HAND-OUT IN ITALIAN

Second Quarter

4th Grade

How is the word read when the letters are combined?

Pronounced like Sounds like Examples Translations of the examples
C+i/e Ch Church Cena Lunch
C+h/a/o/u K King Chiesa Church
G+i/e J Journal Giorno Day
G+a/o/u/h G Give Gambe Legs
GLI LY Million Figlio Son
GN ñ/NY Lasagna Cognome Surname / Last name
H - (not pronounced) - Hotel Hotel
SCE Pesce Fish
SCI SH She Scienza Science

LEGGIAMO INSIEME
(LET’S READ TOGETHER)

Coniglio (rabbit)
Signorina (miss/young lady)
Pagliaccio (clown)
Grigia (grey)
Perché (why / because)
Aglio (garlic)
Giacca (jacket)
Cibo (food)
Vecchio (old)
Conoscenza (knowledge)

UNIT 8. Nouns/Adjectives: forming of singular/plural nouns/adjectives; identifying and transforming noun/adjective

genders

Male (singular) Female (singular) Male (plural) Female (plural)

Ends with “o” Ends with “a” Ends with “i” Ends with “e”
Ragazzo Ragazza ragazzi ragazze
Ends with “co” Ends with “ca” Ends with “ci” Ends with “che”
Amico Amica Amici Amiche
Ends with “e” Ends with “e” or with Ends with “i” Ends with “i” or with
“essa” “esse”
Nipote Nipote Nipoti Nipoti
Professore Professoressa Professori Professoresse
Ends with “re” Ends with “rice” Ends with “ri” Ends with “rici”
Direttore Direttrice Direttori Direttrici
Exercises:

1. Bidello
2. Commesso
3. Studente
4. Cattivo
5. Curioso
6. Odioso
7. Silenzioso
8. Buono
9. Meschino
10. Carino

UNIT 9. Conjugation of Verb “Chiamarsi”

Io Mi Chiamo
Tu Ti Chiami
Lui Si Chiama
Lei Si Chiama
Egli Si Chiama
Noi Ci Chiamiamo
Voi Vi Chiamate
Loro Si Chiamano

Exercises:

Instructions: Conjugate the following in verbo chiamarsi.

Example: Io, Marco e Marina ci chiamiamo la squadra di San Pablo.

1. Marco e Giulia _____________.

2. Giulio ________ la voce dei ragazzi.

3. Tu e Maria ____________.

4. Io e Bambi __________.

5. Marta! Tu __________ la piu bella ragazza della nostra scuola.

UNIT 10. Forming of Questions using Chi with Be/Have Verbs

Who am I? Chi sono? Who has _______? Chi ha _____?

Who are you (singular)? Chi sei?
Who is he? Chi è?
Who is she? Chi è?
Who is it? Chi è?
Who are we? Chi siamo?
Who are you (plural)? Chi siete?
Who are they? Chi sono?
UNIT 11. Forming of Questions using Che Cosa/Cosa with Be/Have Verbs

What am I? Che cosa sono? What do I have? Che cosa ho?

What are you (singular)? Che cosa sei? What do you have? Che cosa hai?
What is he? Che cos’è? What does he have? Che cosa ha?
What is she? Che cos’è? What does she have? Che cosa ha?
What is it? Che cos’è? What does it have? Che cosa ha?
What are we? Che cosa siamo? What do we have? Che cosa abbiamo?
What are you (plural)? Che cosa siete? What do you have? Che cosa avete?
What are they? Che cosa sono? What do they have? Che cosa hanno?

UNIT 12. Forming of Questions using Dove with Be

Where am I? Dove sono?

Where are you (singular)? Dove sei?
Where is he? Dov’è?
Where is she? Dov’è?
Where is it? Dov’è?
Where are we? Dove siamo?
Where are you (plural) Dove siete?
Where are they Dove sono?

UNIT 13.Forming of Questions using Perchè with Be/Have Verbs

Why am I ____? Perchè sono ___? Why do I have__? Perchè ho___?

Why are you (singular) Perchè sei___? Why do you have___? Perchè hai___?
___?
Why is he ____? Perch’è___? Why does he have___? Perchè ha___?
Why is she ____? Perch’è___? Why does she Perchè ha___?
have___?
Why is it _____? Perch’è___? Why does it have____? Perchè ha___?
Why are we _____? Perchè siamo____? Why do we have____? Perchè abbiamo___?
Why are you Perchè siete____? Why do you have____? Perchè avete____?
(plural)___?
Why are they _____? Perchè sono____? Why do they Perchè hanno___?
have____?

UNIT 14.Forming of Questions using Di Chi with Be

Whose _____is it? Di chi’è?

Whose book is it? Di chi’è il libro?
Whose ____ are they? Di chi sono ____?
Whose books are they? Di chi sono I libri?
UNIT 15. Indefinite Articles

The Italian version of “A/AN” are the following: un, uno, una, un’
Example: A School of the Children (Una Scuola dei Bambini)
Male Female
Un Una
= used for a male noun that does not start with = used for a female noun that starts with a consonant,
any of the following: “s+consonant”, ps, z, gn, y including “s+consonant”, ps, z, gn, y
Example: Example:
Un attore (an actor) Una maestra (a teacher)
Un cane (a dog) Una studentessa (a student)
Un libro (a book) Una zoologa (a zoologist)
Uno Un’
= used for a male noun that starts with any of the = used for a female noun that starts with a vowel
following: “s+consonant”, ps, z, gn, y (a,e,i,o,u)
Example: Example:
Uno student (a student) Un’attrice (an actress)
Uno zoologo (a zoologist) Un’infermiera (a nurse)
uno scherzo (a joke)

Exercises
Instructions: Choose the best “Indefinite Article” for each Italian word.
Example: _una_ maestra (a teacher)

1. ____ parola (a word) 11. ____ giornale (a newspaper)

2. ____ acqua (a water) 12. ____ zio (an uncle)
3. ____ vento (an air) 13. ____ negozio (a shop)
4. ____ libro (a book) 14. ____ ufficio (an office)
5. ____ zoo (a zoo) 15. ____ spiaggia (a beach)
6. ____ cognome (a surname) 16. ____ albergo (a hotel)
7. ____ psycologico (a psychology) 17. ____ aranciata (an orange drink)
8. ____ lavagna (a board) 18. ____ vino (a wine)
9. ____ tavolo (a table) 19. ____ kilo di zucchero (a kilo of sugar)
10. ____ cestino (a trashcan) 20. ____ centro (a center)

UNIT 16. Definite Articles

DEFINITE ARTICLES: ARTICOLI DETERMINATIVI
The Italian version of “the” are the following: il, la, l’, lo, i, le, gli
Example: The School of the Children (La Scuola dei Bambini)

Singular Plural
Male Female Male Female
Il La I le
= used before a male = used before a female = used before a = used before a female
singular noun that starts singular noun that starts male plural noun singular noun that starts with a
with a consonant with a consonant that starts with a consonant
consonant
Examples: Examples: Examples: Examples:
il dottore La dottoressa i dottori Le dottoresse
il cane La professoressa i cani Le professoresse
il gatto La direttrice i gatti Le direttrici
 gli le
l’ = used before a male = used also before a female
= used before a singular noun that starts with a vowel plural noun that plural noun that starts with a
(a,e,i,o,u) starts with a vowel vowel (a,e,I,o,u)
(a,e,i,o,u)
Examples: Examples: Examples:
L’insegnante Gli insegnanti Le insegnanti
L’impiegata/L’impiegato Gli impiegati Le impiegate
L’operaio/l’operaia Gli operai Le operaie
Lo La Gli Le
= used before a male = used also before a = used before a = used before a female plural
singular noun starting with: female singular noun male plural noun noun starting with:
“s+consonant”, ps, z, gn, y starting with: starting with: “s+consonant”, ps, z, gn, y
“s+consonant”, ps, z, “s+consonant”, ps,
gn, y z, gn, y
Examples: Examples: Examples: Examples:
Lo scienziato La scienziata Gli scienziati Le scienziate
Lo scrittore La scrittrice Gli scrittori Le scrittrici
Lo yogurt La zia Gli zoologi Le zoologhe
Lo zio La zoologa
Lo sport
Lo gnomo

Exercises
Instructions: Choose the best “Definite Article” for each Italian word.
Example: _la_ maestra (the teacher)
1. ____ parola (the word)
2. ____ acqua (the water)
3. ____ vento (the air)
4. ____ libro (the book)
5. ____ zoo (the zoo)
6. ____ cognome (the surname)
7. ____ psycologico (the psychology)
8. ____ lavagna (the board)
9. ____ tavolo (the table)
10. ____ cestino (the trashcan)
11. ____ giornali (the newspapers)
12. ____ zii (the uncles)
13. ____ negozi (the shops)
14. ____ uffici (the offices)
15. ____ spiaggia (the beach)
16. ____ alberghi (the hotels)
17. ____ aranciate (the orange drinks)
18. ____ vini (the wines)
19. ____ zucchero (the sugar)
20. ____ centro (the center)
5th Grade

How is the word read when the letters are combined?

