Archive for 'Italian Language'
Idiomatic Expressions with the Verb Dare Posted by Serena on Jul 1, 2016
Some time ago we published a series of posts on the idiomatic uses of the verbs avere (to have) and fare (to do or to make). Today we’re going to take a look at the idiomatic uses of the verb dare (to give). Here’s a list of the most common ones with some practical examples…
At The Tourist Information Office in Italy Posted by Serena on Jun 29, 2016
Planning a trip to Italy? What might you want to ask when you find yourself at the local tourist information office? Here’s a short dialogue that will help you with the basics. N.B. Although this dialogue is set in Lucca it contains a lot of vocabulary which can be used in any tourist information office…
English translation: The Hidden Italian Garden Posted by Geoff on Jun 1, 2016
Here, as promised, is the English translation of Serena’s article about our visit to Bagnone castle and gardens. I suggest that you begin by watching the video below, and even if you aren’t able to follow all of the dialogue remember that it’s important to immerse yourselves in the sound and rhythm of spoken Italian…
Funny Italian Warning Signs Posted by Geoff on May 27, 2016
Every now and then I see avvisi (warning signs or notices) that make me smile. Some of these are meant to be serious, and end up sounding ridiculous. But I particularly admire those which use irony and humour to combat antisocial or criminal behaviour. Here, for your entertainment, is a small selection: Above: A super polite…
Italian Comprehension Quiz … The Answers Posted by Geoff on May 13, 2016
Here are the translations of the selected sentences from our comprehension quiz on the Coltura del Frassino da Manna. If it’s any reassurance, some of them are pretty challenging … but the important thing is to have a go, perché sbagliando si impara! 1. Per incidere su una pianta così di questa grossezza si scorteccia…
Italian Comprehension Quiz Posted by Geoff on May 11, 2016
Today’s quiz is based on our article Il Frassinicoltore. In each of the paragraphs below you’ll find a section highlighted in red. Translate the highlighted sections into English. Clicking on the times at the beginning of each paragraph (e.g. 1:30) will take you to that part of the video. Have a go, don’t be shy! We’ll…
An Italian Quiz For April – The Solutions Posted by Serena on Apr 29, 2016
Here are the answers to our recent quiz. Well done those of you who had a go. Those who didn’t, I shall want to hear your excuses, and they’d better be good. None of that “the cat ate it” nonsense! But seriously, give us some feedback, was it too difficult? Did you not feel confident…