cinque notti o sette notti Are you on holiday in Naples for 5 nights or 7 nights?

4. Asking for Directions

If you’ve followed our guidance, you already know how to ask for and understand directions in Italian. Here are some key phrases:

  • Dov’è…? Where is…?
  • A sinistra To the left
  • A destra To the right
  • Dritto Straight ahead
  • È vicino? Is it near?
  • È lontano? Is it far?

5. Using the Negative

If you’ve followed the path to this blog post and episode, you might be familiar with understanding how to use negative constructs in Italian. Placing non before the verb is the most common way to form negatives. 

For example: 

  • Non parlo italiano I do not speak Italian
  • Non mi piace… I do not like…

This pattern is consistent and easy to apply across various verbs and tenses.

With these tools, you’re well-prepared to explore Italian-speaking areas. You’ve already built a strong foundation, so the next time you wonder, ‘Is it hard to learn Italian?’, remember that you’re equipped with practical phrases that make your travel experience smoother.

By continuing to practise and build on what you know, you’ll find that Italian becomes increasingly easier to understand and even more enjoyable. To keep expanding your vocabulary, don’t miss the article we prepared on how to order drinks in Italian!

Episode 5 – Season 4 – Coffee Break Spanish

by
CBS 405

In this episode of our advanced Spanish course we join Rory who is writing an email to María, telling her of the latest goings on in Consuelo’s hotel. As usual the episode is rich in idiomatic expressions and complex grammatical points and Mark and Carmen are on hand to discuss the language used.

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