Pronounced like Sounds like Examples Translations of the examples
C+i/e Ch Church Cena Lunch
C+h/a/o/u K King Chiesa Church
G+i/e J Journal Giorno Day
G+a/o/u/h G Give Gambe Legs
GLI LY Million Figlio Son
GN ñ/NY Lasagna Cognome Surname / Last name
H - (not pronounced) - Hotel Hotel
SCE Pesce Fish
SCI SH She Scienza Science

LEGGIAMO INSIEME
(LET’S READ TOGETHER)

Coniglio (rabbit)
Signorina (miss/young lady)
Pagliaccio (clown)
Grigia (grey)
Perché (why / because)
Aglio (garlic)
Giacca (jacket)
Cibo (food)
Vecchio (old)
Conoscenza (knowledge)

UNIT 10. Nouns/Adjectives: forming of singular/plural nouns/adjectives; identifying and transforming noun/adjective
genders

Male (singular) Female (singular) Male (plural) Female (plural)

Ends with “o” Ends with “a” Ends with “i” Ends with “e”
Ragazzo Ragazza ragazzi ragazze
Ends with “co” Ends with “ca” Ends with “ci” Ends with “che”
Amico Amica Amici Amiche
Ends with “e” Ends with “e” or with Ends with “i” Ends with “i” or with
“essa” “esse”
Nipote Nipote Nipoti Nipoti
Professore Professoressa Professori Professoresse
Ends with “re” Ends with “rice” Ends with “ri” Ends with “rici”
Direttore Direttrice Direttori Direttrici
Exercises:

1. Bidello
2. Commesso
3. Studente
4. Cattivo
5. Curioso
6. Odioso
7. Silenzioso
8. Buono
9. Meschino
10. Carino
UNIT 11. Conjugation of Verb “Chiamarsi”

Io Mi Chiamo
Tu Ti Chiami
Lui Si Chiama
Lei Si Chiama
Egli Si Chiama
Noi Ci Chiamiamo
Voi Vi Chiamate
Loro Si Chiamano

Exercises:

Instructions: Conjugate the following in verbo chiamarsi.

Example: Io, Marco e Marina ci chiamiamo la squadra di San Pablo.

1. Marco e Giulia _____________.

2. Giulio ________ la voce dei ragazzi.

3. Tu e Maria ____________.

4. Io e Bambi __________.

5. Marta! Tu __________ la piu bella ragazza della nostra scuola.

UNIT 12. Indefinite Articles

The Italian version of “A/AN” are the following: un, uno, una, un’
Example: A School of the Children (Una Scuola dei Bambini)
Male Female
Un Una
= used for a male noun that does not start with = used for a female noun that starts with a consonant,
any of the following: “s+consonant”, ps, z, gn, y including “s+consonant”, ps, z, gn, y
Example: Example:
Un attore (an actor) Una maestra (a teacher)
Un cane (a dog) Una studentessa (a student)
Un libro (a book) Una zoologa (a zoologist)
Uno Un’
= used for a male noun that starts with any of the = used for a female noun that starts with a vowel
following: “s+consonant”, ps, z, gn, y (a,e,i,o,u)
Example: Example:
Uno student (a student) Un’attrice (an actress)
Uno zoologo (a zoologist) Un’infermiera (a nurse)
uno scherzo (a joke)

Exercises
Instructions: Choose the best “Indefinite Article” for each Italian word.

Example: _una_ maestra (a teacher)

1. ____ parola (a word) 6. ____ cognome (a surname)
2. ____ acqua (a water) 7. ____ psycologico (a psychology)
3. ____ vento (an air) 8. ____ lavagna (a board)
4. ____ libro (a book) 9. ____ tavolo (a table)
5. ____ zoo (a zoo) 10. ____ cestino (a trashcan)
11. ____ giornale (a newspaper) 16. ____ albergo (a hotel)
12. ____ zio (an uncle) 17. ____ aranciata (an orange drink)
13. ____ negozio (a shop) 18. ____ vino (a wine)
14. ____ ufficio (an office) 19. ____ kilo di zucchero (a kilo of sugar)
15. ____ spiaggia (a beach) 20. ____ centro (a center)

UNIT 13. Definite Articles

DEFINITE ARTICLES: ARTICOLI DETERMINATIVI
The Italian version of “the” are the following: il, la, l’, lo, i, le, gli
Example: The School of the Children (La Scuola dei Bambini)

Singular Plural
Male Female Male Female
Il La I le
= used before a male = used before a female = used before a male plural = used before a female
singular noun that starts singular noun that starts noun that starts with a singular noun that starts
with a consonant with a consonant consonant with a consonant

Examples: Examples: Examples: Examples:

il dottore La dottoressa i dottori Le dottoresse
il cane La professoressa i cani Le professoresse
il gatto La direttrice i gatti Le direttrici
gli le
l’
= used before a male plural = used also before a female
= used before a singular noun that starts with a vowel
noun that starts with a plural noun that starts with a
(a,e,i,o,u)
vowel (a,e,i,o,u) vowel (a,e,I,o,u)
Examples: Examples: Examples:
L’insegnante Gli insegnanti Le insegnanti
L’impiegata/L’impiegato Gli impiegati Le impiegate
L’operaio/l’operaia Gli operai Le operaie
Lo La Gli Le
= used before a male = used also before a = used before a male plural = used before a female
singular noun starting with: female singular noun noun starting with: plural noun starting with:
“s+consonant”, ps, z, gn, y starting with: “s+consonant”, ps, z, gn, y “s+consonant”, ps, z, gn, y
“s+consonant”, ps, z,
gn, y
Examples: Examples: Examples: Examples:
Lo scienziato La scienziata Gli scienziati Le scienziate
Lo scrittore La scrittrice Gli scrittori Le scrittrici
Lo yogurt La zia Gli zoologi Le zoologhe
Lo zio La zoologa
Lo sport
Lo gnomo

Exercises
Instructions: Choose the best “Definite Article” for each Italian word.
Example: _la_ maestra (the teacher)
1. ____ parola (the word) 7. ____ psycologico (the psychology)
2. ____ acqua (the water) 8. ____ lavagna (the board)
3. ____ vento (the air) 9. ____ tavolo (the table)
4. ____ libro (the book) 10. ____ cestino (the trashcan)
5. ____ zoo (the zoo) 11. ____ giornali (the newspapers)
6. ____ cognome (the surname) 12. ____ zii (the uncles)
13. ____ negozi (the shops)
14. ____ uffici (the offices)
15. ____ spiaggia (the beach)
16. ____ alberghi (the hotels)
17. ____ aranciate (the orange drinks)
18. ____ vini (the wines)
19. ____ zucchero (the sugar)
20. ____ centro (the center)
UNIT 14. There Is and There Are including none, some, any, many, much, too many, too much, few, several …
LESSON:C’è / Ci sono (there is / there are)
Use C’è for singular and Ci sono for plural.
Example 1: There is a car (may isang kotse). C’è una macchina.
There are cars (may mga kotse). Ci sono macchine.
Example 2: There is a school (may isang paaralan). C’è una scuola.
There are schools (may mga paaralan). Ci sono scuole.
Exercises: Construct your own sentences (at least 5) using C’è / Ci sono (there is / there are).
1. C’è_______________________________________________________.
Ci sono ____________________________________.
2. C’è_______________________________________________________.
Ci sono ____________________________________.
3. C’è_______________________________________________________.
Ci sono ____________________________________.
4. C’è_______________________________________________________.
Ci sono ____________________________________.
5.C’è_______________________________________________________.
Ci sono ____________________________________.

UNIT 15. This and These; That and Those

For words
For Examples
starting with a …
Questo Male Consonant Questo ragazzo
This
Quest’ Male & Female Vowel Quest’uomo
(singular)
Questa Female Consonant Questa casa

Questi Male Vowel/consonant Questi ragazzi; questi uomini

These
Queste Female Vowel/consonant Queste case; queste ombre
(plural)

For words
For Examples
starting with a …
Quel Male Consonant except Quel ragazzo
ps, gn, y, z, j,
s+consonant
That
Quello Male ps, gn, y, z, j, Quello zoo
(singular)
s+consonant
Quell’ Male & Female Vowel Quell’uomo; quell’ombra
Quella Female Consonant Quella casa

Quei Male Consonant Quei ragazzi

Quegli Male Vowel/ ps, gn, y, Quegli zoologi
Those
z, j, s+consonant
(plural)
Quelle Female Consonant/ Quelle case
vowel
6TH Grade

How is the word read when the letters are combined?

Pronounced like Sounds like Examples Translations of the examples
C+i/e Ch Church Cena Lunch
C+h/a/o/u K King Chiesa Church
G+i/e J Journal Giorno Day
G+a/o/u/h G Give Gambe Legs
GLI LY Million Figlio Son
GN ñ/NY Lasagna Cognome Surname / Last name
H - (not pronounced) - Hotel Hotel
SCE Pesce Fish
SCI SH She Scienza Science

LEGGIAMO INSIEME
(LET’S READ TOGETHER)

Coniglio (rabbit)
Signorina (miss/young lady)
Pagliaccio (clown)
Grigia (grey)
Perché (why / because)
Aglio (garlic)
Giacca (jacket)
Cibo (food)
Vecchio (old)
Conoscenza (knowledge)

UNIT 11. Conjugation of Verb “Chiamarsi”

Io Mi Chiamo
Tu Ti Chiami
Lui Si Chiama
Lei Si Chiama
Egli Si Chiama
Noi Ci Chiamiamo
Voi Vi Chiamate
Loro Si Chiamano

Exercises:

Instructions: Conjugate the following in verbo chiamarsi.

