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Benvenuto!
Benvenuto!
Below is our Italian lesson section entitled "Learn Italian" for those members who would like to learn to speak Italian. These lessons will teach you how to say things in Italian, and the correct pronunciation of the words in the phrase. Also included is the translation of the phrase in English to help you better understand what you are saying. These are common everyday phrases. They are not taken from books. Remember, practice makes perfect. Here we go…
Try reading them in Italian first then read the pronunciation and last the English meaning. We welcome and encourage your feedback as you progress with the lessons.
Italian Lesson 11
Interrogative sentences
Interrogative sentences begin with an interrogative adverb. (Come, How, Dove, where, Quando, when) or an interrogative pronoun
(Che cosa, what, Chi, who,
Quanto, How much).
Negative sentences
Negative sentences are normally made negative with Non which is placed before the verb both in statements and in interrogative sentences.
Non studio il Russo, Non parliamo inglese. Non capite? Non lavori? Lei non parte domani?
Here are some useful questions.
Che cosa significa? What is the meaning of…?
Che cosa vuol dire…? What does …mean?
Come si dice in Italiano. How do you say it in Italian?
Come si scrive…? How do you spell…?
Scusi come ha detto? I beg your pardon?
Prego? Pardon?
Non mi Piace. I do not like it.
Non so. I do not know.
Non capisco. I do not understand.
Quanto costa? How much does it cost.
Quando Parti? When are you leaving?
If you need help ask me at the meetings. I will be glad to help you. Arrivederci a presto. See you soon, ciao, Dino
Italian Lesson 10
In lesson 9, we learned how the endings of the verb Mangi (are) change when used with the personal pronouns in the present tense. Let’s see how the verbs endings in ere and ire as in Ved(ere) and Part(ire) change when used with the personal pronouns in the present tense.
Ved(ere) To See.
-o for the first person singular
-i for the second person singular
-e for the third person singular
-iamo for the first person plural
-ete for the second person plural
-ono for the third person plural
Part(ire) To Leave
-o for the first person singular
-i for the second person singular
-e for the third person singular
-iamo for the first person plural
-ite for the second person plural
-ono for the third person plural
Let’s take the verb To See – Vedere and see how the verb changes.
io ved(o) - I See, Tu ved(i) – You See, Lei, Lui ved(e) – He, She Sees, Noi ved(iamo) – We See, voi ved(ete) – You See, loro Ved(ono) – They See. Applying the same to the verb Part(ire) we have: io part(o), Tu Part(i), Lui, Lei part(e), Noi part(iamo), voi Part(ite), Loro part(ono).
If you have questions on this ask me at the meeting. Ciao, Dino.
Italian Lesson 9
Here are some more vocabulary verbs for you to learn & try.
To read…leggere
To wash…lavare
To pray…pregare
To cry…piangere
To call…chiamare
To run…correre
To know…sapere
To close…chiudere
To repeat…ripetere
To build…costruire
To supply…fornire
To heal…guarire
To clean…pulire
To send…spedire
To forbid…proibire
To obey…obbedire
To prefer…preferire
To punish…punire
To unite…unire
To hit…colpire
To leave…partire
Let’s see how a verb changes when used with personal pronouns. Let’s use the verb parl(are) (to speak).
I speak… io parlo
You speak…tu parli
He,she,speaks..lui,lei parla
We speak…noi parliamo
They speak…voi parlate
They speak…loro parlano
Personal pronouns are:
io, (I), tu,(you), lui,lei (he, she), noi (we), voi (you), loro (they).
Word ending replacement for verbs ending in (are) like (mangi (are) in the singular pronouns are as follows:
-o for first person
-i for second person
-a for third person
In the plural pronouns are:
-iamo for the first person plural
-ate for the second person plural
-ano for the third person plural.
Try it! Use the verb And (are)
More to come. See you soon. Ciao, Dino
From October 2017 ICO Newsletter:
Italian Lesson 8
I cannot know if you are learning Italian from the lessons I provide unless you let me know if you are having any trouble with them or not.
How do you say it in Italian?
At…….a
Also…..anche
At home…a casa
With….con
Of…….di
Here is….,ecco
Finished….finito
But…….ma
To play…..giuocare
To look…..guardare
To learn….imparare
To love……amare
To go……..andare
To arrive….arrivare
To listen….ascoltare
To wait……aspettare
To understand….capire
To search….cercare
To start…..cominciare
To buy……comprare
To talk……conversare
To enter….entrare
To work….lavorare
To quarrel…litigare
To eat……mangiare
To pay…..pagare
To speak…parlare
To pass….passare
To take…..prendere
To prepare..preparare
To return….ritornare
To err…….sbagliare
To study…studiare
To ring…..suonare
To telephone.telefonare
Much…….molto
Perfect…perfetto
Then……poi
Soon….presto
When….quando
Here…..qui, qua
Only…..solo
Want….voglio
Try putting the above words into sentences.
Here is an example:
I am at home. Io sono a casa.
Ring the bell. Suonare il campnello.
Bye for now. See you next month. Dino
From September 2017 ICO Newsletter:
Italian Lesson 7
Before doing lesson 7, I suggest you revisit lesson 6.
Change the following M/F singular nouns to the M/F plural.
Singular:
Bimbo (Child boy),
Bimba (Child girl),
Fratello (Brother),
Sorella (Sister),
Minuto (Minute),
Strada (Street).
Plural:
Bimb__
Bimb__
Fratell__
Sorell__
Minut__
Strad__
Place the correct definite article M/F to the following nouns.
___Ragazzo,
___Sigaro,
___Ragazzi,
___Sigari,
___Ragazza
___Ragazze
___Donna,
___Donne
Supply the definite article to the following
__giorno e __notte
__signora e__signore
__teatro e __rivista
__tavolo e__sedia
__ragazzo e__ragazza
__porco e__mucca
__studente e __libro
__amica e __amico
__Specchio e __donna
VocabularyHere are some words and nouns you may want to learn.
Ala…..Wing
Albergo….Hotel
Amico…..Friend
Artista….Artist
Arma…..Weapon
Arancia…Orange
Bambola…Doll
Banca….Bank
Buco….Hole
Citta`…..City/Town
Cugino…Cousin
That is all for now. Remember, if you have a question I am here to answer it. So, do not hesitate to ask!!! Ciao, Dino
Italian Lesson 6
Gender of nouns.
In Italian there are two genders, Masculine and Feminine. All nouns ending in “o” are Masculine, while all nouns ending in “a” are Feminine. Of course there are some exceptions, but we will not cover them for now.
In a note pad write the gender of the following nouns.
Libro, teatro, bambino, alunna, ragazza, amica, amico, ragazzo, bambina. You may notice that the above nouns are all singular. In the plural, nouns ending in “o” change in “i” and the “a” changes to “e”.
Libro = Libri, Teatro = Teatri, Bambino = Bambini, Alunna = Alunne, Ragazza = Ragazze, Amica = Amiche, Amico = Amici,
Ragazzo = Ragazzi, Bambina = Bambine.
The definite English article “The” in Italian takes many different forms because it also is used to distinguish it from the singular/plural masculine/feminine genders nouns.
il, Lo, L for the masculine singular and La, L’ for the feminine singular.
i, Gli, for the masculine plural and Le for the feminine plural.
il libro, il Teatro, il bambino, il ragazzo are all masculine singular. In the plural “il” changes to “i”. i Libri, i Teatri, i bambini, i ragazzi. Gli amici.
In the plural The feminine “La” changes to “Le”. La ragazza, Le ragazze, La bambina, le bambine Confused? I hope not. Study. Ciao, Dino
Italian Lesson 5
I hope you have been practicing these phrases with a partner. Here are few more.
I ragazzi giocano al Tennis. The boys play Tennis.
Non ho dormito bene. I did not sleep well.
Non ho mai sentito un rumore. I did not hear a noise
Non ho fatto colazione stamattina. I did not have breakfast this morning
Che cosa avete bevuto? What have you drunk.
Perche hai aperto la porta? Why did you opened the door?
Dove hai messo le sigarette? Where did you put the cigarettes?
Avete ascoltato la radio? Have you listened to the radio?
La camerieraha rotto un altro piatto. The maid broke another plate.
La camera e stata pulita. The room has been cleaned.
Le ragazze sono uscite. The girls have gone out.
Sono appena arrivato a casa. I have just arrived home.
Dove sei stato. Where have you been.
Maria non e` tornata a casa. Maria hasn’t returned home.
The next lesson will require you to translate Italian phrases into English. Study! Bye, Dino.
Italian Lesson 4
You need to practice these conversations with someone or with one another. Try it.
Buona Pasqua signor Giovanni
Happy (or Good) Easter Mr. Giovanni
Tu sei molto bella Maria
You are very beautiful Maria
Tu vieni con me al Cinema?
You coming with me to the cinema?
Mia sorella si chiama Gina.
My sister’s name is Gina
Io ho molta fame
I am very hungry
Devo andare al mercato a fare la spesa.
I have to go to the market to do the shopping
Devo comprare la carne e verdure
I have to buy meat and Vegetables.
Mi sento male, Devo andare dal Dottore.
I feel ill. I have to go to the Doctor.
Mia nipote e` molto Carina
My niece is very pretty.
Se vuoi imparare una lingua, devi studiare.
If one wants to learn a language, you have to study.
Pratica queste frasi con un’altro studente
Practice these phrases with another student
If you have any questions let me know. Ciao, Dino
Italian Lesson 3
Conversations
What is your name?
io mi chiamo Maria
This is my doll.
Questa e la mia Bambola.
Good morning miss Luisa.
Buon giorno signorina Luisa.
Come visit us
Venite a visitarci
Come back soon.
Tornate presto.
This is my cousin Jack.
Questo e mio cugino Jack.
Would you like to eat a fig?
Vuoi mangiare un fico?
Hi Bill, how are you?
Ciao Bill, come stai?
This is the bank I use.
Questa e la banca che uso.
There is a hole there.
C’e`un buco li.
Use this pen to write.
Usa questa penna per scrivere.
Good night Mario
Buona notte Mario
Let’s go to the theater
Andiamo al teatro
The Queen’s name is Elizabeth
Il nome della Regina e` Elizabetta
We will be back tomorrow
Torneremo domain
I love mushrooms
Amo I funghi.
