Speak Italian Like A Local

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit speakitalianlikealocal.substack.comQuesta settimana in Story Club leggiamo un testo sulla Valle d'Aosta. Una regione piccola. Molto piccola. La più piccola d'Italia, in realtà, incastrata tra le Alpi al confine con Francia e Svizzera.Eppure appena ci entri, ti accorgi subito che ha qualcosa che le regioni più grandi non hanno: quella sensazione di essere arrivata in un posto che esiste d…

I've created something for you.You've been reading Coffee Break for a while now.Every week, you get an expression, a word, a glimpse into Italian life. You read it. You save it. Maybe you try to use it once. Then Monday comes, and you forget all about it.It's not your fault. It's the method.Studying Italian for two hours once a week seems productive. It isn't. Language learning doesn't work that way. It requires repetition, context, and time. You have to learn it in small doses, often. Not in an intensive session that you'll forget by Thursday.So I've created something that gives you a place to practice Italian every day.It's called Speak Italian Story Club. It's a private web app, available only to paid subscribers. Inside, you'll find:Stories and dialogues in Italian, categorized according to your actual level. Levels range from A2 and up. Stories set in real cities. Legends. Culture. Conversations at the bar, the market, the hotel front desk. Real Italian, not textbook Italian.In the text, words and expressions underlined in green are clickable. Tap a word or phrase you don't know once, and you'll immediately see the meaning in English. Tap it twice to save it to your personal flashcard deck. Your deck grows as you read. Your flashcards are created with the words you actually didn't know, not with a generic list created by someone else.There's also a progress tracker. Consecutive days of reading. Words saved. Stories completed. A graph showing the days you've actually read. Seeing everything organized this way makes a difference.You're not trying to study Italian. You're trying to read Italian as Italians write it and gradually familiarize yourself with the language. That's how I learned English, living between Naples and Brooklyn. Not from books. By living the language.This is your space to immerse yourself in Italian.It lives at its own URL. You log in with your email. Nothing to download, nothing to install. Phone, tablet, laptop, it all works.The first stories and dialogues are already inside, new content drops every week.If you're already a paid subscriber, you'll receive your login credentials in a separate email today. If you're on the free plan and were thinking of upgrading to a paid plan, now is the right time.Paid access is €12 a month or €97 for the full year.Upgrade to unlock your Story Club access!Un abbraccio, Lucy This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit speakitalianlikealocal.substack.com/subscribe