Example: Io, Marco e Marina ci chiamiamo la squadra di San Pablo.

1. Marco e Giulia _____________.

2. Giulio ________ la voce dei ragazzi.

3. Tu e Maria ____________.

4. Io e Bambi __________.

5. Marta! Tu __________ la piu bella ragazza della nostra scuola.

UNIT 12. Indefinite Articles

The Italian version of “A/AN” are the following: un, uno, una, un’
Example: A School of the Children (Una Scuola dei Bambini)
Male Female
Un Una
= used for a male noun that does not start with = used for a female noun that starts with a consonant,
any of the following: “s+consonant”, ps, z, gn, y including “s+consonant”, ps, z, gn, y
Example: Example:
Un attore (an actor) Una maestra (a teacher)
Un cane (a dog) Una studentessa (a student)
Un libro (a book) Una zoologa (a zoologist)
Uno Un’
= used for a male noun that starts with any of the = used for a female noun that starts with a vowel
following: “s+consonant”, ps, z, gn, y (a,e,i,o,u)
Example: Example:
Uno student (a student) Un’attrice (an actress)
Uno zoologo (a zoologist) Un’infermiera (a nurse)
uno scherzo (a joke)

Exercises
Instructions: Choose the best “Indefinite Article” for each Italian word.

Example: _una_ maestra (a teacher)

1. ____ parola (a word) 11. ____ giornale (a newspaper)
2. ____ acqua (a water) 12. ____ zio (an uncle)
3. ____ vento (an air) 13. ____ negozio (a shop)
4. ____ libro (a book) 14. ____ ufficio (an office)
5. ____ zoo (a zoo) 15. ____ spiaggia (a beach)
6. ____ cognome (a surname) 16. ____ albergo (a hotel)
7. ____ psycologico (a psychology) 17. ____ aranciata (an orange drink)
8. ____ lavagna (a board) 18. ____ vino (a wine)
9. ____ tavolo (a table) 19. ____ kilo di zucchero (a kilo of sugar)
10. ____ cestino (a trashcan) 20. ____ centro (a center)

UNIT 13. Definite Articles

DEFINITE ARTICLES: ARTICOLI DETERMINATIVI
The Italian version of “the” are the following: il, la, l’, lo, i, le, gli
Example: The School of the Children (La Scuola dei Bambini)

Singular Plural
Male Female Male Female
Il La I le
= used before a male = used before a female = used before a male plural = used before a female
singular noun that starts singular noun that starts noun that starts with a singular noun that starts
with a consonant with a consonant consonant with a consonant

Examples: Examples: Examples: Examples:

il dottore La dottoressa i dottori Le dottoresse
il cane La professoressa i cani Le professoresse
il gatto La direttrice i gatti Le direttrici
 gli le
l’
= used before a male plural = used also before a female
= used before a singular noun that starts with a vowel
noun that starts with a plural noun that starts with a
(a,e,i,o,u)
vowel (a,e,i,o,u) vowel (a,e,I,o,u)
Examples: Examples: Examples:
L’insegnante Gli insegnanti Le insegnanti
L’impiegata/L’impiegato Gli impiegati Le impiegate
L’operaio/l’operaia Gli operai Le operaie
Lo La Gli Le
= used before a male = used also before a = used before a male plural = used before a female
singular noun starting with: female singular noun noun starting with: plural noun starting with:
“s+consonant”, ps, z, gn, y starting with: “s+consonant”, ps, z, gn, y “s+consonant”, ps, z, gn, y
“s+consonant”, ps, z,
gn, y
Examples: Examples: Examples: Examples:
Lo scienziato La scienziata Gli scienziati Le scienziate
Lo scrittore La scrittrice Gli scrittori Le scrittrici
Lo yogurt La zia Gli zoologi Le zoologhe
Lo zio La zoologa
Lo sport
Lo gnomo

Exercises
Instructions: Choose the best “Definite Article” for each Italian word.
Example: _la_ maestra (the teacher)
1. ____ parola (the word)
2. ____ acqua (the water)
3. ____ vento (the air)
4. ____ libro (the book)
5. ____ zoo (the zoo)
6. ____ cognome (the surname)
7. ____ psycologico (the psychology)
8. ____ lavagna (the board)
9. ____ tavolo (the table)
10. ____ cestino (the trashcan)
11. ____ giornali (the newspapers)
12. ____ zii (the uncles)
13. ____ negozi (the shops)
14. ____ uffici (the offices)
15. ____ spiaggia (the beach)
16. ____ alberghi (the hotels)
17. ____ aranciate (the orange drinks)
18. ____ vini (the wines)
19. ____ zucchero (the sugar)
20. ____ centro (the center)
UNIT 14. There Is and There Are including none, some, any, many, much, too many, too much, few, several …
LESSON:C’è / Ci sono (there is / there are)
Use C’è for singular and Ci sono for plural.
Example 1: There is a car (may isang kotse). C’è una macchina.
There are cars (may mga kotse). Ci sono macchine.
Example 2: There is a school (may isang paaralan). C’è una scuola.
There are schools (may mga paaralan). Ci sono scuole.
Exercises: Construct your own sentences (at least 5) using C’è / Ci sono (there is / there are).
1. C’è_______________________________________________________.
Ci sono ____________________________________.
2. C’è_______________________________________________________.
Ci sono ____________________________________.
3. C’è_______________________________________________________.
Ci sono ____________________________________.
4. C’è_______________________________________________________.
Ci sono ____________________________________.
5.C’è_______________________________________________________.
Ci sono ____________________________________.

UNIT 15. This and These; That and Those

For words
For Examples
starting with a …
Questo Male Consonant Questo ragazzo
This
Quest’ Male & Female Vowel Quest’uomo
(singular)
Questa Female Consonant Questa casa

Questi Male Vowel/consonant Questi ragazzi; questi uomini

These
Queste Female Vowel/consonant Queste case; queste ombre
(plural)

For words
For Examples
starting with a …
Quel Male Consonant except Quel ragazzo
ps, gn, y, z, j,
s+consonant
That
Quello Male ps, gn, y, z, j, Quello zoo
(singular)
s+consonant
Quell’ Male & Female Vowel Quell’uomo; quell’ombra
Quella Female Consonant Quella casa

Quei Male Consonant Quei ragazzi

Quegli Male Vowel/ ps, gn, y, Quegli zoologi
Those
z, j, s+consonant
(plural)
Quelle Female Consonant/ Quelle case
vowel
UNIT 16. Expressing Wants and Needs

Sometimes in Italian, as in other languages, there is little to distinguish a desire, expressed by the verb VOLERE, from
need, expressed by the phrase AVER BISOGNO DI. For example: ho bisogno di un caffe (I need a coffee), voglio un caffe (I
want coffee).

Expressing WANTS using the verb VOLERE:

Io voglio I want
Tu vuoi You want
Lui/lei/egli vuole He/she/it wants
Noi vogliamo We want
Voi volete You want
Lore vogliono They want

Expressing NEEDS using the verb DOVERE:

Io devo I need
Tu devi You need
Lui/lei/egli deve He/she/it needs
Noi dobbiamo We need
Voi dovete You need
Loro devono They need

UNIT 17. UNIT 16. Expressing Preference, Likes or Dislikes

Expressing Preference/Likes using the verb PIACERE:

io piaccio

tu piaci

lui; lei piace

noi piacciamo

voi piacete

loro piacciono

**The verb should follow the subject.

Example: I like her. Io mi piace Lei. I like them – io mi piacciono.

Now things get a little tricky when we conjugate the verb PIACERE. For some people especially those with an
Anglo-Saxon mindset, the verb PIACERE can be a bit mind-boggling.
That is because PIACERE doesn’t mean someone likes something, but rather it means something is PLEASING
TO someone.
In Italian, the SUBJECT and the OBJECT are flipped. This is opposite of how we express “liking” things in
English, thus causing confusion for language learners.
Take for example the English sentence: “I like Italy”
In this instance
“I” equals the “SUBJECT”
“Italy” equals the “DIRECT OBJECT”
But in Italian to express the same thought you say: Mi piace l’Italia.
Basically we are saying: “Italy is pleasing TO me”
“ITALY” equals the “SUBJECT”
“TO ME – Mi” equals the “INDIRECT OBJECT”

Remember the indirect object is introduced by the preposition “A”. For instance: A me, A Giovani.
Because of this sentence construction, as you can see, in Italian we must use an indirect object with the word
piacere.
This indirect object is the one who is doing the liking. For example: “A Lucia piace cucinare. Lucia is the
indirect object.
As such you would also use indirect pronouns with PIACERE. Do you remember your indirect pronouns?

They are: Mi (to me), Ti (to you), Gli (to him), Le (to her), Ci (to us), Vi (to you all), a Loro /or gli (to them)

Another thing to remember about PIACERE is that if what we are liking is singular we use PIACE. If it is
plural we use PIACCIONO. (as usual, the subject defines the conjugation of the verb)
For example:
Mi PIACE UN biscottO. / I like a cookie.
Mi PIACCIONO I biscottI. / I like the cookies.
Remember once again: Biscotto (singular) or biscotti (plural) are the SUBJECT of the sentence and I am the
indirect object.