In the next lessons I will continue with conversations. So, if you have any questions let me know. Ciao, Dino
Italian Lesson 2
Singular Pronouns
io = I
tu, Lei = You
egli, lui = He
ella,essa, lei = She
esso, essa = It
Plural Pronouns
Noi = we
Voi = you plural
Essi, esse, loro = They
Use of pronouns
io mi chiamo Mario = My name is Mario (ee-ho mee kee-a-moh Mario)
Tu Parli inglese? Do you speak English? (Too par-lee in-glaz-eh? (Informal)
Lei parla inglese? Do you speak English (Formal)
Egli parla solo inglese. He speaks only English
Lui parla Italiano. He speaks Italian
Essi (esse) parlano italiano. They speak Italian
Loro parlano solo inglese. They speak only English
Vocabulary:
Bambola (Bam-bow-la)= Doll
Banca (Bahn-ka) = Bank
Buco (Boo-co) = Hole
Citta` (Cheet-tah) = City
Cugino (Coo-gee-now) = Cousin
Donna (Don-nah) = Woman
Giorno (Gee-or-now) = Day
Fico (Fee-co) = Fig
Fungo (Foon-goh) = Mushroom
Mano (Man-ho) = Hand
Mucca (Moo-ka) = Cow
Notte (Kno-teh) = Night
Penna (Pen-nah) = Pen
Piena (pee-eh-nah) = Full
Porco (Por-ko) = Pig
Ragazzo (Ra-ga-tszo) = Boy
Regina (Re-gee-nah) = Queen
Rivista (Ree-vee-stah) = Magazine
Greetings:
Buon giorno = Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Day.
Buona sera = Good Afternoon, Good Evening
Buona notte = Good night
Ciao = Hello, Good-bye
Arrivederci = Good-bye
A piu` Tardi = See you later
A Domani = See you tomorrow
A Presto = See you soon
Addio = Good-bye for ever , Farewell
Place the correct English translation in the blank.
Buona notte _________ ________________
Arrivederci _____________ ______________________
Italian Lesson 1
Alphabet/Alfabeto
A as in Ca(lifornia)
B as in Bi(ll)
C as in Chi(ken)
D as indi(sh)
E as in e(lse)
F as in EnglishF
G as in Gi(n)
H always silent
I as in i(ndicate)
L as in Ele(gant)
M as in Eme(ry)
N as in Ene(pt)
O as in O(regon)
P as in Pi(g)
Q as in Coo(k)
R as in Re(servation)
S as in Va(se) or Chai(se)
T as in English Tea
U as C(oo)l in English
V as (Vee) in English
Z as in ca(TS)
(J<K<W< X>Y) These letters do not belong to the Italian alphabet and are found only in foreign words.
Pronunciation of vowels:
A as in Class
E as in let (Open e)
I as in Been
U as in oo spoon
O as in not or home
In Italian there are two genders, Masculine and Feminine.
All nouns ending in –o ( with a few exceptions) belong to the masculine gender, while all nouns ending in –a (also with a few exceptions) belong to the feminine gender. Nouns ending in –e may be either.
Definite Article: The Italian definite articles are: il, lo,l’ for the masculine singular, la, l’ for the feminine singular. I gli for the masculine plural and le for the feminine plural.
Practice:
Place the gender of the nouns M/F in the space provided.
Amico (Friend)___________
Amica (Friend)___________
Libro (Book)_____________
Pagina (Page) __________
Commedia (Comedy) ___
Sedia (Chair) ______
Tavolo (Table)________
Finestra (Window) _____
Porta (Door) ______
Next lesson will be on the use of pronouns. Bye, Dino
This section of the newsletter has been discontinued as of the September 2013 newsletter.
From June 2013 ICO Newsletter:
Dove posso comprare un giornale? Where can I buy a newspaper?
Dov'e' un negazio? Where is the store?
Quanto costa il libro? How much does the book cost?
Vorrei due bottiglie d'acqua. I like two bottle of water
Vorrei comprare dei souvenirs. I would like to buy some souvenirs
Vorrei comperare una pila? Were can I buy a flashlight?
Dove posso comperare delle batterie? Where con I buy batteries?
Dovrei comperare un regalo per mia madre. I need to buy a present for my mother.
E' molto caro. Mi farebbe uno sconto? This is very expensive. Can you give me a discount?
Vorrei quattro francobolli e quattro cartoline. I would like to buy 4 stamps and 4 postcards.
Mi serve del dentifricio. I need some toothpaste.
Prego, paghi alla cassa. Please pay at the counter.
Vorrei fare un cambio. I would like to exchange this.
Se non parlate ancora l' Italiano, non e' colpa mia. Questa e la mia 300ma lezzione d"Italiano. I muri avrebbero imparato. Ciao, Dino
From May 2013 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson # 56: Here are some Italian sentences for you to learn.
Io non capisco - I do not understand.
Dov' e' or Dove e' il negozio? - Were is the shop
Non mangio carne - I don't eat meat.
Posso usare il suo telefono - May I use your telephone.
Dove e' la farmacia? - Where is the pharmacy.
Non so! - I don't know.
to drink?
Dove posso prendere un tassi' (taxi) - Where can I get a taxi?
Dov'e' la spiaggia? - Where is the beach?
Il conto per favore or (Piacere). - The check, please.
Mi da aiuto? - Can you help me?
Dove e' la stazione del treno? - Where is the train station?
Note! Dove e' and Dov'e' all mean the same "Where is?" While "Dove" without the apostrophy means "Where". Dove vai? Where you going?
Ciao, ci vedremo il prossimo mese, Dino.
From April 2013 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson # 55: Here are some Italian everyday questions.
Come si dice questo? How do you say this?
Cosa e questo? What is this?
Cosa vuoi? What do you want?
Come ti chiami? What is your name?
Come stai? How are you?
Io ho fame. I am hungry.
Io ho sete. I am thirsty.
Giochiamo a carte. Let 's play cards.
Conosci questo gioco? Do you know this game?
Sai cantare? You know how to sing?
Sai questa canzone? You know this song?
Sai leggere l'Inglese? Can you read Inglish?
Sei bugiardo. You lie.
Sai guidare? You know how to drive?
Ci vediamo presto, Dino. See you soon, Dino
From March 2013 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson # 54: Two ladies go to market to buy groceries: Their typical conversation may go something like this:
Pina: Devo comprare la carne. I need to buy meat.
Lucia: Devo comprare dei legumi e` frutta. I have to buy vegetables and fruit.
Pina: Devo comprare spaghetti e pane. I need to buy spaghetti and bread.
Lucia: Devo comprare le patate. I have to buy pototoes.
Pina: Per comprare la carne devo andare dal macellaiio. I havto go to the butcher to buy the meat.
Lucia: Anche io voglio comprera della carne. Voglio comprare del Vitello tenero . I too want to buy some meat. I want to buy some tender Veal.
Lucia: Signora Pina, andiamo dal macellaio. Ms Pina let's go to the butcher
Pina: Si, andiamo dal macellaio. Yes, let's go to the butcher.
See you next month. Study!
From February 2013 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson # 53: Some more conversations for you to learn. Conversations between friends.
Che cosa prendi Luigi? - What are you having Luigi?
Io prendo un espresso. – I’ll have an espresso.
Mario, e tu cosa prendi? - Mario, what are you having?
Io prendo un cappuccino. - I’ll have a cappuccino.
Dove andiamo dopo? - Where are we going afterwards?
Andiamo a casa di Maria. - Let's go to Maria's house.
Conoscete Maria? - Do you know Maria?
No, chi e`. - No, who is she?
E` L'amica di Pietro. - She is Peter's friend.
Chi altro viene? - Who else is coming?
Vengono anche Rosa e Giuseppe. - Rose and Giuseppe are also coming.
Avete chiamato Maria? - Have you called Maria?
Si, lei ha detto che ci aspetta. - Yes, she said she will be waiting for us.
Va bene, andiamo. - Ok, Let's go.
From January 2013 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson # 52: In this lesson we learn how to say that we agree or disagree about something.
Agreeing:
Si, e` vero. Yes it is true.
Capisco. I see/I understand.
Certo/ Certamente. Certainly.
Non c'e` problema. No problem.
Sono d'accordo. I agree.
Io credo di si. I believe so.
Disagreeing:
No, non e` vero. No, it's not true.
Ma va! No way.
Non capisco. I don't see/ I don't understand.
No, ma almeno. No, but at least.
Non va bene. It's not okay.
Non lo so! I don't know/I'm not sure!
Non sono d'accordo. I don't agree.
Io non lo credo. I don't believe it.
From December 2012 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson # 51: In this lesson we learn how to answer questions requiring a "No" reply. The following can be used to answer "No" to questions. Neanche; Nemmeno; Not Even. Mai; Never. Piu`; No More, No Longer. Niente; Nulla; Nothing. Nessuno; No One, Nobody. Always remember to keep "Non" before the verb when replying.
Question: Is Mary also Italian? E` Italiana anche Maria? Answer: No, non e` Italiana neanche Maria. No, not even Maria is Italian
Question: Is Maria hungry? Ha fame Maria? Answer: No, Maria non ha fame. No, Maria is not hungry.
Question: Is Claudia in a hurry? Ha fretta Claudia? Answer: No, Claudia is not in a hurry. No, Claudia non e` in fretta.
The following words are used in a interrogative Questions. Dove e`? or Dov'e`?, Where is it? Come e`? or Com'e`?, How is it? Quale e`?, or qual'e`? Which is it?
Question: Dove e`or Dov'e`Maria? Where is Maria? Answer: Ecco Maria. Here is Maria.
Question: Come e` or com'e`fatta la pasta? How is the pasta cooked? Answer: la faccio con la salsa Marinara. I cook it with Marinara sauce.
Question: Quale or qual'e? Which is it? E` la matita. It is the pencil.
Other interrogative words can be: Perche? Why? Che e`/Cosa e`/Che cosa e`. What is it? Chi sono? Who are they? Here are some example:
Question: Chi sono? Who are they? Answer: Sono Marco and Marisa. The are Mark and Marisa
Question: Cosa e`?/ che cosa e`? /Che e`?: What is it?
Answer: E` una matita. It is a pencil.
From November 2012 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson # 50: In this Italian lesson we learn how to greet people and introduce oneself to others. The dialogue is all in Italian and you will have to read it and pronounce the sentences. The translation is provided so you know what you are saying.
Greeting people:
Maria: Ciao Claudia, Come va? Hi Claudia how is it going?
Claudia: Molto bene. E TU? Very well and you?
Maria: Cosi, cosi, purtroppo. So, so unfortunately.
Claudia: Perche? Why?
Maria: Perche ho mal di testa. Because I have a headache.
Claudia: Pazienza. Ciao! Patience. Bye.
Maria: Arriverci a domani. Goodbye. See you tomorrow.