I'll be honest with you, today I'm feeling a bit deflated. Actually, deflated and annoyed. The kind of annoyed that makes you want to vent to a friend over coffee, you know?So here's what happened. A couple of days ago, I got a notification from Substack about a creator I follow who had just published a newsletter. I opened it and... well, let's just say it felt familiar. Very familiar. Like looking-in-a-mirror familiar.It was my Weekly Italian Coffee Break format, down to the structure, the teaching style, the whole thing. And look, I get it, we both teach languages, we both teach Italian, I understand all that. But there wasn't even a small mention, not even a “hey, this format inspired me” or a quick thank you. Nothing.And that's when something clicked inside me. Or maybe snapped is a better word.Speak Italian Like A Local is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Not the first time, purtroppoThis isn't my first rodeo with copycats. Back in 2018, I watched a couple of creators launch something that was, how do I put this... suspiciously similar to Italia Like A Local.Same concept, same angle. Nothing revolutionary, sure, I wasn't inventing the wheel. I was just following my passion for sharing Italy through local eyes.Italia Like A Local was born in 2015, right after I came back from the States where everyone constantly asked me “where should I eat in Rome?” and “what should I really see in Florence?” I had just finished a course on sustainable and experiential tourism, and I thought, why not combine these two things?In 2017, I created the Italia Like A Local Instagram account. A social media marketer convinced me to join these like-and-comment exchange groups. They were all the rage among “influencers” back then, you'd share your post, everyone would like and comment to trick the algorithm into thinking it was engaging content.It was in one of these groups that I met the creator couple. They had an account similar to mine, also sharing Italy through Italian eyes. I was actually happy to meet them, to compare notes on our journey.A few weeks later, I left those groups. They felt dishonest to me, also kind of demoralizing and pathetic if I'm being totally honest.Then a creator who was still in those groups informed me that the couple had created a format on their page called... wait for it... Italia Like A Local.I was crushed. But I decided to let it go. They were young, “inexperienced” in tourism, and probably not very creative if they had to copy my name verbatim. I didn't even own the domain yet, I bought that later.I had pretty much forgotten about the whole thing until the other day's notification brought it all back.Ma basta con i copioni!Here's the thing. I do my research, I take inspiration from other creators. We all do. But then I try to improve it, add my own spin, make it unique. Otherwise, it's just another copy-paste job in the age of social media, right?Someone has an idea, shares it, it goes viral... and everyone copies the exact same thing.Fine. That works for social media, for fleeting content, the stuff that's viral today and forgotten tomorrow.But when you apply this practice to more substantial content, the kind where a creator pours their soul and life's passion, getting copied feels different. It stings. Especially when the copycat doesn't even bother to give you a mention, not even just to say thanks.So today's coffee break is about how we say “copycat” in Italian. Because if we're going to deal with them, we might as well learn the vocabulary.Il Copione - The CopycatThe word copione (masculine noun, plural: copioni) literally comes from “copy” but in everyday Italian, it specifically means someone who copies others, a copycat.Il copione literally translates to “the script” when you're talking about theater or film, but when you're talking about people, it means copycat. It's pronounced “co-PYO-neh” with the stress on the second syllable.You might hear Italians say:“Sei un copione!” - You're a copycat!“Non fare il copione!” - Don't be a copycat!“Che copione!” - What a copycat!There's also the verb copiare (to copy), which works just like the English version but with more feeling when you're complaining about someone stealing your ideas:“Mi ha copiato l'idea!” - He/she copied my idea!“Smettila di copiare!” - Stop copying!Thanks for reading Speak Italian Like A Local! This post is public so feel free to share it.Why it mattersIn Italian culture, being called a copione is quite the insult. Italy is a country that values creativity, originality, and individual style, from fashion to food to art. Being known as someone who just copies others? That's not the reputation you want.There's even a saying: “Copiare è rubare” - To copy is to steal. Pretty direct, no?A word on inspiration vs. imitationLook, I believe in inspiration. I think we all stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. But there's a difference between:Inspiration: “I love how this creator structures their content. Let me think about how I can apply that framework in my own unique way, with my own voice and perspective.”Imitation: “I'm going to do exactly what they do, down to the format and structure, without adding anything of my own or acknowledging where I got the idea.”The line between the two? It's called creativity and acknowledgment.So what now?If you're someone who takes inspiration from others (and honestly, who doesn't?), here's my suggestion: add your own twist. Make it yours. And if someone's format or idea really helped you, give them a shout-out. A simple “inspired by” or “grazie to” goes a long way.And if you're someone whose work has been copied? I guess we both know how it feels now. It's frustrating, it's demoralizing, and it makes you question why you put yourself out there in the first place.But here's what I'm trying to remember today: the copioni can copy the format, but they can't copy the passion, the years of experience, the authentic voice that comes from actually living what you're teaching.They can copy the script, but they can't copy the soul.Your turn: Have you ever dealt with a copione online or in real life? How did you handle it? Hit reply and tell me your story, I'd genuinely love to hear how others navigate this frustrating situation.And if today's newsletter inspired you to create something similar (wink), at least now you know how to say it in Italian.Un abbraccio (and a slightly irritated one today),LucyP.S. - If you create content and you've found inspiration in someone else's work, consider this your gentle nudge to send them a quick message of thanks. Trust me, it means more than you know. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit speakitalianlikealocal.substack.com/subscribe