If the subject (what is liked) is a VERB like, “andare”, “preparare” or “disegnare” you would use the singular
form of piacere – PIACE. Like this:
Mi PIACE andare in bicicletta. / I like riding a bike. (”Andare in bicicletta” is thing in this sentence that is
being liked).
Le PIACE fare le torte. / She likes making cakes (“Fare le torte” is thing in this sentence that is being liked)
Ti PIACE disegnare? / Do you like drawing? (“Disegnare” is thing in this sentence that is being liked).

Tutto chiaro? Bene! Now that you have a handle on how to use PIACERE in the present tense let’s take a look
at how to construct a sentence using PIACERE in the past tense.

With PIACERE we always use it coupled with ”ESSERE” not with “avere”
As a consequence keep in mind that the ending of the past participle of PIACERE must agree in gender and
number of the thing you like because it is the subject of the sentence. For example:
IN THE SINGULAR past tense the verb is either: piaciutO or piaciutA

For example:
Mi È piaciutO il vestito blu / I liked the blue dress. (VestitO is a masculine noun)
Mi è piaciutA la caramella / I liked the candy. (CaramellA is a feminine noun)
IN THE Plural past tense the verb is either: piaciutI or piaciutE
So if I like all the blue dresses I would say:
Mi SONO piaciuti tutti i vestiti blu. (VestitI is the plural masculine noun)
So if I like all the candies I would say:
Mi sono piaciutE le caramelle / I liked the candies. (CaramellE is the plural feminine noun)
Ok! I’ll leave you with one last thought. PIACERE can also be conjugated like other Italian verbs.

Piaccio
Piaci
Piace
Piaciamo
Piacete
Piaciono

When would these conjugations of the verb PIACERE be used and how, you ask? Well, let’s look at the
sentence:
I like the dog, but the dog doesn’t like me.
The first part we have gone over: I like the dog / Mi piace il cane
That seems easy enough. (Remember we are flipping the order of the subject and the object so it is really: The
dog is pleasing to me.)

“Dog – Cane ” equals the “SUBJECT”

“To Me – Mi” equals the “INDIRECT OBJECT”

Now for the second part: “the dog doesn’t like me. ” This is where things get a little tricky:
In Italian we say: Al cane non piaccio.

Here again we must flip the order of the subject and the object. Basically in Italian we are saying: “To the
dog I am not pleasing”
“Piaccio” – I am the one that is either pleasing (or the not pleasing in this case)” = “SUBJECT”
“To the Dog – Al Cane” = “INDIRECT OBJECT”

Argh! Mind blown! Like a dog with a bone chew on that for a while!!! Don’t you just LOVE Italian!?!?! Non vi
piace l’Italiano!?!?!?! Non preoccupartevi! Questa frase è molto complicata.

Mi fa girare la testa! Però man mano, con un po’ di pratica tutto diventerà più chiaro.
Here are a couple of easier examples:
Io piaccio a Marco = Marco likes me. (I am pleasing to Marco)
Io piaccio ai tuoi amici? = Do your friends like me? (Am I pleasing to your friends?)
Tu piaci a mia sorella! = My sister likes you. (To my sister you are liked)
Just look out for where the preposition “A” (which means “to”) falls in the sentence to help understand the
phrase.

For more practice with the verb PIACERE scroll on down the page where I have include more practice
exercises.
Fatemi sapere se avete delle domande. / Let me know if you have questions.
Fill in the blank with the singular or plural form of Piacere in the present tense.
1. Gli ________ molto gli animali, sopratutto i cani.
2. Le ________ quest’abito che le ha offerto la nonna?
3. A loro________ i musei d’arte moderna?
4. Ci ________ le canzoni italiane?
5. Ti ________il film che abbiamo visto al cinema?
6. Ti________andare in vacanza con I tuoi genitor?
7. Vi ________questa casa di familia?
8. A Fabrizio e Stefano non ________andare a fare la spesa!
9. Mi ________molto le serate tra amici.
10. Al ragazzino non ________dormire da solo, ha paura!
11. Non ti________gli insegnanti di matematica
Now, change these sentences written in the present tense to the past:
1. Mi piace andare a Venezia.
2. Non ti piace mai andare per negozi.
3. Gli piacciono i cibi esotici.
4. Le piace cantare con gli amici.
5. Non ci piacciono mai le persone maleducate.
6. Ti piace il film?
7. Ti piace la torta?
8. Le piacciono i film francesi?
9. Gli piacciono le canzoni d’amore?
10. Ti piace questo esercizio sul verbo “piacere”?
Form the following into present tense sentences using the word correct form of “Piacere”
Paolo / fare le valigie
(io) / le patate
(voi) / la festa
loro / le ragazze
lui / ballare
Le / bere il caffé.
Ti / mangiare gli spaghetti.
Mi / i fagiolini.
A lei / sempre le lasagne della sua mamma.
A Leone / molto la birra
UNIT 18. Conjugation of Verbs

CONJUGATION OF REGULAR VERBS: PRESENT TENSE

-are -ere -ire -rsi
Verb endings
Parlare (to speak) Credere (to believe) Dormire (to sleep) Lavarsi (to wash)
Io Parl(o) Cred(o) Dorm(o) mi lavo
Tu Parl(i) Cred(i) Dorm(i) ti lavi
Lui/lei/esso/essa Parl(a) Cred(e) Dorm(e) si lava
Noi Parl(iamo) Cred(iamo) Dorm(iamo) ci laviamo
Voi Parl(ate) Cred(ete) Dorm(ite) vi lavate
Loro Parl(ano) Cred(ono) Dorm(ono) si lavano

EXERCISES: CONJUGATE THE FOLLOWING VERBS

-are -ere -ire -rsi
Verb endings
Guardare (to look) Vedere (to watch) Offrire (to offer) Amarsi (to love)
Io Guardo Vedo offro Mi amo
Tu Guardi Vedi Offri Ti ami
Lui/lei/esso/essa Guarda Vede Offer Si ama
Noi Guardiamo Vediamo Offriamo Ci amiamo
Voi Guardete Vedete Offrite Vi amate
Loro Guardano vedono offrono Si amano

UNIT 19. Construction of Positive, Negative and Interrogative Sentences using verbs ending in –Are
7TH Grade

How is the word read when the letters are combined?

Pronounced like Sounds like Examples Translations of the examples
C+i/e Ch Church Cena Lunch
C+h/a/o/u K King Chiesa Church
G+i/e J Journal Giorno Day
G+a/o/u/h G Give Gambe Legs
GLI LY Million Figlio Son
GN ñ/NY Lasagna Cognome Surname / Last name
H - (not pronounced) - Hotel Hotel
SCE Pesce Fish
SCI SH She Scienza Science

LEGGIAMO INSIEME
(LET’S READ TOGETHER)

Coniglio (rabbit)
Signorina (miss/young lady)
Pagliaccio (clown)
Grigia (grey)
Perché (why / because)
Aglio (garlic)
Giacca (jacket)
Cibo (food)
Vecchio (old)
Conoscenza (knowledge)

PRACTICE: READING ITALIAN WORDS

(COMBINED LETTERS)

Ca, ce, ci, co, cu, cha, che, chi, cho, chu, chia, chie, chi, chio, chu

Ga, ge, gi, go, gu, gia, gie, gi, gio, giu, gha, ghe, ghi, gho, ghu, gla, gle, gli, glo, glu, glía, glie, gli, glio, gliu,
gna, gne, gni, gno, gnu, gnia, gnie, gni, gnio, gniu,

Ha, he, hi, ho, hu, hai, hau

Qa, qe, qi, qo, qu, qua, que, qui, quo, quu

Sca, sce, sci, sco, scu, scia, scie, sci, scio, sciu, scua, scue, scui, scuo, scuu, scha, sche, schi, scho, schu

Ua, ue, ui, uo, u, uia, uie, uii, uie, uio, uiu

Va, ve, vi, vo, vu, via, vie, viei, vio, viu, vua, vue, vui, vuo, vu

Za, ze, zi, zo, zu, zza, zze, zzi, zzo, zzu, zia, zie, zii, zio, zuu

Exercises no. 1: Practice Italian with excerpts from "Travel to Bergamo" in Italian, followed by the English translation.

In Italiano:
Bergamo è città antichissima. Sono state trovate tracce di un insediamento d'età protostorica, tra il sesto e il quinto secolo avanti Cristo, e
si deve a questi primi abitanti la caratteristica principale della città: metà sul colle e metà in piano. A chi arriva dalla pianura è proprio la
città sul colle (la radice berg vuol dire monte) che compare per prima in lontananza: un'immagine che affascinò i grandi viaggiatori del
passato, come Stendhal, e che ancora richiama l'attenzione di chi transita lungo l'autostrada che collega Milano a Venezia. Bergamo si
annuncia all'improvviso, con la fantastica sequenza di torri, campanili e cupole contro il verde intenso delle Alpi.
Sul margine estremo della grande pianura padana, Bergamo rivela veramente la propria più genuina caratteristica solo a chi, attraversato
il centro moderno, felicemente modellato tenendo d'occhio il profilo della città antica, sale sul colle e si avventura nell'intrico medievale di
viuzze. All'improvviso come un'esplosione di luce, ed eccoci in Piazza Vecchia, considerata una delle più belle piazze d'Italia. Se ne
innamorarono Bernard Berenson e grandi architetti come Le Corbusier e Wright. Berenson vi approdò seguendo nelle valli bergamasche la
traccia di artisti veneti, che portarono fin lassù le luminosità della laguna. Fu un rapporto strettissimo quello che legò Bergamo a Venezia:
per quasi quattro secoli Bergamo condivise storia, arte e cultura della Repubblica.