Introducing yourself:
Mrs Verdi: Buongiorno signor Rossi, Come sta? Good morning Mr Rossi. How are you?
Mr. Rossi: Abbastanza bene, grazie. E lei? Quite well , thank you. And you?
Mrs Verdi: Anche io sto molto bene. I too am very well.
Mr Rossi: Buongiorno, a presto. Goodbye, See you soon.
Mrs Verdi: ArrivederLa. Goodbye.
As you can see the main difference in these two conversations is that one greets people using informal words in the conversation. We know this because of the use of the pronoun "TU" when refering to the other person. In the second conversation it is more formal. We know this because we use titles (MR, MRS) before the name and in the salutation (ArrivederLa) instead of arrivederci.
From October 2012 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson # 49: In this lesson we will learn about Phonetics (Fonetica) of the Italian language.
CA – CO – CU (Ka), al(co)hol, (coo)k
CHI – CHE Hard as in Ke(y), Ke(nnedy)
CI – CE soft as in Chee(se), Che(ck)
GI – GE soft as in Gin, Ge(neral)
GHI – GHE hard as in Gui(lty), Gue(st)
GA – GE – GU hard as in Ga(rden), Go(lf), Goo(d)
GN – as in (Can)yon
GLI - as in (Mi) lli (on)
GLE – GLO – GLA – GLU as in Gla(d), Glo(rious), Gla(ss), Gloo(m)
SCI – SCE as She, Sha(meless)
SCA – SCO – SCU as in Sca(t), Sco(ld), Scoo(t)
SCHI – SCHE Ski, Sche(dule)
Here are some words . See if you can pronounce them.
CASA, (HOUSE) COME, (HOW) CUORE, (HEART) CHI SEI? (WHO IS IT) CHE FAI? (WHAT ARE YOU DOING) CECI (PEAS) GIORNO, (DAY) GENTE, (PEOPLE) RIGHE, (LINES) GHIACCIO, (ICE) GARAGE, (GARAGE) GENERALE (GENERAL), GUARDA, (GUARD) GNOMO, (GNOME LITTLE PEOPLE) EGLI, (HIM), GLORIA, (GLORIA ‘S NAME), GLADIATORE, (GLADIATOR) GLUTAMMATO, (GLUTAMATE), SCI (SKI), SCEGLI, (CHOOSE), SCATOLA, ( BOX, CARTON), SCOPA, (BROOM), SCUDO, (SHIELD), FISCHI, (WHISTLES), SCHEDINA, (SCHEDULE). Bye, Dino
From September 2012 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson # 49: No Italian lesson this month. They will resume in October. Sorry.
From June 2012 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson # 48: After this lesson, I will no longer provide Italian lessons. This section will be available for other articles of interest. Here are some words you may need to know if you travel to Europe this summer.
Stazione – Statsyo-ne – Station (Bus, Train etc.)
Aereoporto – Aero-port-oh – Airport.
Bagaglio – ba-ga-lyoh- Baggage.
Partenza/Arrivo – par-ten-tsa/Ah-ree-vo –
Departure/Arrival.
Prima Classe – pree-ma kla-she – First Class.
Prenotazione – Pre-noh-ta-tsyo-ne – Reservation
Destinazione – Des-tee-nah-tsyo-ne – Destination.
Vietato Fumare – Vee-eh-tatoh foo-mar-eh – Smoking not allowed.
Passaporto – passah-port-oh – Passport.
Dogana – Dog-ah-nah – Customs.
Albergo – al-ber-goh – Hotel.
Pensione – Pen-syo-neh – Pension.
Appartamento – Appar-tah-men-toh – Apartment.
Colazione – Kol-at-syo-ne – Breakfast.
Numero della camera – Noo-meroh-del-lah ka-mera –
Room number.
From May 2012 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson # 47: Here are more everyday words for you to learn. Place them in the following sentences.
Antenna – (An-tayn-na) Antenna.
Radio – (Radio) Radio.
Giradischi – (Jee-ra- dees- key) Record Player.
Televisore – (Tay-lay-vee-soh-ray) Television.
Scaffale – (Skaf-fa-lay) Bookcase.
Tappeto – (Tap-pay-toh) Carpet.
Tavolino – (ta-voh-lee-noh) Coffee table.
I listen to the ________ almost daily
I listen to my records on my _________
I have a ___________in my bedroom
I installed a new _________in my house
The __________ allows me to see television.
I keep my books in my ______________
My __________is made of Oakwood
I have a color __________
I keep most of my important papers in my ___________
The color of my _________is brown and white
I use my __________to place my drinks on.
I play my records on my______________
From April 2012 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson #46: As I promised you, in this lesson we will learn about the Article “The” in the Italian language. In the English language there is only one article “The” and is used to describe anything that requires the article “The” before a subject or thing. “The man”, “The Table” etc. In the Italian language the article “The” varies when we speak in the plural, singular, femine or masculine or neutral terms. Here are some examples.
“IL” is used with singular masculine nouns or adjectives.
“I” is used with plural masculine nouns or adjectives.
“La” is used with feminine singular nouns or adjectives.
“Le” is used with feminine plural nouns and adjectives.
“Lo” is used with singular masculine nouns and adjectives that begin with a vowel. However the singular “Lo” loses the vowel and takes on the apostrophe (L’) when the word begins with a vowel. Ie: “Aereo” The plane. “L’aereo”.
“Gli” is the plural form of “Lo”. “Gli aerie” the planes.
So… “Il. I, La, Le, Lo, Gli. And L’ all mean the article “The” in the Italian language.
Here are some examples:
IL bagno, the bath, I Bagni, The baths
La chiesa. The church. Le Chiese. The churches
Lo zio. The Uncle. Gli zii. The uncles
And finally, L’aero. The airplane and gli aeri. The airplanes.
Is everybody confused? I hope not. If you have any questions, I’ll be happy to explain it to you.
From March 2012 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson #45: In Italian, all nouns (names of people, places, and things) are either masculine or feminine. Most words ending in “o” or “i” are masculine. Most words ending in “a” or “e” are feminine. Here are some examples.
Masculine Singular Masculine Plural:
Gatto – Gat-toh – Cat. Gatti – Gat-tee – Cats.
Libro – Lee-broh – Book. Libri – Lee-bree – Books
Vaso – Va-zoh – Vase. Vasi – Va-zee – Vases
Uccello – Oo-chay-loh Bird. Uccelli – Oo-che-lee – Birds
Albero – Al-beh-roh – Tree. Alberi – Al-beh-ree – trees
Feminine Singular: Feminine Plural:
Pietra – Pee-eht-rah – Stone. Pietre – Pee-eht-tray – Stones. Busta – Boos-tah – Envelope. Buste – Boos-teh – Envelopes. Nonna – Non-nah – Grandma. Nonne – non-neh – Grandmas. Sedia – Say-dee-ah – Chair. Sedie – Say-dee-eh – Chairs. Carta – Car-tah – Paper. Carte – Car-teh – Papers. Borsa – Bohr-tsa – Purse. Borse – Bohr-tseh – Purses. Gonna – Gohn-na – Skirt. Gonne – Gohn-nay – Skirts. Scarpa – Scar-pah – Shoe. Scarpe – Scar-peh – Shoes. In our next lesson we will learn about the articles “i, iI, lo, la, le and gli and the L’ Apostrophe”. All of which mean the article “the” in the English language.
From February 2012 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson #44: Women clothing
Il Cappello – eel kap-pehl-loh The – Hat
Gli Occhiali – Lyee ok-kya=lee – The Glasses
Il Vestito – eel vays-tee-toh – The Dress
Il Costume da bagno – eel kohs-too-may da Ban-yoh – The bathing suit
La Borsa – La Bohr-tsa – The purse
Stivali da neve – stee-va-lee da Neh-veh
Pantofole – Pan-t0-foh-lay – Slippers
Scarpe col taco alto – Skar-pay col tak-koh al-toh – High heeled shoes
Il Maglione – eel ma-lyoh-nay – Sweater
La Gonna – La Gohn-na – The Skirt
Le Scarpe – Lay Skar-pay – the shoes
I Sandali – ee san-da-lee – Sandals
La Cintura – la chin-too-ra – The Belt
Le Calze – lay kal-tse – The socks
Le mutande – Lay Moo-tan-day – Underwear
That’s all for this time.
From January 2012 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson #43: Lesson #43: In this lesson we learn some typical conversations between 2 people.
On the telephone: A conversation may go like this:
Pronto, chi parla? Hello, who is speaking?
Ciao, sono Giuseppe, vorrei parlare con Luigi. Hi, this is Giuseppe, I would like to speak to Luigi.
Hi, I am Giuseppe, I would like to speak to Luigi.
At a coffee shop, a typical conversation may go like this:
Cameriere mi porti un caffe e un cappuccino per il mio amico. Waiter bring me a coffee and a cappuccino for my friend.
Conversation at a restaurant:
Cameriere mi porti la lista. Allora, prima mi porti la minestra,
poi il pollo fritto, potate e insalata.
Waiter bring me the menu. Well, I would like pasta, fried chicken, potatoes and salad.
At a department store may go like this:
Vorrei quell vestito bianco che e in vetrina.
I would like a white dress like the one in the window.
At a hotel:
Desidero una camera a un letto. Se e` possible, al primo piano.
I would like a room with one bed. If possible, on the first floor.
From December 2011 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson #42: Here are more find the correct answers to the following Italian sentences.
Oggi e una brutta giornata.
a – To-day is a beautiful day
b – To-day is a bad day
c – Today the sun will not shine
d – Today it will rain
Venite alla alla festa di Natale?
a – Are you coming to the Christmas Party?
b – We are going to the Christmas Party?
c – Who is coming to the Christmas Party?
d – Noi non andiamo alla Christmas Party?
Dove fate la festa di Natale?
a – Where is the Christmas Party?
b – Where is the Christmas Party held?
c – In which place are you holding the Christmas Party?
L’ICO celebra il Natale con una festa allo Sportsman Club.
a – ICO celebrate Christmas with a party at the Sportsman Club.
b – There will be plenty to eat at the Christmas Party.
c – Bring friends at the Christmas Party.
d – There will be entertainment at the Christmas Party.
Answers: b, a, b, a. See you at the Party.
From November 2011 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson #41:
Non dimenticare la Festa di Natale
a - Do not forget the Christmas Party
b – Do not forget the Easter Party
c – I will go to the Christmas Party
d – Are you going to the Christmas Party
Io porto due amici alla Party del 17 Dicembre
a – I go to the Dec 17th Party Alone
b – Me and two friends are going to the December 17th Party
c – I am taking two friends to the Party of Dec 17th
d – Two friends and I are going to the party of Dec 17th.