Last weekend, I loaded the family into the car and drove to Bressanone to see what everyone calls “one of the most magical Christmas markets in Italy.”You know how it goes, right? You see the photos on the internet, read the glowing reviews, hear the locals and tourists talking about it with glistening eyes. And you think: “Okay, this is the place. This is going to be special.”Speak Italian Like A Local is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Spoiler: we were a bit disappointed when we came home.But here's the interesting part for Italian learners: this whole experience taught me something about the gap between the fame and the reality - and about how we Italians talk about disappointment without sounding harsh.Let me explain.Bressanone or Brixen? Both, ActuallyFirst thing you notice in Alto Adige: every city has two names.Bressanone is the Italian name.Brixen is the German name.And when locals say “Brixen”, you immediately know they're South Tyroleans who speak German - or that they've lived there long enough that they adopted the local way of speaking. It's not about language; it's about identity.This bilingualism is everywhere: on the street signs, on menus, on announcements. You'll see:* Piazza Duomo / Domplatz - Duomo Square / Cathedral Square* Mercatino di Natale / Weihnachtsmarkt - Christmas MarketFor language geeks, it is fascinating. For visitors? A little confusing at first. Are you in Italy or Austria?Answer: technically in Italy, culturally somewhere in the middle.The popular Christmas MarketsSo back to the market itself.The Christmas Markets of Bressanone take place in Piazza Duomo, right in front of the stunning cathedral. The location? Absolutely beautiful. Historic buildings, Alpine architecture, mountains in the background. On paper, it's perfect.Running from late November until January 6th (Epiphany), the market is supposed to be one of the most authentic markets in the region.But here's what we found:* What we expected: Magical atmosphere, unique handcraft products, products from local artisans, traditional South Tyrolean food.* What we found: A lot of the same stalls you find at every other Christmas market. Mass-produced decorations. The usual mulled wine stands. Overpriced tourist souvenires.Don't get me wrong - it wasn't awful. The Duomo is gorgeous. The lights were cute. The kids loved their hot chocolate.But magical? Not quite.Thanks for reading Speak Italian Like A Local! This post is public so feel free to share it.How Italians show disappointment and don't be rudeThis is where Italian is subtle.When you want to say you're disappointed in Italian, there are some options depending on how diplomatic you want to be:* Siamo rimasti un po' delusi. - We were a bit disappointed.Gentle. You're not blaming anyone. Rimasti (from rimanere) implies something happened to you (passive).* Non era quello che ci aspettavamo. - It wasn't what we expected.Neutral. Just stating a fact.* Troppo turistico. - Too touristy.Very common. In Italy turistico is almost an insult when a place feels commercial and inauthentic.* Ci aspettavamo di più. - We expected more.Honest, mild, not dramatic.In our case?* Troppo turistico - Too touristy sums it up perfectly.Despite all the fame, it smacked of genericism.Here is a phrase you need to know:Like the Latin saying “La fama non sempre corrisponde alla realtà” (Fame is not always the reality).Or more colloquially:Non è tutto oro quel che luccica. - All that glitters is not gold.Italians use this when something looks great on the surface but disappoints in real life. And honestly? It suited our experience in Bressanone/Brixen perfectly.Great reputation, average experience.Useful vocabulary related to a disappointing trip* Sopravvalutato/a - Overrated* Affollato/a - Crowded, full of people* Commerciale - Commercial (negative connotation)* Deludente - Disappointing* Non ne vale la pena - It is not worth it* Ci sono posti migliori - There are better placesIf someone asks you this question: “Com'era il mercatino?” - “How was the market?”You could say:* Carino, ma niente di speciale. - Cute, but nothing special.* Onestamente? Un po' sopravvalutato. - Honestly? A bit overrated.* Bello da vedere, ma troppo commerciale. - Nice to look at but too commercial.Try this weekNext time you visit a famous place and feel disappointed, try to express your disappointment in Italian:* “Era bello, ma mi aspettavo di piu.”* “Troppa gente, troppo commerciale.”* “Preferisco i posti meno turistici.”The Final LessonThe Christmas Markets of Bressanone aren't bad. They're just... normal. And that's okay.And I learned this: sometimes the most famous places (i posti più famosi) aren't necessarily the best (i migliori).Next time? We'll try the smaller ones - lesser known markets - maybe Vipiteno/Sterzing or Chiusa/Klausen.Sometimes we need these little disappointments to remind us that expectation too high brings disappointment, that there are places that aren't famous that deserve more attention, and that there isn't always magic where everyone goes looking.And you know what? It was still a good family day. We chatted and laughed, took a walk, drank hot chocolate together. The kids looked at the lights with big eyes.Or maybe the magic wasn't in the market. Maybe it was in the journey itself.Until next time,LucyP.S. If you've been to Bressanone or other Italian Christmas Markets I'd love to know your thoughts. Did they meet expectations or not? Or were you a little disappointed too? And if you have suggestions for smaller, more genuine markets in South Tyrol, share them. I might try them next weekend! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit speakitalianlikealocal.substack.com/subscribe

Struggling with Italian verb conjugations?Discover the "Modal Verb Hack" that lets you speak Italian confidently without memorizing endless grammar tables! In this episode we'll reveal how mastering just 3 powerful Italian verbs (potere, volere, dovere) can unlock hundreds of natural sentences instantly.Perfect for Italian beginners who want to start speaking faster! Skip the overwhelming grammar books and learn the smart way to build Italian sentences from day one.Get the full transcript on Lucy's Substack - here the link!