Quando Venezia decise di dare inizio nel 1561 alla costruzione delle mura stava attraversando un periodo di gravi tensioni con la Spagna,
che governava anche sullo Stato di Milano. Fu un obiettivo più politico che strategico, in quanto la poderosa fortezza di Bergamo doveva
manifestare le chiare intenzioni della Repubblica di difendersi strenuamente contro eventuali mire espansionistiche degli spagnoli, ma al
tempo stesso rassicurandoli perché nei cinque chilometri di circuito dei bastioni non poteva essere accolto un esercito così numeroso da
compiere un'offensiva. Le mura sono molto ben conservate ed offrono, assieme alle quattro porte che si aprono sui quattro lati della città
antica, una delle più importanti testimonianze di cinta bastionata del Cinquecento.

Oggi lungo il grandioso anello di pietra si snoda una passeggiata con continui scorci panoramici sulla città moderna, sulla pianura e sulla
montagna.

In English:
Bergamo is a very old city. Traces of a protohistoric settlement, from between the sixth and the fifth century B.C., have been found. The first
inhabitants established the main characteristic of the city: half on the hill and half on flat land. To those who arrive from the plain, Bergamo
appears first from a distance as a city on a hill (the root word berg means mountain). This image first fascinated the great travelers of the
past, like Stendhal, and today the same image draws the attention of people driving on the Milan-Venice highway. Bergamo appears
suddenly, with its sequence of towers, bell towers and domes, against the intense green color of the Alps.

Located on the extreme edge of the Po Plain, Bergamo reveals its own true and genuine characteristics to those who climb up the hill and
visit the tangled medieval little streets after crossing the modern center of the city. PiazzaVecchia appears, like an unexpected explosion of
light. This Piazza is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Italy. Bernard Berenson and great architects such as Le Corbusier and
Wright, fell in love with it. Berenson arrived here after following traces of Venetian artists in the Bergamo valleys who brought to the city the
brightness of the lagoon. The relationship between Bergamo and Venice was very strong; for almost four centuries, Bergamo shared history,
art and culture of the Venetian Republic.

When Venice decided in 1561 to start building the walls, it was a time of serious tension between Venice and Spain, which was ruling also
the State of Milan. These walls represented more of a political than a strategic target; the powerful fortress of Bergamo was supposed to
express the clear intentions of the Republic to protect itself against possible Spanish expansionary aims. At the same time, the walls
represented a reassuring asset, because there was not sufficient space to keep an army large enough to carry out an attack. The walls are
very well kept and one of the most important example of city walls of the sixteenth century.

Today, a walk winds around the magnificent stone walls, with frequent panoramic views of the modern city and of the plain and mountain.

Cacciucco, Calcagno, castagna, coscia, cozza, coniglio, creanza, ceralacca, cherubino, crostaceo,
gagliardo, gioviale, gironzolare, giungla, galleggiare, granaio, buio, grattacielo, griggio, ghirlarda, hanno,
hamburger, quaggiu, quantunque, quietanza, quadricipite, sogno, soglio, sciare, scrittoio, viuzza, zizzania

UNIT 13. Conjugation of Verb “Chiamarsi”

Io Mi Chiamo
Tu Ti Chiami
Lui Si Chiama
Lei Si Chiama
Egli Si Chiama
Noi Ci Chiamiamo
Voi Vi Chiamate
Loro Si Chiamano

Exercises:

Instructions: Conjugate the following in verbo chiamarsi.

Example: Io, Marco e Marina ci chiamiamo la squadra di San Pablo.

1. Marco e Giulia _____________.

2. Giulio ________ la voce dei ragazzi.

3. Tu e Maria ____________.

4. Io e Bambi __________.

5. Marta! Tu __________ la piu bella ragazza della nostra scuola.

UNIT 14. Indefinite Articles

The Italian version of “A/AN” are the following: un, uno, una, un’
Example: A School of the Children (Una Scuola dei Bambini)
Male Female
Un Una
= used for a male noun that does not start with = used for a female noun that starts with a consonant,
any of the following: “s+consonant”, ps, z, gn, y including “s+consonant”, ps, z, gn, y
Example: Example:
Un attore (an actor) Una maestra (a teacher)
Un cane (a dog) Una studentessa (a student)
Un libro (a book) Una zoologa (a zoologist)
Uno Un’
= used for a male noun that starts with any of the = used for a female noun that starts with a vowel
following: “s+consonant”, ps, z, gn, y (a,e,i,o,u)
Example: Example:
Uno student (a student) Un’attrice (an actress)
Uno zoologo (a zoologist) Un’infermiera (a nurse)
uno scherzo (a joke)

Exercises
Instructions: Choose the best “Indefinite Article” for each Italian word.

Example: _una_ maestra (a teacher)

1. ____ parola (a word) 11. ____ giornale (a newspaper)
2. ____ acqua (a water) 12. ____ zio (an uncle)
3. ____ vento (an air) 13. ____ negozio (a shop)
4. ____ libro (a book) 14. ____ ufficio (an office)
5. ____ zoo (a zoo) 15. ____ spiaggia (a beach)
6. ____ cognome (a surname) 16. ____ albergo (a hotel)
7. ____ psycologico (a psychology) 17. ____ aranciata (an orange drink)
8. ____ lavagna (a board) 18. ____ vino (a wine)
9. ____ tavolo (a table) 19. ____ kilo di zucchero (a kilo of sugar)
10. ____ cestino (a trashcan) 20. ____ centro (a center)

UNIT 15. Definite Articles

DEFINITE ARTICLES: ARTICOLI DETERMINATIVI
The Italian version of “the” are the following: il, la, l’, lo, i, le, gli
Example: The School of the Children (La Scuola dei Bambini)

Singular Plural
Male Female Male Female
Il La I le
= used before a male = used before a female = used before a male plural = used before a female
singular noun that starts singular noun that starts noun that starts with a singular noun that starts
with a consonant with a consonant consonant with a consonant
 Examples: Examples: Examples: Examples:
il dottore La dottoressa i dottori Le dottoresse
il cane La professoressa i cani Le professoresse
il gatto La direttrice i gatti Le direttrici
gli le
l’
= used before a male plural = used also before a female
= used before a singular noun that starts with a vowel
noun that starts with a plural noun that starts with a
(a,e,i,o,u)
vowel (a,e,i,o,u) vowel (a,e,I,o,u)
Examples: Examples: Examples:
L’insegnante Gli insegnanti Le insegnanti
L’impiegata/L’impiegato Gli impiegati Le impiegate
L’operaio/l’operaia Gli operai Le operaie
Lo La Gli Le
= used before a male = used also before a = used before a male plural = used before a female
singular noun starting with: female singular noun noun starting with: plural noun starting with:
“s+consonant”, ps, z, gn, y starting with: “s+consonant”, ps, z, gn, y “s+consonant”, ps, z, gn, y
“s+consonant”, ps, z,
gn, y
Examples: Examples: Examples: Examples:
Lo scienziato La scienziata Gli scienziati Le scienziate
Lo scrittore La scrittrice Gli scrittori Le scrittrici
Lo yogurt La zia Gli zoologi Le zoologhe
Lo zio La zoologa
Lo sport
Lo gnomo

Exercises
Instructions: Choose the best “Definite Article” for each Italian word.
Example: _la_ maestra (the teacher)
1. ____ parola (the word)
2. ____ acqua (the water)
3. ____ vento (the air)
4. ____ libro (the book)
5. ____ zoo (the zoo)
6. ____ cognome (the surname)
7. ____ psycologico (the psychology)
8. ____ lavagna (the board)
9. ____ tavolo (the table)
10. ____ cestino (the trashcan)
11. ____ giornali (the newspapers)
12. ____ zii (the uncles)
13. ____ negozi (the shops)
14. ____ uffici (the offices)
15. ____ spiaggia (the beach)
16. ____ alberghi (the hotels)
17. ____ aranciate (the orange drinks)
18. ____ vini (the wines)
19. ____ zucchero (the sugar)
20. ____ centro (the center)
UNIT 16. There Is and There Are including none, some, any, many, much, too many, too much, few, several …
LESSON:C’è / Ci sono (there is / there are)
Use C’è for singular and Ci sono for plural.
Example 1: There is a car (may isang kotse). C’è una macchina.
There are cars (may mga kotse). Ci sono macchine.
Example 2: There is a school (may isang paaralan). C’è una scuola.
There are schools (may mga paaralan). Ci sono scuole.
Exercises: Construct your own sentences (at least 5) using C’è / Ci sono (there is / there are).
1. C’è_______________________________________________________.
Ci sono ____________________________________.
2. C’è_______________________________________________________.
Ci sono ____________________________________.
3. C’è_______________________________________________________.
Ci sono ____________________________________.
4. C’è_______________________________________________________.
Ci sono ____________________________________.
5.C’è_______________________________________________________.
Ci sono ____________________________________.