In quale posto fate la ICO Christmas Party.
a – The Christmas Party is held annually
b – In which place is the ICO Christmas Party Held.
c – The Christmas Party is an ICO annual event.
d – In what place is the ICO Christmas Party held.
Answers: a, c, b.
From October 2011 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson #40: I do not know how you did on my last Italian lesson as I did not receive any feedback from you. I will assume you did well and did not cheat. Here are more sentences.
Sei andato alla Fiera?
a - Are we going to the Fair?
b – Did you go to the Fair?
c – Did we go to the Fair?
Alla Fiera ho visto molti animali.
a – At the fair there were many animals.
b – At the fair I saw a few animals.
c – At the Fair I saw many animals.
Io ho portato mia nipote alla Fiera.
a – I brought my niece at the Fair.
b – My niece and I went to the Fair.
c – My niece took me to the Fair.
A me piace molto andare alla Fiera
a – Many people were at the Fair.
b – People like to go to the Fair.
c – I like to go to the Fair very much.
Here are the answers: b, c, a, and c.
See you next month. Dino
From September 2011 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson #39: In this lesson, I will write a sentence in English and you choose the correct answers from the choices a, b, or c provided. The correct answers are at the bottom. Try to answer them without looking them up.
I want to go to sleep.
a – Io voglio dormire
b – Io voglio andare a dormire
c – Io voglio andare a letto.
Let’s go eat at my uncle restaurant.
a – Andiamo a mangiare al ristorante di mio zio.
b – Mangiamo al ristorante di mio zio.
c – Mio zio ha un ristorante.
Our train leaves tomorrow.
a – Domani il nostro treno non parte.
b – Il nostro treno parte oggi.
c – Il nostro treno parte domain.
The wind was so strong that my hat flew off my head.
a – Il vento are cosi forte che mi ha alzato la gonna.
b – Il vento era cosi forte che mi ha portato via il cappello
dalla testa.
c – Il vento era forte e mi ha portato via la testa.
Answers: b, a, c, b. If you got them all right (without looking at the answers first), you are doing very good at understanding and speaking Italian. See you next month. Dino
From June 2011 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson #38:
Le montagne – Lay-mohn-ta-nyay – Mountains
Gli alberi – lyee-al-bayree – Trees
Il muro – Eel Moo-row – The wall
Il Pino – Eel Pee-noh – Pine tree
Il Garage – Eel ga-ra-jay – The garage
La Pietra – La pyay-tra – The stone
La piscine – La pee-shee-nah – Swimming Pool
Il forchettone – Eel fohr-kay-toh-nay – Gardening Fork
La palette – La pa-layt-tah – Gardening shovel
Il buco – Eel boo.ko – The hole
La Terra – La tehr-rah – The soil
La carriola – La Kar-ree-o-la – The wheelbarrow
Le foglie – Ley fo-lyay – The leaves
I fiori – Ee fyoh-ree – Flowers
Il Ramo – Eel Rah-moh – Tree branch
Il canile – Eel ka-nee-lay – The doghouse
Il rastrello – Eel ras-trehl-loh – The rake
From May 2011 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson #37: For this lesson we learn the names of some Italian desserts and other useful words:
Torta – Tohr-tah – Cake
Gelato – Jay-lah-toh – Ice cream
Paste – pas-tay – Pastry
Cannoli – Kahn-noh-lee – Canoli shells
Biscotti – Bees-kot-tee – Bisquits/Cookies
Farina – Fa-ree-nah – flour
Crema – kray-ma – Cream
Cereali – Chay-ray-ahlee – Cereal
Recinto – Ray-cheen-toh – Corral
Stalla – Stal-la – Stable
Villino- Veel-lee-noh – Cottage
Fieno – Fee-eh-noh – Hay
Cavallo – Ka-val-loh – Horse
Laccio – La-choh – Lasso
Mucca – Mook-ka – Cow
Contadino – Kon-tah-dee-noh – Farmer
See you next month. Dino
From April 2011 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson #36: In this lesson we learn the names of vegetables and fruits.
Carote – Ka-ro-tay – Carrots
Cipolle – Chee-pohl-lay – Onions
Fagiolini – Fa-joh-lee-knee – Beans
Pomodori – Poh-moh-doh-ree – Tomatoes
Cavoli – Ka-voh-lee – Cabbages
Melanzane – May-lan-tsa-nay – Eggplants
Lattuga – Lat-too-ga – Lettuce
Granturco – Gran-toor-koh – Corn
Zucchini – Tsoo-key-knee – Squash
Asparagi – As-pa-ra-gee – Asparagus
Peperoni – Pay-pay-roh-knee – Bell Peppers
Cavolifiori – Ka-voh-lee-fee-oh-ree – Cauliflower
Patate – Pa-ta-tay – Potatoes
Prugne – Proo-nyay – Plums
Pesche – Pehs-kay – Peaches
Mele – May-lay – Apples
Desserts names next month.
From March 2011 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson #35: In this lesson we learn how to say words that have dobble consonants. When you say these words let your tongue stick to your palate a little longer than usual.
Bello – Behl-loh – Pretty
Letto – Leht-toh – Bed
Latte – Laht-the – Milk
Burro – Buhr-roh – Butter
Penna – Pehn- nah – Pen
Anno – Anh-noh – Year
Grotta – Grot-tah – Cave
Fredda – Fred-dah – Cold
Ballare- Bahl lah-ray – Dancing
Piatto – Pea-aht – to – Plate
Prezzo- pre-tsz- zoh- price
Sasso – sas-soh – Stone
Oggi – Ohg-gee - today
Ragazzo – Rahg-gah-tso
In all these words you should have felt your tongue stick to your palate a little longer than usual wherever there is a double consonant. If not, you are not saying it right. Dino
From February 2011 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson #34: Last month I started the lesson “how to pronounce the Italian alphabet”. I stopped with the letter “P” because I ran out of space. Therefore in this lesson I will continue with the rest of the Italian alphabet.
q cu like English in qu(ake) or qu(ick)
r er-re similar to r in r(ese)r(vation)
s es-se like English in (plea)s(e) or S(ail)
t tea like in English t(ea) or t(ee)
u u like English w in w(ine) or w(ater)
v vu like English v
Z zeta like in English z(ero) or z(one)
j-k-w-x-y generally we find them only in mathematics, in proper names, last names or family names.
Here are some examples:
“Walter” pronounced “Valter”
“James” pronounced “Iames” or “Giames”.
C.U next month. Ciao, Dino
From January 2011 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson #33 In order to help you pronounce Italian words correctly we must learn their pronunciation. So following is the Italian Alphabet and how to pronounce the letters.
a a always like English a in mamy or in ask or California
b bi like English b in bi(son) or bi(ll)
c ci like English in chi(ef) or chi(ken)
d di like English in di(fference) or di(sh)
e e like English e(lse) or e(migrant)
f ef-fe like English f
g gi like English gi(n) or gi(psy)
h ac-ca always silent
i i always like English in i(ndicate) or i(rresponsible)
*j i lunga like English in y(es) or y(ou)
*k cap-pa like English in k(ill) or (po)k(er)
l el-le like English l in L(ondon) or l(ecture)
m em-me like English m in m(other) or (Tho)m(as)
n en-ne like English n in n(ot) or en (e)nn(emy)
o o like English o in (Lond)o(n) or O(regon)
p p like English p in P(aris) or (ha)pp(y)
The rest next month. Dino
From December 2010 ICO Newsletter:
There is no lesson for the month of December 2010.
From November 2010 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson #32: I guess that by now you should have learned how to say quite a few Italian words…if you studied them. Here are a few more to add to your vocabulary:
Ottobre – Ott-oh-breh – October
Novembre – No-vem-breh – November
Dicembre – Dee- chem.-breh – December
Indirizzo – In-dee-ree-tso – Address
Prefisso – Pray-fee-tso – Prefix
Sportello – Sport-el-loh – Counter
Destinazione – Des-tee-nah-tsyo-neh – Destination
Droghe – Dro-ghe – Drugs (medical or non medical)
Organi – Or-gah-knee – Organs (Human or Musical)
Stivali – Stee-va-lee – Boots
Unghia – Oon-gee-ah – Nail
Specialista – Speh-chee-alee-stah –Specialist
Nervi – Nehr-vee – Nerves
Partenza – Par-tehn-tsah – Departure
Arrivo – Aree-voh – Arrival
Stazione – Stah-tsyo-nay – Station
See you next month. Study!! Dino
From October 2010 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson #31: In this lesson we will learn the days of the week and the months of the year.
Days of the week:
Lunedi – Loo-neh-dee – Monday
Martedi – Marh-teh-dee – Tuesday
Mercoledi – Mehr-cohl-adee – Wednesday
Giovedi – Gee-oh-veh-dee – Thursday
Venerdi –Ven-nehr-dee – Friday
Sabato – Sah-bah-toe – Saturday
Domenica – Dom-eh-knee-ka – Sunday
Months of the year:
Gennaio – Jen-nah-ee-oh – January
Febbraio – Febr-ah-ee-oh – February
Marzo – Mar-tsoh – March
Aprile – Ah-pree-leh – April
Maggio – Mah-gee-oh – May
Giugno – Gee-oo-nyo – June
Luglio – Loo-leeyo – July
Agosto – Ah-gos-toh – August
Settembre – Set-tehm-bray – September
The rest will be in the next lesson as they do not fit here.
From September 2010 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson #30: Has anyone learned to speak Italian yet? After thirty lessons, one would think that someone would at least have learned to speak a few phrases in Italian. If not, then my effort to teach you Italian has gone for naught and I am a complete failure as a teacher. I need feedback from you if I need to continue with these lessons or not. A lot of my time goes in bringing these Italian lessons to you and I hate to think it is for naught.