Learn Italian most used verbs: essere, avere & fare.Unlock the foundation of Italian grammar with this comprehensive guide to the three most important irregular verbs every Italian learner must know. In this episode, you'll discover why these verbs are irregular, how they've evolved from Latin, and most importantly, how to use them like a native speaker. We'll cover everything from basic conjugations to advanced idiomatic expressions, including tricky concepts like using "avere" for age and "fare" for weather.This lesson is part of the "Italian grammar made easy" series, where you'll find the complete transcript, conjugation tables, detailed lesson notes, and quizzes.

In this episode, we'll dive deeper into Italian verb conjugations, tackling the second and third verb families that every Italian learner needs to know.You'll learn practical examples, memory tricks that actually work, and get plenty of practice with real sentences you can use immediately.This lesson is part of the "Italian grammar made easy" series - your go-to place for friendly, no-stress Italian lessons that actually stick.Find the complete transcript, conjugation tables, and detailed lesson notes here!

In this episode, we walk you through the most common Italian verb family: -ARE verbs.You'll learn the simple two-step method to conjugate any regular -ARE verb, discover memory tricks that actually work, and practice with real-life examples you can use immediately.This lesson is part of the Italian grammar made easy series from Speak Italian Like a Loca Substack, your go-to place for friendly, no-stress Italian lessons that actually stick.#LearnItalian #ItalianVerbs #LanguageLearning #ItalianPodcast #BeginnerItalian

I'm so excited to kick off this brand-new grammar series with you.In this first episode, we'll dive into one of the biggest challenges Italian learners face: verbs.Yep, the conjugation tables, the endless endings, the dreaded irregularities… I get it. But don't worry, we're breaking it all down together, step by step.In this episode, I walk you through the three main Italian verb families:-ARE (like parlare, mangiare, studiare)-ERE (like leggere, scrivere)-IRE (like dormire, partire, and capire) — with a little twist for those tricky -isc- verbs like finire and capire!This lesson is part of the Italian grammar made easy series from Speak Italian Like a Local Substack, your go-to place for friendly, no-stress Italian lessons that actually stick.#SpeakItalianLikeALocal #LearnItalian #ItalianVerbs #ItalianGrammar #LanguageLearning #ItalianPodcast #ItalianForBeginners