UNIT 17. This and These; That and Those

For words
For Examples
starting with a …
Questo Male Consonant Questo ragazzo
This
Quest’ Male & Female Vowel Quest’uomo
(singular)
Questa Female Consonant Questa casa

Questi Male Vowel/consonant Questi ragazzi; questi uomini

These
Queste Female Vowel/consonant Queste case; queste ombre
(plural)

For words
For Examples
starting with a …
Quel Male Consonant except Quel ragazzo
ps, gn, y, z, j,
s+consonant
That
Quello Male ps, gn, y, z, j, Quello zoo
(singular)
s+consonant
Quell’ Male & Female Vowel Quell’uomo; quell’ombra
Quella Female Consonant Quella casa

Quei Male Consonant Quei ragazzi

Quegli Male Vowel/ ps, gn, y, Quegli zoologi
Those
z, j, s+consonant
(plural)
Quelle Female Consonant/ Quelle case
vowel
UNIT 18. Expressing Wants and Needs

Sometimes in Italian, as in other languages, there is little to distinguish a desire, expressed by the verb VOLERE, from
need, expressed by the phrase AVER BISOGNO DI. For example: ho bisogno di un caffe (I need a coffee), voglio un caffe (I
want coffee).

Expressing WANTS using the verb VOLERE:

Io voglio I want
Tu vuoi You want
Lui/lei/egli vuole He/she/it wants
Noi vogliamo We want
Voi volete You want
Lore vogliono They want

Expressing NEEDS using the verb DOVERE:

Io devo I need
Tu devi You need
Lui/lei/egli deve He/she/it needs
Noi dobbiamo We need
Voi dovete You need
Loro devono They need

UNIT 19. Expressing Preference, Likes or Dislikes

Expressing Preference/Likes using the verb PIACERE:

io piaccio

tu piaci

lui; lei piace

noi piacciamo

voi piacete

loro piacciono

**The verb should follow the subject.

Example: I like her. Io mi piace Lei. I like them – io mi piacciono.

Now things get a little tricky when we conjugate the verb PIACERE. For some people especially those with an
Anglo-Saxon mindset, the verb PIACERE can be a bit mind-boggling.
That is because PIACERE doesn’t mean someone likes something, but rather it means something is PLEASING
TO someone.
In Italian, the SUBJECT and the OBJECT are flipped. This is opposite of how we express “liking” things in
English, thus causing confusion for language learners.
Take for example the English sentence: “I like Italy”
In this instance
“I” equals the “SUBJECT”
“Italy” equals the “DIRECT OBJECT”
But in Italian to express the same thought you say: Mi piace l’Italia.
Basically we are saying: “Italy is pleasing TO me”
“ITALY” equals the “SUBJECT”
“TO ME – Mi” equals the “INDIRECT OBJECT”

Remember the indirect object is introduced by the preposition “A”. For instance: A me, A Giovani.
Because of this sentence construction, as you can see, in Italian we must use an indirect object with the word
piacere.
This indirect object is the one who is doing the liking. For example: “A Lucia piace cucinare. Lucia is the
indirect object.
As such you would also use indirect pronouns with PIACERE. Do you remember your indirect pronouns?

They are: Mi (to me), Ti (to you), Gli (to him), Le (to her), Ci (to us), Vi (to you all), a Loro /or gli (to them)

Another thing to remember about PIACERE is that if what we are liking is singular we use PIACE. If it is
plural we use PIACCIONO. (as usual, the subject defines the conjugation of the verb)
For example:
Mi PIACE UN biscottO. / I like a cookie.
Mi PIACCIONO I biscottI. / I like the cookies.
Remember once again: Biscotto (singular) or biscotti (plural) are the SUBJECT of the sentence and I am the
indirect object.

If the subject (what is liked) is a VERB like, “andare”, “preparare” or “disegnare” you would use the singular
form of piacere – PIACE. Like this:
Mi PIACE andare in bicicletta. / I like riding a bike. (”Andare in bicicletta” is thing in this sentence that is
being liked).
Le PIACE fare le torte. / She likes making cakes (“Fare le torte” is thing in this sentence that is being liked)
Ti PIACE disegnare? / Do you like drawing? (“Disegnare” is thing in this sentence that is being liked).

Tutto chiaro? Bene! Now that you have a handle on how to use PIACERE in the present tense let’s take a look
at how to construct a sentence using PIACERE in the past tense.

With PIACERE we always use it coupled with ”ESSERE” not with “avere”
As a consequence keep in mind that the ending of the past participle of PIACERE must agree in gender and
number of the thing you like because it is the subject of the sentence. For example:
IN THE SINGULAR past tense the verb is either: piaciutO or piaciutA

For example:
Mi È piaciutO il vestito blu / I liked the blue dress. (VestitO is a masculine noun)
Mi è piaciutA la caramella / I liked the candy. (CaramellA is a feminine noun)
IN THE Plural past tense the verb is either: piaciutI or piaciutE
So if I like all the blue dresses I would say:
Mi SONO piaciuti tutti i vestiti blu. (VestitI is the plural masculine noun)
So if I like all the candies I would say:
Mi sono piaciutE le caramelle / I liked the candies. (CaramellE is the plural feminine noun)
Ok! I’ll leave you with one last thought. PIACERE can also be conjugated like other Italian verbs.

Piaccio
Piaci
Piace
Piaciamo
Piacete
Piaciono

When would these conjugations of the verb PIACERE be used and how, you ask? Well, let’s look at the
sentence:
I like the dog, but the dog doesn’t like me.
The first part we have gone over: I like the dog / Mi piace il cane
That seems easy enough. (Remember we are flipping the order of the subject and the object so it is really: The
dog is pleasing to me.)

“Dog – Cane ” equals the “SUBJECT”

“To Me – Mi” equals the “INDIRECT OBJECT”

Now for the second part: “the dog doesn’t like me. ” This is where things get a little tricky:
In Italian we say: Al cane non piaccio.

Here again we must flip the order of the subject and the object. Basically in Italian we are saying: “To the
dog I am not pleasing”
“Piaccio” – I am the one that is either pleasing (or the not pleasing in this case)” = “SUBJECT”
“To the Dog – Al Cane” = “INDIRECT OBJECT”

Argh! Mind blown! Like a dog with a bone chew on that for a while!!! Don’t you just LOVE Italian!?!?! Non vi
piace l’Italiano!?!?!?! Non preoccupartevi! Questa frase è molto complicata.

Mi fa girare la testa! Però man mano, con un po’ di pratica tutto diventerà più chiaro.
Here are a couple of easier examples:
Io piaccio a Marco = Marco likes me. (I am pleasing to Marco)
Io piaccio ai tuoi amici? = Do your friends like me? (Am I pleasing to your friends?)
Tu piaci a mia sorella! = My sister likes you. (To my sister you are liked)
Just look out for where the preposition “A” (which means “to”) falls in the sentence to help understand the
phrase.

For more practice with the verb PIACERE scroll on down the page where I have include more practice
exercises.
Fatemi sapere se avete delle domande. / Let me know if you have questions.
Fill in the blank with the singular or plural form of Piacere in the present tense.
12. Gli ________ molto gli animali, sopratutto i cani.
13. Le ________ quest’abito che le ha offerto la nonna?
14. A loro________ i musei d’arte moderna?
15. Ci ________ le canzoni italiane?
16. Ti ________il film che abbiamo visto al cinema?
17. Ti________andare in vacanza con I tuoi genitor?
18. Vi ________questa casa di familia?
19. A Fabrizio e Stefano non ________andare a fare la spesa!
20. Mi ________molto le serate tra amici.
21. Al ragazzino non ________dormire da solo, ha paura!
22. Non ti________gli insegnanti di matematica
Now, change these sentences written in the present tense to the past:
11. Mi piace andare a Venezia.
12. Non ti piace mai andare per negozi.
13. Gli piacciono i cibi esotici.
14. Le piace cantare con gli amici.
15. Non ci piacciono mai le persone maleducate.
16. Ti piace il film?
17. Ti piace la torta?
18. Le piacciono i film francesi?
19. Gli piacciono le canzoni d’amore?
20. Ti piace questo esercizio sul verbo “piacere”?
Form the following into present tense sentences using the word correct form of “Piacere”
Paolo / fare le valigie
(io) / le patate
(voi) / la festa
loro / le ragazze
lui / ballare
Le / bere il caffé.
Ti / mangiare gli spaghetti.
Mi / i fagiolini.
A lei / sempre le lasagne della sua mamma.
A Leone / molto la birra
8th, 9th and 10th Grades

How is the word read when the letters are combined?