How do you say that in Italian:
Calculator – Calcolatrice – Cal-coh-la-tree-che
Camera – Macchina fotograficha – Ma-kee-nah photo-grah-fee-ka
Newspaper – Giornale – gee-or-na-leh
Teacher – Maestro(M)/a(F) – Mah-est-roh/or Mah-est-rah
Calendar – Calendario – ka-lend-ah-ree-oh
Note book – Quaderno – kqa-dern-oh
Eyeglasses – Occhiali – Okee-ah-lee
Month – Mese – Meh-se
Lesson – Lezione – Leh-tsyo-neh
Dictionary – Dizionario – Dee-tsee-oh-naree-oh
Religion – Religione – Reh-lee-gee-on-eh
Flashlight – Pila – Pee-lah
Bye for now. C.U. at the September 11th meeting. Dino
From June 2010 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson #29: More of how do you say that in Italian
Grapes – Uva – Oo-vah
Oranges – Arance – Ah-rah-nche
Apples – Mele – Meh-le
Pears – Pere – Peh-re
Cherries – Ciliege – Chili-ay-jay
Mandarins – Mandarini – Man-da-ree-knee
Apricots – Apricotte – Upree-cot-teh
Pineapple – Ananas – Ah-nah-nas
Peaches – Pesche – Pehs-ke
Eggs – Uova – Oo-ohva
Bacon – Pancetta – Pan-chet-tah
Ham – Prosciutto – Pro-shoot-toh
Potatoes – Patate – Pa-tah-the
Lettuce – Lattuga – Laht-too-gah
Tomatoes – Pomodori – Pom-oh-doh-ree
Butter – Burro – Boor-roh
Margarine – Margarina – Mar-gah-ree-nah
Jam – Marmellata – Mar-mehl-lah-tah
C.U. all next September. I hope you have enjoyed the Italian lessons I brought you. Ciao, Dino
From May 2010 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson #28: More “How do you say that in Italian.
Calendar – Calendario – Ka-lend-ah-ree-oh
Dictionary – Dizionario – Dee-tszee-oh-nah-ree-oh
Document – Documento – Doh-coo-men-toh
Newspaper – Giornale – Gee-ohr-nah-lay
Wonderful – Meraviglioso – Meh-rah-vee-lyo-so
Microphone -= Microfono – Mee-croh-foh-noh
Half moon - Mezzaluna – Meh-tsza-loon-ah
Half Bottle – Mezza Bottiglia – Meh-tsza Boh-tee-lya
Metal - Metallo – Meh-tahl-loh
Half an hour – Mezz’ora – Meh-tszo-rah
Microwave - Micro onda – Mee-croh-ohn-dah
Noon – Midday – Mezzogiorno – Meh-tszo-gee-orn-noh
Medicine – Medicina – Meh-dee-chee-nah
Doctor – Medico – Meh-dee-coh
See you - Ci vediamo – Chee-vedee-ah-mo
From April 2010 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson # 27 How do you say in Italian…
Stuffed eggs.- le uova ripiene - Le ooh-va ree-pyay-nay
Sausages – Le salsiccie – Le sal-see-chay
Ham - Il prosciutto – Eel proh-shoot-toh
Dirty dishes – I piatti sporchi – Ee pyat-tee spohr-kee
Roast chicken – Il pollo arrosto – Eel pohl-loh ar-ros-toh
Fireplace – Il camino – Eel ka-mee-noh
Tablecloth – La tovaglia – La toh-va-lya
Salad – L’insalata – Leen-sa-la-ta
Tomatoes – I pomodori – Ee poh-moh-do-ree
Flour – La farina – La fa-ree-na
Bell peppers – I pepperoni – Ee pay-pay-roh-nee
Lettuce – La lattuga – La lat-too-ga
Eggplants – Le melanzane – Le May-lan-za-nay
Cookies – I biscotti – Ee bees-kot-tee
Tuna – Il Tonno – Eel tohn-noh
Milk – Il latte – Eel lat-tay
See u next month with more words. Study!
From March 2010 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson # 26 How do you say….in Italian?
Antenna – An-tayn-na – Antenna
Giradischi – Jee-ra-dees-key – Record player
Dischi – Dees-key – Records
Televisore – Tay-lay-vee-soh-ray – Television
Scaffale – Skaf-fah-lay – Bookcase
Tappeto – Tap-pay-toh – Carpet
Filo – Fee-loh – Yarn
Busta – Boos-tah – Envelope
Giornale – Johr-na-lay – Newspaper
Sedia a dondolo – Say-dee-ah a dohn-doh-loh – Rocking chair
Nonna – Non-na – Grandmother
Nipote – Knee-poh-tay – Grandson
Paralume – Pa-ra-loo-may – Lampshade
Specchio – Spek-key-oh – Mirror
Lavandino – La-van-dee-noh – Sink
Tostapane – Tohs-ta-pa-nay – Toaster
Frullatore – Frool-la-toh-ray – Blender
Mestolo – Mays-toh-loh – Ladle
From February 2010 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson # 25 This Italian lesson I dedicate to Antonio Guadagno who tries so hard to learn to speak Italian. A hypothetical conversation between Antonio and me would go like this.
Antonio, dove lavori? – Antonio, do-vay la-voh-ree? Antonio, where do you work?
Io ho il mio business – EE-oh oh eel mee-oh business. I have my own business.
Che tipo di business e’? – ke tee-poh dee business eh? – What type of business is it?
Io sono un Chiropractor – EE-oh so-noh oon kee-roh-prak-tor – I am a Chiropractor.
Tu curi dolori della schiena? – Two coo-ree doh-lo-ree del-lah ski-eh-nah? – You treat back pain?
Si, ma non solo. Io curo anche altri dolori delle ossa. See, mah non soh-lo . ee-oh coo-ro an-kay ahl-tree doh-lo-ree del-leh ohs-sah – Yes, but not only those. I also treat other bone pain.
Curi molti client? – Coo-ree mol-tee cli- an-tee? – You treat many patients?
Si, molti. – See, mol-tee – Yes, many
Guadagni bene? – Goo-ah-da-gnee beh-nay? – You earn very much?
Mi guadagno la vita. – Mee goo-ah-da-gnoh la vee-tah – I earn a living. Ciao, Antonio. Dino
From January 2010 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson # 24 Here are some words that may come handy to know if you went to a market to buy groceries.
Zucchero – Zook-kay-roh – Sugar
Burro – Boo-roh – Butter
Marmellata – Mar-mayl-la-tah – Marmelade or Jam
Pane – Pa-nay – Bread
Ciliege – Chee-lee-ajay – Cherries
Uva – Oo-vah – Grapes
Banane – Ba-na-nay – Bananas
Bilancia – Bee-lan-cha – Scale
Fragole – Fra-goh-lay – Strawberries
Fritta – Froot-tah – Fruit
Sacco di carta – Sak-koh dee kar-ta – Paper bag
Cassiera – kas-see-eh-rah – Cashier
Cassa – Kas-sah – Cash Register
Scontrino – scohn-tree-noh – Receipt
Cestino – Chas-tee-noh – Grocery Basket
If you ever go grocery shopping in Italy, learning these words may help you to shop.
Bye, Dino
From December 2009 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson # 23 Here are more conversation sentences for you to learn.
Answering the telephone: Pronto chi parla? – Pron-toh kee pahr-la? Hello who is speaking?
At the coffee shop: Cameriere un espresso per favore. – Cam-ay-ree-eh-ray oon espresso per fah-vo-ray. Waiter an espresso please.
At a Restaurant: Cameriere mi porti il menu. – cam-ay-ree-eh-ray mee pohr-tee eel menu. Waiter, bring me the menu.
In a shoe shop: Desiderei le scarpe marroni. –desi-deh-ray leh scar-peh mar-ro-knee.
I would like the brown shoes.
On the street: Taxi, mi porti all’aeroporto.-
Taxi, me pohr-tee al-laeh-ro-pohr-toh. Taxi, take me to the Airport.
At the Hotel: Desideriamo una camera a due letti. – Desi-deh-ree-ahmo oon-ah cam-eh-rah ah do-eh leht-tee. We would like a room with two beds.
Dov’e` lascensore?- Do-vay lah-she-an-sore-ray? – Where is the elevator?
I hope you are enjoying me bringing you these Italian lessons. Let me know if you do.
From November 2009 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson # 22 Knowing how to change a word from the masculine to the feminine and from the singular to the plural, will help you to speak Italian correctly. Here are some examples.
Il ragazzo – Eel rah-ga-tso – I ragazzi – E rah-ga-tsee. The Boy - The Boys
La ragazza – La rah-ga-tsah – Le ragazze – Leh rah-ga-tsay. The girl – The girls
Il cane – Eel Kah-neh – I cani – E kah-knee. The dog – The dogs
La cagna – La ka-nya – Le cagne – Leh ka-nya. The bitch, The bitches
From the above, we understandand that words ending in “O” are masculine and are singular, and they change to “I” when spoken in the plural. and words ending in “A” are feminine and are singular and they change to “E” when spoken in the plural. Confused? I hope not. Here are some words For you to try.
Sedia – Chair, Finestra – Window, Signora - Lady, Signore- Man, Mani – Hands, Bottiglia – Bottle, Libro – Book, Televisore – Television, Luce – Light, Poltrona – Sofa, Piatti – Dishes
Try to change them in the masculine or feminine and the singular or plural forms. Have fun. C.U. at the meeting, Dino
From October 2009 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson # 21
Some members have expressed the desire to learn to speak Italian. If you are interested in learning Italian, I would be willing to hold a 30 minutes Italian lesson class at the club after the meetings. Let Dino know.
Il Ghiaccio – Eel Gya-chow – The Ice
La Bistecca – La bees-tayk-ka – The Steak
La Torta – La tohr-ta – The Cake
La Pancetta – La pan-cheyt-ta – The Bacon
Le uova fritte – Lay ooho-va freet-tay – Fried eggs
La teiera – La tay-yeh-ra – The Tea Pot
Il Pollo Arrosto – Eel pohl-loh ar-ros-toh – Roast Chicken
Il Tovagliolo – Eel toh-va-lyoh-loh – The Napkin
Il Panino – Eel Pa-knee-noh – The Sandwich
La tavola da Pranzo – La Tah-vol-ah da Pran-zoh – The Dinner Table
La Tovaglia – La Toh-va-lya – The Tablecloth
La Sedia – La She-dya – The Chair
From September 2009 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson # 20
Some members have expressed the desire to learn to speak Italian. If you are interested in learning Italian, I would be willing to hold a 30 or 60 minutes Italian lesson class at the club after the meetings. Let me know. Here are some new phrases.
Angelo e’ andato a casa – Angelo eh an-dah-to ah ka-sah – Angelo went home
Andiamo allo Zoo – An-dee-ah-moh al-loh zoh – Let’s go to the Zoo.