Ciao e benvenuti al Weekly Italian Coffee Break, il podcast che ti accompagna a scoprire la lingua e la cultura italiana, una tazza di caffè alla volta.Io sono Lucia, per gli amici Lucy, e oggi voglio parlarti di un fenomeno tutto italiano: le ferie d'agosto.Ieri sera ho chiamato un'amica per invitarla a cena. La sua risposta?"Impossibile, sono già in ferie fino al 20 agosto.”Benvenuti nel mondo delle ferie italiane: l'unica nazione al mondo in cui l'intero Paese decide di andare in vacanza nello stesso momento, creando il fenomeno più affascinante e caotico dell'estate europea.Non si tratta solo di vacanze. È un esodo di massa di 60 milioni di italiani, che trasforma le città in deserti urbani e le località balneari in formicai umani.È il momento in cui l'Italia si divide in due: chi parte e chi resta, chi va al mare e chi va in montagna, chi fugge all'estero e chi scopre l'Italia.Agosto in Italia non è un mese. È uno stato mentale, una filosofia di vita, un momento di sospensione della realtà quotidiana.Devi sapere che le ferie italiane si dividono in cinque categorie precise:* Abbiamo le ferie sacre che vanno dal 1 al 15 agosto.Il Ferragosto è intoccabile. Chi lavora il 15 di agosto in Italia viene guardato con pietà, come se avesse commesso un crimine contro l'umanità. È il giorno in cui anche i semafori decidono di prendersi una pausa.* Poi abbiamo le ferie strategiche che vanno dal 16 al 31 agosto.La seconda metà di agosto è per gli intelligenti: meno caos, prezzi più bassi, ma ancora tutto chiuso. È il momento perfetto per chi ha capito il sistema.* Poi abbiamo le ferie ribelli che sono per chi va in vacanza a luglio.E chi va in vacanza a luglio è un rivoluzionario. Trova parcheggi liberi, ristoranti aperti, ma deve sopportare lo sguardo di commiserazione di chi "le vere ferie si fanno ad agosto".* Poi abbiamo le ferie disperate che sono quelle che si fanno a settembre.Settembre è il mese per chi non ha avuto scelta. I bambini sono a scuola, i prezzi normali, tempo incerto. Ma anche scoperte incredibili: l'Italia di settembre è un paese segreto, autentico, e libero dal turismo di massa.* E infine abbiamo le ferie impossibili che sono quelle fatte a giugno.Giugno è un mese traditore. Sembra perfetto, ma poi piove, fa freddo, le strutture turistiche non sono ancora pronte. È il mese dei pionieri e dei disperati.Ma quali sono le destinazioni scelte dagli italiani?Prima fra tutte c'è Rimini, che è la capitale delle ferie italiane. Qui si viene per vedere ed essere visti, per ballare in discoteca, per vivere la movida adriatica. È l'Italia che non si nasconde, che celebra l'estate senza vergogna.Poi c'è Forte dei Marmi che è l'aristocrazia balneare. Qui le ferie costano un rene, ma si respira l'eleganza toscana con vista sul mare.La Sicilia, che è la scoperta degli ultimi vent'anni. Mare incredibile, cultura millenaria, cucina da urlo. Le ferie siciliane sono un viaggio nell'anima del Mediterraneo.E poi abbiamo la Sardegna, che è l'isola che ha fatto innamorare il mondo. La Costa Smeralda è per i ricchi, il resto per chi cerca l'autenticità di un'isola che sembra un continente.Per chi ama la montagna c'è il Trentino, che è la montagna che non ti aspetti. Qui le ferie sono active: trekking, bicicletta, aria pura. È l'Italia che guarda verso l'Europa.Adesso ti starai chiedendo: ma perché gli italiani sono così ossessionati dalle ferie? La risposta è nella nostra storia.Siamo un popolo che per secoli ha lavorato nei campi, sotto il sole, con ritmi stagionali. Agosto era davvero il momento di pausa dalla fatica.Oggi lavoriamo negli uffici, ma quella memoria genetica rimane. Agosto è il mese in cui ritorniamo alle nostre origini: vita all'aria aperta, ritmi lenti, piaceri semplici.Però non tutto è perfetto nel regno delle ferie italiane.C'è il turismo di massa che distrugge i luoghi più belli.C'è l'aumento dei prezzi che rende agosto un mese per ricchi.C'è la solitudine di chi resta in città.E c'è il traffico infernale del controesodo, quando 30 milioni di italiani tornano a casa tutti insieme, creando code che durano giorni.E poi c'è la tristezza di settembre, quando l'Italia deve fare i conti con la realtà dopo un mese di sogni.Oggi però le ferie italiane stanno anche cambiando.Perché lo smart working permette di lavorare da ovunque.I voli low cost aprono mete impensabili.Le nuove generazioni scoprono il turismo sostenibile.Però ecco, l'essenza rimane: per gli italiani, andare in vacanza non è un lusso, è un diritto.Non è solo riposo, è ricarica dell'anima.Bene per adesso è tutto, buone ferie a tutti, e ci sentiamo la prossima settimana per un altro Italian Coffee Break, ciao!Speak Italian Like A Local is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Learning SectionLearning Tips:* Listen first without reading the text* Listen again while following the written text* Repeat difficult words out loud* Take notes of new expressions during listeningEssential Vocabulary:Basic Words:Ferie = vacation from work, holidaysFerragosto = August 15th, Italian national holidayEsodo = mass departure, movement of many peopleLocalità balneari = seaside vacation spotsControesodo = return from vacationSmart working = Italian for “remote working” or “working from home”Descriptive Adjectives:Intoccabile = untouchable, sacred, unchangeableStrategico = strategic, done with intelligence and planningRibelle = rebel, not following traditional rulesAutentico = authentic, genuine, originalTraditore = traitor, deceiving, not keeping promisesCultural Terms:Movida = nightlife, entertainment (from Spanish)Aristocrazia = aristocracy, high social class, luxurySostenibile = sustainable, environmentally friendlyDiritto = right, something that belongs to us by natureItalian Idiomatic Expressions:"Andare in vacanza" = to go on vacation"Cucina da urlo" = amazing cuisine, fantastic food"Traffico infernale" = hellish traffic, terrible traffic"Ricarica dell'anima" = recharging of the soul, spiritual renewal"Vedere ed essere visti" = to see and be seen, social participation"Fare i conti con la realtà" = to face reality, return to normalityThanks for reading Speak Italian Like A Local! This post is public so feel free to share it.Difficult Pronunciation:Af-fa-sci-nan-te [af-fa-shi-'nan-te] = fascinatingCha-o-ti-co [ka-'o-ti-ko] = chaoticStra-te-gi-che [stra-'te-ji-ke] = strategicAu-ten-ti-co [au-'ten-ti-ko] = authenticA-ri-sto-cra-zi-a [a-ri-sto-kra-'tsi-a] = aristocracyIn-fer-na-le [in-fer-'na-le] = hellishUseful Grammar Structures:"Chi... chi..." = expression to divide into categories"Non si tratta di... ma di..." = structure to correct/specify"È il momento in cui..." = to describe a particular period"Siamo un popolo che..." = to describe cultural characteristics This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit speakitalianlikealocal.substack.com/subscribe