Pronounced like Sounds like Examples Translations of the examples
C+i/e Ch Church Cena Lunch
C+h/a/o/u K King Chiesa Church
G+i/e J Journal Giorno Day
G+a/o/u/h G Give Gambe Legs
GLI LY Million Figlio Son
GN ñ/NY Lasagna Cognome Surname / Last name
H - (not pronounced) - Hotel Hotel
SCE Pesce Fish
SCI SH She Scienza Science

LEGGIAMO INSIEME
(LET’S READ TOGETHER)

Coniglio (rabbit)
Signorina (miss/young lady)
Pagliaccio (clown)
Grigia (grey)
Perché (why / because)
Aglio (garlic)
Giacca (jacket)
Cibo (food)
Vecchio (old)
Conoscenza (knowledge)

PRACTICE: READING ITALIAN WORDS

(COMBINED LETTERS)

Ca, ce, ci, co, cu, cha, che, chi, cho, chu, chia, chie, chi, chio, chu

Ga, ge, gi, go, gu, gia, gie, gi, gio, giu, gha, ghe, ghi, gho, ghu, gla, gle, gli, glo, glu, glía, glie, gli, glio, gliu,
gna, gne, gni, gno, gnu, gnia, gnie, gni, gnio, gniu,

Ha, he, hi, ho, hu, hai, hau

Qa, qe, qi, qo, qu, qua, que, qui, quo, quu

Sca, sce, sci, sco, scu, scia, scie, sci, scio, sciu, scua, scue, scui, scuo, scuu, scha, sche, schi, scho, schu

Ua, ue, ui, uo, u, uia, uie, uii, uie, uio, uiu

Va, ve, vi, vo, vu, via, vie, viei, vio, viu, vua, vue, vui, vuo, vu

Za, ze, zi, zo, zu, zza, zze, zzi, zzo, zzu, zia, zie, zii, zio, zuu

Exercises no. 1: Practice Italian with excerpts from "Travel to Bergamo" in Italian, followed by the English translation.

In Italiano:
Bergamo è città antichissima. Sono state trovate tracce di un insediamento d'età protostorica, tra il sesto e il quinto secolo avanti Cristo, e
si deve a questi primi abitanti la caratteristica principale della città: metà sul colle e metà in piano. A chi arriva dalla pianura è proprio la
città sul colle (la radice berg vuol dire monte) che compare per prima in lontananza: un'immagine che affascinò i grandi viaggiatori del
passato, come Stendhal, e che ancora richiama l'attenzione di chi transita lungo l'autostrada che collega Milano a Venezia. Bergamo si
annuncia all'improvviso, con la fantastica sequenza di torri, campanili e cupole contro il verde intenso delle Alpi.
Sul margine estremo della grande pianura padana, Bergamo rivela veramente la propria più genuina caratteristica solo a chi, attraversato
il centro moderno, felicemente modellato tenendo d'occhio il profilo della città antica, sale sul colle e si avventura nell'intrico medievale di
viuzze. All'improvviso come un'esplosione di luce, ed eccoci in Piazza Vecchia, considerata una delle più belle piazze d'Italia. Se ne
innamorarono Bernard Berenson e grandi architetti come Le Corbusier e Wright. Berenson vi approdò seguendo nelle valli bergamasche la
traccia di artisti veneti, che portarono fin lassù le luminosità della laguna. Fu un rapporto strettissimo quello che legò Bergamo a Venezia:
per quasi quattro secoli Bergamo condivise storia, arte e cultura della Repubblica.

Quando Venezia decise di dare inizio nel 1561 alla costruzione delle mura stava attraversando un periodo di gravi tensioni con la Spagna,
che governava anche sullo Stato di Milano. Fu un obiettivo più politico che strategico, in quanto la poderosa fortezza di Bergamo doveva
manifestare le chiare intenzioni della Repubblica di difendersi strenuamente contro eventuali mire espansionistiche degli spagnoli, ma al
tempo stesso rassicurandoli perché nei cinque chilometri di circuito dei bastioni non poteva essere accolto un esercito così numeroso da
compiere un'offensiva. Le mura sono molto ben conservate ed offrono, assieme alle quattro porte che si aprono sui quattro lati della città
antica, una delle più importanti testimonianze di cinta bastionata del Cinquecento.

Oggi lungo il grandioso anello di pietra si snoda una passeggiata con continui scorci panoramici sulla città moderna, sulla pianura e sulla
montagna.

In English:
Bergamo is a very old city. Traces of a protohistoric settlement, from between the sixth and the fifth century B.C., have been found. The first
inhabitants established the main characteristic of the city: half on the hill and half on flat land. To those who arrive from the plain, Bergamo
appears first from a distance as a city on a hill (the root word berg means mountain). This image first fascinated the great travelers of the
past, like Stendhal, and today the same image draws the attention of people driving on the Milan-Venice highway. Bergamo appears
suddenly, with its sequence of towers, bell towers and domes, against the intense green color of the Alps.

Located on the extreme edge of the Po Plain, Bergamo reveals its own true and genuine characteristics to those who climb up the hill and
visit the tangled medieval little streets after crossing the modern center of the city. PiazzaVecchia appears, like an unexpected explosion of
light. This Piazza is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Italy. Bernard Berenson and great architects such as Le Corbusier and
Wright, fell in love with it. Berenson arrived here after following traces of Venetian artists in the Bergamo valleys who brought to the city the
brightness of the lagoon. The relationship between Bergamo and Venice was very strong; for almost four centuries, Bergamo shared history,
art and culture of the Venetian Republic.

When Venice decided in 1561 to start building the walls, it was a time of serious tension between Venice and Spain, which was ruling also
the State of Milan. These walls represented more of a political than a strategic target; the powerful fortress of Bergamo was supposed to
express the clear intentions of the Republic to protect itself against possible Spanish expansionary aims. At the same time, the walls
represented a reassuring asset, because there was not sufficient space to keep an army large enough to carry out an attack. The walls are
very well kept and one of the most important example of city walls of the sixteenth century.

Today, a walk winds around the magnificent stone walls, with frequent panoramic views of the modern city and of the plain and mountain.

Cacciucco, Calcagno, castagna, coscia, cozza, coniglio, creanza, ceralacca, cherubino, crostaceo,
gagliardo, gioviale, gironzolare, giungla, galleggiare, granaio, buio, grattacielo, griggio, ghirlarda, hanno,
hamburger, quaggiu, quantunque, quietanza, quadricipite, sogno, soglio, sciare, scrittoio, viuzza, zizzania

UNIT 11. Conjugation of Verb “Chiamarsi”

Io Mi Chiamo
Tu Ti Chiami
Lui Si Chiama
Lei Si Chiama
Egli Si Chiama
Noi Ci Chiamiamo
Voi Vi Chiamate
Loro Si Chiamano

Exercises:

Instructions: Conjugate the following in verbo chiamarsi.

Example: Io, Marco e Marina ci chiamiamo la squadra di San Pablo.

1. Marco e Giulia _____________.

2. Giulio ________ la voce dei ragazzi.

3. Tu e Maria ____________.

4. Io e Bambi __________.

5. Marta! Tu __________ la piu bella ragazza della nostra scuola.

UNIT 12. Indefinite Articles

The Italian version of “A/AN” are the following: un, uno, una, un’
Example: A School of the Children (Una Scuola dei Bambini)
Male Female
Un Una
= used for a male noun that does not start with = used for a female noun that starts with a consonant,
any of the following: “s+consonant”, ps, z, gn, y including “s+consonant”, ps, z, gn, y
Example: Example:
Un attore (an actor) Una maestra (a teacher)
Un cane (a dog) Una studentessa (a student)
Un libro (a book) Una zoologa (a zoologist)
Uno Un’
= used for a male noun that starts with any of the = used for a female noun that starts with a vowel
following: “s+consonant”, ps, z, gn, y (a,e,i,o,u)
Example: Example:
Uno student (a student) Un’attrice (an actress)
Uno zoologo (a zoologist) Un’infermiera (a nurse)
uno scherzo (a joke)

Exercises
Instructions: Choose the best “Indefinite Article” for each Italian word.

Example: _una_ maestra (a teacher)

1. ____ parola (a word)
2. ____ acqua (a water)
3. ____ vento (an air)
4. ____ libro (a book)
5. ____ zoo (a zoo)
6. ____ cognome (a surname)
7. ____ psycologico (a psychology)
8. ____ lavagna (a board)
9. ____ tavolo (a table)
10. ____ cestino (a trashcan)
11. ____ giornale (a newspaper)
12. ____ zio (an uncle)
13. ____ negozio (a shop)
14. ____ ufficio (an office)
15. ____ spiaggia (a beach)
16. ____ albergo (a hotel)
17. ____ aranciata (an orange drink)
18. ____ vino (a wine)
19. ____ kilo di zucchero (a kilo of sugar)
20. ____ centro (a center)
UNIT 13. There Is and There Are including none, some, any, many, much, too many, too much, few, several …
LESSON:C’è / Ci sono (there is / there are)
Use C’è for singular and Ci sono for plural.
Example 1: There is a car (may isang kotse). C’è una macchina.
There are cars (may mga kotse). Ci sono macchine.
Example 2: There is a school (may isang paaralan). C’è una scuola.
There are schools (may mga paaralan). Ci sono scuole.
Exercises: Construct your own sentences (at least 5) using C’è / Ci sono (there is / there are).
1. C’è_______________________________________________________.
Ci sono ____________________________________.
2. C’è_______________________________________________________.
Ci sono ____________________________________.
3. C’è_______________________________________________________.
Ci sono ____________________________________.
4. C’è_______________________________________________________.
Ci sono ____________________________________.
5.C’è_______________________________________________________.
Ci sono ____________________________________.
UNIT 14. This and These; That and Those

For words
For Examples
starting with a …
Questo Male Consonant Questo ragazzo
This
Quest’ Male & Female Vowel Quest’uomo
(singular)
Questa Female Consonant Questa casa

Questi Male Vowel/consonant Questi ragazzi; questi uomini

These
Queste Female Vowel/consonant Queste case; queste ombre
(plural)

For words
For Examples
starting with a …
Quel Male Consonant except Quel ragazzo
ps, gn, y, z, j,
s+consonant
That
Quello Male ps, gn, y, z, j, Quello zoo
(singular)
s+consonant
Quell’ Male & Female Vowel Quell’uomo; quell’ombra
Quella Female Consonant Quella casa

Quei Male Consonant Quei ragazzi

Quegli Male Vowel/ ps, gn, y, Quegli zoologi
Those
z, j, s+consonant
(plural)
Quelle Female Consonant/ Quelle case
vowel
UNIT 15. Expressing Wants and Needs

Sometimes in Italian, as in other languages, there is little to distinguish a desire, expressed by the verb VOLERE, from
need, expressed by the phrase AVER BISOGNO DI. For example: ho bisogno di un caffe (I need a coffee), voglio un
caffe (I want coffee).