La motocicletta di Mario – La moh-toh-chee-klayt-ta dee Mario – Mario’s motorcycle
La bicicletta di Maria – La bee-chee-klayt-ta
Dee Maria – Maria’s bicycle
Il mio camion – Eel mee-oh ka-myohn – My truck
La mia macchina ha la gomma a terra – La mee-ah mak-kee-na ah la gohm-mah a tehr-rah – My car has a flat tire
Mi piace il pane con la marmellata – Mee pee-ah-che eel pah-ne con lah mar-mayl-la-tah – I like bread with marmalade
La tazza del caffe’ – La tah-tsza del caf-eh – The coffee cup
From June 2009 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson # 19
Here are some interrogative phrases to learn that are used in everyday conversations.
Cosa c’e’ nel forno? Kosza che nel fohr-noh? What is in the oven?
Cosa beve il cane? Kosza bev-eh eel kah-neh? What is the dog drinking?
Cosa c’e’ nel tostapane? Kosza che nel tohs-ta-pa-nay? What is in the toaster?
Kosza c’e’ nel cestino da picnic? Kosza c’e’ nel chays-tee-noh da peek-neek? What is in the picnic basket?
Cosa usi per fare una torta? Kosza oo-zee
per fah-ray oo-nah tohr-tah? What you use to make a cake?
Che vestito ti metti per la festa? Keh vest-ee-toh tee met-tee per lah fes-tah? What dress are you wearing for the feast?
Sono questi I tuoi occhiali? Soh-noh ques-tee ee too-oh-ee ok-kya-lee? Are this your glasses?
Sono queste le tue pantofole? Soh-noh ques-teh leh too-eh pan-to-foh-lay? Are this your slippers?
See you in September!
From May 2009 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson # 18
Here are more conversation phrases between two people.
Vieni a casa mia a mangiare – Vee-ehn-ee ah ka-sah mee-ah ah mahn-gee-ah-ray – Come to my house to eat.
Cosa mangiamo?- Ko-sah mahn-gee-ah-moh? What we eating?
Tortellini al brodo di gallina – Tor-tel-lee-nee al broh-doh dee gal-lee-nah – Tortellini in chicken broth
Cucina tua mamma?- koo-chee-nah too-ah mahm-ma? Your mother cooking?
Si, mia madre cucina – See, mee-ah mah-dreh koo-chee-nah – Yes, my mother is cooking.
Se cucina tua mamma, ci vengo. Tua madre e una buona cuoca – Seh koo-chee-na too-ah mahm-ma, chee ven-goh. Too-ah mahm-ma eh oo-nah boo-ohn-ah koo-oh-kah – If your mother is cooking, I’ll come. Your mother is a good cook.
Grazie per il complimento. Lo diro’ a mia madre – Grah-tsee-eh per eel com-plee-men-toh. Loh dee-roh ah mee-ah mah-dreh Thank you for the compliment. I’ll tell my mother.
From April 2009 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson # 17
A typical conversation between two friends.
Ciao Giorgio, come stai? Chow Gee-ohr-ge-oh, com-eh Stah-ee> Hi George, how are you?
Sto bene Mario, e la tua famiglia come sta? Stoh be-neh Mar-ee-oh, eh la too-ah fam-ee-lya com-eh sta? I am well, Mario, and how is your family?
Giorgio: Mia mamma e papa’ stanno molto bene, grazie. E la tua famiglia come sta? Mee-ah Mam-mah eh pa-pah stan-noh mol-toh be-neh, grah-tsee-eh. Eh la too-ah fam-ee-lya com-eh sta?
Georgio: My mother and father are very well, thank you. How is your family?
Mario: Mia mamma e stata male con l’influenza, ma ora sta bene. Papa’ sta bene, grazie. Mee-ah mam-mah eh sta-tah ma-leh con l’in-flu-ehn-tsa mah oh-ra stah be-neh. Pa-pah sta be-neh, gra-tsee-eh. My mother has been ill with the flu, but now she is well. My father is well, thank you.
Giorgio: Ciao Mario, ci rivedremo presto. Chow Mario, chee ree-vedreh-moh pre-stoh. By Mario, see you soon.
Mario: A presto. Ah pre-stoh. See you soon.
From March 2009 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson # 16
Here are some useful phrases to learn.
La famiglia – La fam-ee lyah – The Family
Il medico/dottore di famiglia – Eel meh-dee-ko/dot-toh-ray dee fam-ee-lyah – The family medic/doctor
Mi sono rotto il braccio – Mee son-oh rot-toh eel brah-chee-oh – I broke my arm.
Non sto bene – Non stoh beh-neh – I don’t feel good.
Ciao, come stai?- Chow com-eh stah?- Hi how are you?
Io sto molto bene, e tu? – Ee-oh stoh mol-toh beh-neh, eh too?- I am very well, and you?
Che medicine ti ha prescritto il dottore? – Keh med-ee-chee-nay tee ah pres-kreet-toh eel dot-to-reh?- What medicine did the doctor prescribed you?
Ho il braccio ingessato – Oh eel brah-chee-oh in-jes-sah-toh – I have my arm in a cast.
Ho un mal di testa – Oh oon mal dee tes-stah – I have a headache.
From February 2009 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson # 15
Last month we learned how to use the words Dove and Dov’e’ (Where and Where is). This month we will learn how to use the words “Cosa?” – (What?) and “Cosa e’” also said “Cos’e’?” -- (What is?).
Cosa vuoi? – Kozah voo-oee? – What do you want?
Cosa e’ (Cos’e’) questa medaglia? – Kozah eh qoo-est-ah me-da-lya? – What is this medal?
Cosa vuoi fare oggi? – Kozah voo-oee fa-reh oh-gee? – What do you want to do today?
Cosa ha detto Mario? – Kozah ah det-toh Mario? – What did Mario say?
Cos’e’ (Cosa e’) che dice lei? – Koz’eh keh dee-che leh-ee? – What is she saying?
Cosa andiamo a fare noi? – Kozah un-dee-ah oh ah fa-ray noh-ee? – What are we going to do?.
Cosa e’ che Maria vuole? – Kozah eh keh Maria voo-oh-leh? – What is that Maria wants?
To practice, try using these words in sentences that start with What or What is in English then say them in Italian. C-U Soon.
From January 2009 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson # 14
In this lesson we will learn sentences using the adverb “Dove e’ or Dov’e’ – Doh-vay – Where is”.
Dove e’ and Dov’e’ have the same meaning.
Dove e’ il libro?- Doh-vay eh eel lee-broh? Where is the book?
Dov’e’ la chiesa?- Doh-vay la key-eh-sah? Where is the church?
Dove sono le scarpe?-Doh-vay soh-no leh scar-peh? Where are the shoes?
Dove andiamo?- Doh-vay an-dee-a-moh? Where are we going?
Dove e’ tua sorella?- Doh-vay too-ah so-reh-la? Where is your sister?
Dov’e’ la tua auto?-Doh-vay lah too-ah a-oo-toh? Where is your auto?
Dove sono I tuoi cugini?- Doh-vay soh-no ee too-ohee koo-gee-knee? Where are your cousins?
Dove andiamo a mangiare?- Doh-vay an-dee-a-moh ah man-gee-ah-ray? Where are we going to eat?
Dov’e’ il cane?-Doh-vay eel kan-eh? Where is the dog?
See you next month.
From December 2008 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson # 13
Welcome back. I hope you all have been studying my lessons. Here are some more words to learn.
Il cappello – Eel kap-pehl-loh – The hat
Gli Occhiali – Lyee ok-kya-lee – The glasses
Il vestito – Eel vays-tee-toh – The dress
Il costume da bagno – Eel kohs-too-may da ba-nyoh – The bathing suit
La borsa – La bohr-sa – The purse
Stivali da neve – Stee-va-lee da nay-vay – Snow boots
Le pantofole – Lay pan-toh-foh-lay – The slippers
Le scarpe col tacco alto – Lay skar-pay kol tak-koh al-toh – High heel shoes
Il maglione – Eel ma-lyo-nay – The sweater
La gonna – La gohn-na – The skirt
Le scarpe – Lay skar-pay – The shoes
I sandali – Ee san-da-lee – The sandals
I vestiti – Ee vays-tee-tee – The dresses
I pantaloni – Ee pan-tah-loh-nee – The trousers
See you next lesson.
From November 2008 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson # 12
Welcome back. I hope you all have been studying my lessons. Here are some more words for you to learn.
A che serve? – Ah ke sir-vhe – What is it for?
Domandare un favore – Dom-ahn-da-rhe oon fa-vor-he – To ask a favor
Tu scherzi? – Two sker-tsi? – are you kidding?
Non importa – Non imp-ort-ah. – It doesn’t matter
Testa o croce.- Test-ah oh Kroche.- Head or tail
Fare una partita – Far-he oon-ah part-ee-tah
Dal principio alla fine – dal pren-chee-pee-oh al-la fee-nay- From beginning to the end.
Avere fretta – av-er-he fret-tah –to be in a hurry.
Conta su di me – Con-tah sue dee meh – You can rely on me.
Cambiare idea – Cam-bee-ah-re Ee-deh-ah
Per tutto l’anno – Per too-toh l’ahn-no – For the year.
Avere paura – Aver-he pa-oo-rah – to be afraid.
Study! See you next month
From October 2008 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson # 11
Welcome back. I hope you all have been studying my lessons. Here are some words for you to learn.
La pianta – La Pyan-ta - The plant
Il vaso – Eel va-zoh – The vase/pot
Il camino – Eel ka-mee-noh – The fireplace
La cameriera – La kam-ay-ryay-ra – The waitress
L’insalata – Leen-sa-la-ta – The salad
La bistecca – La bees-tayk-ka – The steak
La torta – La tohr-ta – The cake
Le uova fritte – Lay- ooh-va free-tay – Fried eggs
Il pollo arrosto – Eel pohl-loh ar-ros-toh – Roast chicken
La pancetta – La pan-chayt-ta – The bacon
La brocca – La brok-ka – The pitcher
La tazza – La tat-tsa – The cup
La tovaglia – La toh-va-lya - The Tablecloth
Il piattino – Eel pyat-tee-noh – The saucer
Il panino – Eel pa-knee-noh – The sandwich
See you next month. Study.
From September 2008 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson # 10
Welcome back. I hope you all have been studying my lessons. Here are some more phrases for you to learn.
Da dove venite? Duh doh-vay ven-it eh? Where are you from?
Notte e giorno. Not-eh eh Gee-or-noh. Night and day.
Dire la verita. Dee-ray lah ver-ee-tah. Tell the truth.
Sono affamato. Soh-no af-amah-toh. I am famished.
Ho bisogno di questo. O bee-son-yo dee
koo-es-toh. I am in need of this.
Hai ragione. Ah-ee Ra-gee-oh-nay. You are right.
Io scherzo. Ee-oh Skir-tso. I am kidding/joking
Per tutto l’anno. Per too-toh L’ahn-noh. For the entire year.
Il cane morde? Eel cah-neh more-deh? The dog bites?
Vi domando un favore. Vee dom-andoh oon fah-voray. I ask you a favor.
Non m’importa. Non mee-im-port-ah. It does not matter to me.
From June 2008 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson #9
As promised in the last newsletter, here are some more phrases for you to learn. Always be aware of the gender of the person you are speaking of or to (Male/Female).
Io mi chiamo Franco/Franca – Ee-oh mee kee-ahmo Fran-ko/fran-ka) – My name is Fran-ko/Fran-ka)
Piacere di conoscerti/conoscerla – Pya-tche- ray dee con-oh-sher-tee/con-oh-sher-la – Pleased to know you.
Questo/questa e’ mio/mia marito/moglie – Koo-eh-sto/koo-eh-sta eh mee-oh/mee-ah mar-ee-toh/moh-lye – This is my husband/wife.
Questo/Questa e il/la mio/mia fidanzato/fidanzata – Koo-eh-sto/koo-eh-sta eh eel/la mee-oh/mee-ah fee-dan-tsa-toh/fee-dan-tsa-tah. This is my fiance.
E’ qui da solo/sola? – Eh koo-ee dah sol-oh/sol-ah? – Are you here alone?
Ti piace qui. (either M/F) – Tea pee-ah-che koo-ee? – You like it here?
Come sta la tua famiglia?(either M/F) – ko-meh stah la too-ah fam-ee-lya? – How is your family?
Hai dormito bene? (either M/F) – Ah-ee door-mee-toh beh-neh? Did you sleep well?
Ti senti bene? (either M/F) – Tea-sen-tee beh-neh? Are feeling well?
Hai fatto un buon viaggio? (Either M/F) – Ah-ee fat-toh oon boo-on vee-ah-gee-oh? Did you have a good trip?
Pronto, chi parla? – (either M/F) - Pron-toh, key par-la?
Hello, who’s speaking?
See you in September with more Italian lessons. Have a happy summer vacation.
From May 2008 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson # 8
Here are some communication phrases for you to learn.
1. A che ora apre? - Ah keh o-rah ah-pray? – At what time you open?
2. A che ora chiude? – Ah keh- o-rah key-oo-deh? – At what time you close?
3. Il Papa si trova al Vaticano. – Eel pa-pah see troh-vah al Vah-tee-can-noh. – The pope is in the Vatican.
4. Cosa desidera?- Ko-sah deh-see-der-ah. - What do you like?
5. Cosa significa? – Ko-sa sin-nye-fee kah. - What does it mean?
6. Cosa cerca? – Ko-sa chair-kah? – What you looking for?
7. Che tempo fa’?- Keh tem-poh fah? – How’s the weather?
8. Sta piovendo. – Stah Pee-oh-vend-oh. – It is raining.
9. Che ora e’.- Keh Oh-rah eh? – What time is it?
10. Il tempo e’ bello. – Eel tem-poh eh behl-loh. – The weather is nice.
11. Come si scrive?- Coh-meh see- sckree-veh? – How do you write it?
12. Stefano e un mio amico. Steh-pha-noh eh oon mee-oh ah-mee-coh.- Stephen is my friend.
13. Quanto e’ il deposito?- Koo-ahn-toh eh ill de-poh-see-toh?- How much is the deposit?
14. Il fazzoletto.- Eel fah-tso-let-toh.- The handkerchief.
15. La tovaglia.- La toh-val-ya. The tablecloth.
16. La sedia e’ La se-dee-ah eh rot-tah.- The chair is broken.
More phrases in the next lesson.
From April 2008 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson # 8
The following are the singular and plural personal pronouns. These pronouns will help you know how to correctly address a person(s).
Singular Form:
IO – EE-OH – I TU – TOO – You
LUI, LEI, EGLI, ESSA (F) – LOO-EE, LE-EE, EH-LLEE, EH-SAH – He, She, It
Plural Form:
NOI – NO-EE - We
VOI – VO-EE – You/they
LORO, ESSI, ESSE (F) – LO(w)- RO(w), EH-SEA, EH–SE(t) – They
Here are some examples using the above pronouns in the singular form.
I go away – IO vado via Will You come? TU vieni? Where is HE, SHE, IT? Dove e’ LUI, LEI,
EGLI, ESSA (F)?
And in the plural form:
WE are here. NOI siamo qui. Will YOU (plural) come? VOI venite? THEY are going away. LORO, ESSI, ESSE (F) vanno via.
Here are some sentences for you to practice with. Using the above pronouns, place the correct pronoun in the blank space. Use singular or plural pronouns.
___ vado a mangiare. I go eat.
Come state ____? How are you (Plural)?
____ e’ andata a Roma. She went to Rome
Dove sono andati ____? Where did they (Plural) go?
____hai fame? Are you (singular) hungry?
Quanti soldi ha ____? How much money does he has?
___ andiamo al cinema. We go to the cinema. Watch out for your masculine or feminine, plural or singular tenses.
From March 2008 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson # 7
Here are some interrogative pronoun conjunctions. These conjunctions are useful when we want to know “Reasons”, “Interrogate” or “Questions” what is being said in conversations. What?, When?, Why?, Which?, Whom? Who?, Whose?, Where?, and How?
Quando?- Koo-ahn-doh?– When?
Perche?- Per-ke’?– Why?
Che Cosa?-Ke-co-sa? – What?
Quale? -Koo-ahn-le? – Which?
A Chi?- Ah Key? – To Whom?
Chi?- Key? – Who?
Di Chi?- Dee Key? – Whose?
Come?- Ko-me?- How?
Quanto? Koo-ahn- toh?- How Much?
Dove?- Doh-ve?- Where/Where to?
Dov’e’?- Doh-ve’?- Where is it?
Da Dove?- Duh doh-ve? – Where from?
Here are a few sentences using the above conjunctions.
Da dove vieni? Where are you from?
Perche non vieni? Why don’t you come?
Che cosa hai detto? What did you say?
Come stai? How are you?
From February 2008 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson # 6
In this lesson, we are going to learn about the Prepositions “CON” pronounce d “ KON” which means “With”.
Ci andro’ CON lei – Chee ahn-draw kon lay. I’ll go with her.
CON chi sei stato? – Kon key say stah-to. Who were you with?
CON un ragazzo – Kon oon rah-ga-tso. With a boy. CON una ragazza CON gli occhi blu. Kon oon-ah rah-ga-tsa Kon lli ok-kee blue. With a girl with blue eyes.
Sono in contatto CON loro- Soh-no in kon-tah-toh kon loh-ro. I am in contact with them.
Hai parlato CON lui? Ah-ee par-lah-toh kon loo-ee? Have you spoken with him?
When we add an article to the preposition “CON” , it becomes “With The” Thus: Con il, con i, con la, con le, con lo. Below are other form of the above.
Con+ il = Col – Kohl. With the (Masculine singular )
Con+i = Coi – Ko-ee. With the (masculine plural)
Example: Coi ragazzi – Ko-ee rah-gah-tsi. With the boys.
Con+le =Colle – Kohl-le. With the (feminine plural )
Con+la =Colla – Kohl-la. With the (feminine singular )
Con+lo = Collo – Kohl-lo. With the (singular)
Con+l’ –Coll’ – Kohl’. With the (This is the apostrophe form. Example: col’aereo – kohl’ah-eh-reo. With the airplane)
Con+gli –Cogli – Kohl-lli. With the. (Nuetral Plural).
From January 2008 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson # 5
ARTICLES/PREPOSITIONS
Indefinite Articles:
Un – Uno (a – an) used with Masculine nouns.
Pronounced as: oon – oo-noh
Un - Una (a –an) used with feminine nouns.
Pronounced as: oon – oo-nah
Prepositions:
All of the following mean “Of The”
Del - Masculine/singular
As in Farmer in the DEL
Dello –Masculine /singular
Pronounced as: DEL-LOH
Dei – Masculine/plural
Pronounced as: Day
Degli – Masculine/ plural
Pronounced as: DE(laware) +MI(LLI)ON
Della – Feminine /singular Pronounced as: DE(LAWARE) +Musical note “LA”
Delle – Feminine/plural Pronounced as: DE(laware)
+ LE (LE)g
All of The following mean “At The”
Al - Masculine /singular Pronounced as the name “AL”
Allo – Masculine/singular Pronounced as: AL +LOH
Ai – Masculine/plural Pronounced as: AH - EE
Agli – Masculine/plural Pronounced as: A(pple) + “LLI” as in mi(lli)on
Alla – Feminine /singular Pronounced as: AL + the musical note “LA”
Alle – Feminine /plural Pronounced as AL + LE(g)
Preposition indicating possession:
Di – Meaning “Of” pronounced “Dee”
Preposition indicating origination “From”:
Da – Singular form Pronounced DUH
Dal – Masculine/singular
Pronounced as “DULL”
Dallo – Masculine/singular Pronounced as: DULL+ LO as in LO(go)
Dai – Masculine/plural Pronounced as: DUH - EE
Dagli – Masculine/plural Pronounced as: DUH + LLI as in mi(LLI)on
Dalla – Feminine/singular Pronounced as: DULL + LA as the musical note “LA”
Dalle – Feminine/plural Pronouced as: DULL + LE as in LE(g)
Study these last five lessons as they will come handy when we start to put sentences together.
From December 2007 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson # 4
Lesson # 4
Possessive Pronouns in the Masculine and Feminine Singular forms.
Masculine:
Il Mio – My, Il Tuo – Your, il Suo- His, Il Nostro – Our, Il Vostro, Your, Il loro – Their.
Feminine:
La Mia – My, La Tua – Your, La Sua – Her, La Nostra – Our, La Vostra – Your.
You will notice that the pronouns when said in the feminine form change their ending from “o” to “a” and the article “il” Changes to “La”. One exception is the Pronoun “Loro” - “Their” were only the articles changes and “Loro” Stay the same in both forms.
Possessive Pronouns in the Masculine and Feminine Plural forms.
Masculine:
I Miei – My, I Tuoi –Your, I Suoi – His, I Nostri – Our, I Vostri – Your, I Loro – Their
Feminine:
Le Mie – My, Le Tue – Your, Le Sue, Her, Le Nostre – Our, Le Vostre – Your, Le Loro, Their.
Again notice that the Pronouns when said in the feminine form change their ending from “i” to “e” and the article “I” changes to “Le”
The same exception apply to the pronoun “Loro” – “Their” were only the article changes.