Expressing WANTS using the verb VOLERE:

Io voglio I want
Tu vuoi You want
Lui/lei/egli vuole He/she/it wants
Noi vogliamo We want
Voi volete You want
Lore vogliono They want

Expressing NEEDS using the verb DOVERE:

Io devo I need
Tu devi You need
Lui/lei/egli deve He/she/it needs
Noi dobbiamo We need
Voi dovete You need
Loro devono They need

UNIT 16. Expressing Preference, Likes or Dislikes

Expressing Preference/Likes using the verb PIACERE:

io piaccio

tu piaci

lui; lei piace

noi piacciamo

voi piacete

loro piacciono

**The verb should follow the subject.

Example: I like her. Io mi piace Lei. I like them – io mi piacciono.

Now things get a little tricky when we conjugate the verb PIACERE. For some people especially those with
an Anglo-Saxon mindset, the verb PIACERE can be a bit mind-boggling.
That is because PIACERE doesn’t mean someone likes something, but rather it means something is
PLEASING TO someone.
In Italian, the SUBJECT and the OBJECT are flipped. This is opposite of how we express “liking” things in
English, thus causing confusion for language learners.
Take for example the English sentence: “I like Italy”
In this instance
“I” equals the “SUBJECT”
“Italy” equals the “DIRECT OBJECT”
But in Italian to express the same thought you say: Mi piace l’Italia.
Basically we are saying: “Italy is pleasing TO me”
“ITALY” equals the “SUBJECT”
“TO ME – Mi” equals the “INDIRECT OBJECT”

Remember the indirect object is introduced by the preposition “A”. For instance: A me, A Giovani.
Because of this sentence construction, as you can see, in Italian we must use an indirect object with the word
piacere.
This indirect object is the one who is doing the liking. For example: “A Lucia piace cucinare. Lucia is the
indirect object.
As such you would also use indirect pronouns with PIACERE. Do you remember your indirect pronouns?

They are: Mi (to me), Ti (to you), Gli (to him), Le (to her), Ci (to us), Vi (to you all), a Loro /or gli (to
them)

Another thing to remember about PIACERE is that if what we are liking is singular we use PIACE. If it is
plural we use PIACCIONO. (as usual, the subject defines the conjugation of the verb)
For example:
Mi PIACE UN biscottO. / I like a cookie.
Mi PIACCIONO I biscottI. / I like the cookies.
Remember once again: Biscotto (singular) or biscotti (plural) are the SUBJECT of the sentence and I am the
indirect object.

If the subject (what is liked) is a VERB like, “andare”, “preparare” or “disegnare” you would use the singular
form of piacere – PIACE. Like this:
Mi PIACE andare in bicicletta. / I like riding a bike. (”Andare in bicicletta” is thing in this sentence that is
being liked).
Le PIACE fare le torte. / She likes making cakes (“Fare le torte” is thing in this sentence that is being liked)
Ti PIACE disegnare? / Do you like drawing? (“Disegnare” is thing in this sentence that is being liked).

Tutto chiaro? Bene! Now that you have a handle on how to use PIACERE in the present tense let’s take a
look at how to construct a sentence using PIACERE in the past tense.

With PIACERE we always use it coupled with ”ESSERE” not with “avere”
As a consequence keep in mind that the ending of the past participle of PIACERE must agree in gender and
number of the thing you like because it is the subject of the sentence. For example:
IN THE SINGULAR past tense the verb is either: piaciutO or piaciutA
For example:
Mi È piaciutO il vestito blu / I liked the blue dress. (VestitO is a masculine noun)
Mi è piaciutA la caramella / I liked the candy. (CaramellA is a feminine noun)
IN THE Plural past tense the verb is either: piaciutI or piaciutE
So if I like all the blue dresses I would say:
Mi SONO piaciuti tutti i vestiti blu. (VestitI is the plural masculine noun)
So if I like all the candies I would say:
Mi sono piaciutE le caramelle / I liked the candies. (CaramellE is the plural feminine noun)

Ok! I’ll leave you with one last thought. PIACERE can also be conjugated like other Italian verbs.

Piaccio
Piaci
Piace
Piaciamo
Piacete
Piaciono

When would these conjugations of the verb PIACERE be used and how, you ask? Well, let’s look at the
sentence:
I like the dog, but the dog doesn’t like me.
The first part we have gone over: I like the dog / Mi piace il cane
That seems easy enough. (Remember we are flipping the order of the subject and the object so it is really:
The dog is pleasing to me.)

“Dog – Cane ” equals the “SUBJECT”

“To Me – Mi” equals the “INDIRECT OBJECT”

Now for the second part: “the dog doesn’t like me. ” This is where things get a little tricky:
In Italian we say: Al cane non piaccio.

Here again we must flip the order of the subject and the object. Basically in Italian we are saying: “To the
dog I am not pleasing”
“Piaccio” – I am the one that is either pleasing (or the not pleasing in this case)” = “SUBJECT”
“To the Dog – Al Cane” = “INDIRECT OBJECT”

Argh! Mind blown! Like a dog with a bone chew on that for a while!!! Don’t you just LOVE Italian!?!?!
Non vi piace l’Italiano!?!?!?! Non preoccupartevi! Questa frase è molto complicata.

Mi fa girare la testa! Però man mano, con un po’ di pratica tutto diventerà più chiaro.
Here are a couple of easier examples:
Io piaccio a Marco = Marco likes me. (I am pleasing to Marco)
Io piaccio ai tuoi amici? = Do your friends like me? (Am I pleasing to your friends?)
Tu piaci a mia sorella! = My sister likes you. (To my sister you are liked)
Just look out for where the preposition “A” (which means “to”) falls in the sentence to help understand the
phrase.
For more practice with the verb PIACERE scroll on down the page where I have include more practice
exercises.
Fatemi sapere se avete delle domande. / Let me know if you have questions.
Fill in the blank with the singular or plural form of Piacere in the present tense.
23. Gli ________ molto gli animali, sopratutto i cani.
24. Le ________ quest’abito che le ha offerto la nonna?
25. A loro________ i musei d’arte moderna?
26. Ci ________ le canzoni italiane?
27. Ti ________il film che abbiamo visto al cinema?
28. Ti________andare in vacanza con I tuoi genitor?
29. Vi ________questa casa di familia?
30. A Fabrizio e Stefano non ________andare a fare la spesa!
31. Mi ________molto le serate tra amici.
32. Al ragazzino non ________dormire da solo, ha paura!
33. Non ti________gli insegnanti di matematica
Now, change these sentences written in the present tense to the past:
21. Mi piace andare a Venezia.
22. Non ti piace mai andare per negozi.
23. Gli piacciono i cibi esotici.
24. Le piace cantare con gli amici.
25. Non ci piacciono mai le persone maleducate.
26. Ti piace il film?
27. Ti piace la torta?
28. Le piacciono i film francesi?
29. Gli piacciono le canzoni d’amore?
30. Ti piace questo esercizio sul verbo “piacere”?
Form the following into present tense sentences using the word correct form of “Piacere”
Paolo / fare le valigie
(io) / le patate
(voi) / la festa
loro / le ragazze
lui / ballare
Le / bere il caffé.
Ti / mangiare gli spaghetti.
Mi / i fagiolini.
A lei / sempre le lasagne della sua mamma.
A Leone / molto la birra
UNIT 17. Conjugation of Verbs

CONJUGATION OF REGULAR VERBS: PRESENT TENSE

-are -ere -ire -rsi
Verb endings
Parlare (to speak) Credere (to believe) Dormire (to sleep) Lavarsi (to wash)
Io Parl(o) Cred(o) Dorm(o) mi lavo
Tu Parl(i) Cred(i) Dorm(i) ti lavi
Lui/lei/esso/essa Parl(a) Cred(e) Dorm(e) si lava
Noi Parl(iamo) Cred(iamo) Dorm(iamo) ci laviamo
Voi Parl(ate) Cred(ete) Dorm(ite) vi lavate
Loro Parl(ano) Cred(ono) Dorm(ono) si lavano

EXERCISES: CONJUGATE THE FOLLOWING VERBS

-are -ere -ire -rsi
Verb endings Guardare (to Vedere (to watch) Offrire (to offer) Amarsi (to love)
look)
Io Guardo Vedo offro Mi amo
Tu Guardi Vedi Offri Ti ami
Lui/lei/esso/essa Guarda Vede Offer Si ama
Noi Guardiamo Vediamo Offriamo Ci amiamo
Voi Guardete Vedete Offrite Vi amate
Loro Guardano vedono offrono Si amano

UNIT 18. Construction of Positive, Negative and Interrogative Sentences using verbs ending in –Are