Learning the above Pronouns and articles will help you better address the person or persons you’re speaking to.
From November 2007 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson-Number 3
Articles:
The English article “The” has many forms in Italian.
IL singular form changes to I in the plural form.
LO singular form changes to GLI in the plural form. The above articles are used with masculine nouns and adjectives.
LA singular form changes to LE in the plural form. These two articles are used with feminine nouns and adjectives. However, LA loses the A and takes on the apostrophe L’ when used in front of words beginning with vowels. Here are some examples: L’uomo – The man. L’altra – The other one. L’inglese – The English man.
Personal Pronouns:
Singular Form.
IO - I, TU – YOU, LUI – HE, LEI – SHE.
Plural Form.
NOI – WE, VOI – YOU, LORO – THEY.
Let’s try a few sentences using the above pronouns with the English verb Go.
Io VADO via – I go away.
Tu VAI via – You go away.
Noi ANDIAMO via – We go away.
Loro VANNO via – They go away.
Voi ANDATE via – You go away.
Note how the verb Go changes with the different pronouns.
In lesson 4 we will learn about Possessive pronouns and Prepositions. Ciao.
From October 2007 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson-Number-2
The alphabet, as in any language, is the key to learning how to speak, read and write. Without knowing how to pronounce the letters of the alphabet, one cannot read, speak or write the language.
Here are some of the most important pronunciation rules.
C before a, o, u and before consonants, sounds like k, before e and i sounds like Ch in Church.
g before a,o,u and before consonants, sounds like the g in good, before e and i like the g in general.
S before vowels a,e,i,o,u and consonants c,f,p,q,s,t is pronounced like the s in sun.
S before consonants b,d,g,l,m,n,t,v is pronounced like the s in no(se).
gli like in mi(lli)on
gn like in o(ni)on
Ch like a “k”
Gh like in (gh)etto or spa(gh)etti
A - (A)pple, B - Bee, C - (Ch)urch. D - Dee, E - Eh, F - (effe)ct, G - Gee, H - A-ka,
I - Ee, L - Eh-le, M - Eh-meh, N - Eh-neh, O - Oh, P - Pea, Q - Koo,
R - Eh-reh, S - Es-eh, T - Tea, U - Oo, V - Vee, Z - Tse-ta
In lesson # 3 we will learn about Articles and Pronouns. Remember, practice makes perfect. See you next month.
From September 2007 ICO Newsletter:
Lesson-Number-1
To begin - As with any language, there are rules that one must know in order to be able to speak the language correctly. The Italian language is no exception.
Rules you need to know: The Italian alphabet has 21 letters. The letters K, J, W. X, and Y are not used in the Italian language. However, they are used in proper names. The Italian language has two speaking forms. Formal and informal, and two gender forms: Masculine and Feminine. You will need to learn them in order to speak correctly. Don’t worry, there are rules that will help you recognize these gender forms. They will be explained as we progress thru the lessons. In the Italian language, one must read and pronounce every letter and vowels in a word. No letter or vowel is skipped or not pronounced. There is, however, an exception - the letter “H”. When written at the beginning of a word it is silent. Ie: “Hanno” comes from the verb “to Have” the “H” in this case is silent. It also helps us to distinguish it from the word “Anno” which means “Year”.
The Accent “`” when written over a vowel at the end of a word is used to accentuate the word in order to give it a different meaning from a similar word or to distinguish it from a verb or conjunction. Ie: E` = IS from the verb “To Be”. E = AND a conjunction.
Casino - refers to a house of “ill repute” (to use a better word). Casino` - refers to a gambling place.
The Apostrophe “’” is used anytime there is a need to omit a vowel when the Article and the word that follows start with the same vowel. Ie: It is not correct to say “Lo Ombrello” meaning “the Umbrella” The sound of the two O’s run together and therefore cannot be pronounced separately. To correct this, we place an apostrophe after the L - L’Ombrello. Another example is “La Autobus” - L’Autobus meaning the Bus and so on.
The vowels A, E, I, O and U are pronounced as follows: “A” as in Apple, “E” as in Bed, “I” as EE, “O” as in Orange, and “U” as in T(OO). These sounds never change when pronounced in a word.
See you next month with lesson #2 “How to pronounce the letters of the Alphabet“.
From June 2007 ICO Newsletter:
More Things found in the Kitchen:
1. Il Forno - Eel phor-no - The Oven
2. Le forchette, i coltelli, i cucchiai - Leh fohr-kayt-te, Ee cohl-tehl-lee, Ee kook-kya-ee - The forks, the knives, the spoons
3. I tovaglioli di carta - Ee toh-va-lyo-lee dee kar-at - The paper napkins
4. Il tostapane - Eel tohs-ta-pa-nay - The toaster
5. I bicchieri - Ee beek-kyeh-ree - The glasses
From May 2007 ICO Newsletter:
Things found in the bathroom:
1. Il sapone per la faccia - Eel sah-po-nay per la fa-chee-ah -The face soap
2. La carta igenica - La car-tah ee-jen-eeka - The toilet paper
3. La vasca di bagno - L:a vah-ska dee bah-nyo - The bathtub
4. Il lavandino - Eel la-van-dee-no - The bathroom sink
5. L’asciugamano per la faccia - L’ash-you-gah-mano - per la fa-chee-ah - The face towel
From April 2007 ICO Newsletter:
1. Il presidente del ICO club si chiama Aladino Cassar. Eel pre-cee-dentay del ICO club see kia-mah Aladino Cassar. The ICO club President’s name is Aladino Cassar
2. Il vice Presidente e’ Lee Wheeler. Eel vee-chey Pre-cee-dentay eh Lee Wheeler. The vice president is Lee Wheeler.
3. Il Tesoriere si chiama Pam Spagna. Eel Tesor-ee-eh-ray see kia-mah Pam Spagna. The Treasurer’s name is Pan Spagna.
4 La Segretaria si chiama Margaret Massey. La Se-gretah-ree-ah see kia-mah Margaret Massey. The Secretary’s name is Margaret Massey.
5. Queste persone sono il Commitato Ufficiale del ‘ICO club. Kue-steh per-so-nay so-noh eel com-ee-tah-toh uf-fee-chia-leh del ICO club. These people are the Committee Officer of the ICO club.
From March 2007 ICO Newsletter:
Things found in the Kitchen:
Il frigorifero - eel free-goh-ree-fay-roh = The refrigerator
Il Forno - eel fohr-noh = The oven
La padella - la pa-dehl-la = The frying pan
Il Coperchio - eel koh-pehr-kyoh = The cover (The lid)
La Caffettiera - la caf-eh-tee-a-rah = The coffee maker
Things found in the Laundry room:
La lava trice - La la-va-tree-chay = The washing machine
La roba sporca - la ro-bah spor-ka = The dirty things (clothes towels etc)
Il detersivo - eel day-tayr-see-voh = The laundry detergent
L’essiccatore - lays-seek-ka-toh-ray = The dryer
La gruccia - la gru-chee-ah = The coathanger
From February 2007 ICO Newsletter:
1. Dove vai? Do-veh va-ee? Where are you going?
2. Sono tornato ieri. So-noh tor-nahtoh ee-eh-ree. I retuned yesterday.
3. Ti voglio molto bene. Tee vo-lee-oh mol-toh be-neh. I like/love you very much.
4. Sono andata a fare la spesa. So-noh ahn-da-tah ah fa-reh la spe-sza. I went to do the shopping.
5. Io imparo a parlare l’Italiano. Ee-oh eem-pa-roh ah par-la-reh l’ee-tah-lee-ah-noh. I am learning to speak (l’ = the) Italian.
From November 2006 ICO Newsletter:
Here are a few new sentences for you to learn. As you can see, they are questions one may ask about the Italian club. Try reading them in Italian first then read the pronunciation and last the English meaning.
1. Chiamami al telefono verso le tre del pomeriggio. Keeah-mahmee ahl tele-fohno ver-soh leh treh del pom-aree-geeoh. Telephone me around three in the afternoon.
2. Vieni domani a trovarmi a casa. Vee-ehknee doma-knee ah trovah-rmee ah cah-sa. Tomorrow come see me at home.
3. Accendi la luce. Achen-dee lah loo-che. Turn on the light.
4. Ho fame! Fammi un panino col salame. Oh fa-meh! Fahm-mee oon pah-knee-noh col salame. I’m hungry! Make me a sandwich with salame.
5. Scrivimi una lettera se puoi. Scree-vee-mee oon-ah let-tehrah she poo-oh-ee. Write me a letter if you can.
From October 2006 ICO Newsletter:
Here are a few new sentences for you to learn. As you can see, they are questions one may ask about the Italian club. Try reading them in Italian first then read the pronounciation and last the English meaning.
1. Vieni alla riunione del club Italiano? Vee-eh-knee ahl-la ree-oo-nee-oh-neh del club Italiano? Are you coming to the Italian club meeting?
2. Cosa porterai’ da magiare al club? Ko-sa por-tah-ra-ee dah man-jeea-reh al club? What will you bring to eat at the club?
3. Io ho portato stuffato di carne con patate e piselli. Ee-oh oh por-tah-toh stoof-fa-toh dee car-ne con pa-tah-the eh pee-szel-lee. I brought stew meat with potatoes and peas.
4. E’ quello un nuovo membro del club? Eh quel-loh oon nuo-voh mem-bro del club? Is he a new club member?
5. Chi e’ il presidente del club? Key eh eel pre-szee-denteh del club? Who is the club president?
Quanti membri ha il club? Quan-tee mem-bree ah eel club? How many members does the club have?
A che ora si riunisce il club? Ah keh oh-rah see ree-oo-nee-shay eel club? At what time does the club meet?
From September 2006 ICO Newsletter:
1. Fa’ molto caldo - Fah mol-toh cahl-do - It’s very warm (hot)
2. Oggi fa’ molto freddo - Oh-gee fah mol-toh fred-do - Today it’s very cold
3. Un caffe’ caldo farebbe bene - Oon Cahf-fe cahl-do fah-reb-beh beh-neh - A hot coffee would be good.
4. Vieni a pranzo a casa mia. - Vie-knee ah prahn-zoh ah ca-sa mee-ah - Come have lunch at my house
5. Come sta la tua famiglia? - Co-meh stah la too-ah fa-meel-yia? - How is your family?
6. Ciao Giorgio, come stai? - Cheea-oh Gee-ohr-gee-oh, co-meh sta-yee? Hi George, how are you?
7. Molto bene grazie. E tu? Mol-toh beh-nay grat-zie. Eh too? Very well thank you. And you?
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