Ready to make sense of Italian indefinite articles?In this quick, practical episode, I'll teach you how to confidently use "un, uno, una, and un' " with real-life examples, pronunciation tips, and cultural notes to help you speak Italian like a local.This lesson is part of the Italian Grammar Made Easy series from Speak Italian Like A Local on Substack, your go-to place for friendly, no-stress Italian lessons that actually stick.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit speakitalianlikealocal.substack.comThis is the first episode of “Stories of Italy: your listening gym to learn Italian!”Every week I will upload a new story related to Italian culture and traditions to help you learn Italian through these short tales.The stories are completely in Italian, but don't worry if you don't catch every word at first. Focus on the rhythm, repeat tricky phrases, …

In today's episode, we'll be exploring how to greet in Italian.But, before we dive into the most common Italian greetings, there is one thing you may need to know, and is that in Italy, we have two different ways of addressing people, a formal and an informal way.We use the formal address with people that we are meeting for the first time, or that we already know, but we want to show some respect to, such as your boss or an older person.We use the informal address with friends, relatives, children, and all the people that we know well.But really, these are just general rules.When speaking about Italian greetings, there are always exceptions, because all depends on the situation and the person you're speaking to. It may happen that you hear younger generation being informal among themselves, even if they're meeting for the first time. And on the other hand, you may hear older generation being formal among themselves, even if they have known each other for years.So really, there isn't a hard and fast rule.It all depends on the context, but mainly on the person you're speaking to.So today, we're going to go through the most common Italian greetings, and I'll provide useful examples and explanations, so you know exactly when and how to use them.Here're the Italian greetings we'll see today:* Ciao (“Hello / goodbye” informal)* Buongiorno (“Good morning,” for arrival)* Buonasera (“Good evening,” used after four o'clock pm for arrival)* Buon pomeriggio (“Good afternoon,” not largely used, you may hear it on TV shows)* Buona giornata (“Have a nice day,” used only in the morning for departure)* Buona serata (“Have a nice evening,” used after four o'clock pm for departure)* Buona notte (“Good night,” used for departure when you're going to bed)* Salve (“Hello,” general, for arrival)* Arrivederci (“Goodbye,” for departure)* Arrivederla (“Goodbye” for departure to greet one person)* A presto (“See you soon”)* A dopo (“See you later”)* Ci vediamo presto (See you soon)* Ci sentiamo presto (Talk to you later)* Alla prossima (“See you next time”)Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit speakitalianlikealocal.substack.com/subscribe

Learn fun Italian idiomatic expressions to sound like a local. Transcripts will be uploaded on my blog: https://www.italialikealocal.com

In this episode we'll see the various ways to say thank you in Italian. We'll cover common phrases such as "grazie," "grazie mille," and "grazie tante," as well as more heartfelt expressions like "grazie di cuore." Transcript on the blog: https://www.italialikealocal.com/category/learn-italian/ Follow on Instagram: @explorewith_lucy Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/italialikealocal

Learn how to talk about the time in Italian and enhance your language skills for your next trip to Italy. Transcripts and more Italian related content at: https://www.italialikealocal.com/learnitalian

In this episode of "Speak Italian like a Local" podcast we'll learn how to say months and seasons in Italian. We'll discover how to discuss travel dates and future adventures like a native Italian speaker. My blog: Italia Like A Local Join me on Instagram: @Explorewith_lucy Facebook group: Italia like a local | Travel tips & Language learning

Visit our blog for transcript: Italia Like A Local Meet me on Instagram: @Explorewith_lucy Join our Facebook group to learn Italian and for Italy travel tips: Italia like a local In this episode we learn the days of the week in Italian, and will discover how to ask what day it is and use time words like yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Meet me on Instagram: @Explorewith_lucy Join our facebook group: Italia like a local In this episode we're gonna discuss the topic of "la famiglia" (the family) in Italian.We will learn the vocabulary of various member of the family such as parents, siblings, grandparents and so on. As well, I am going to come up with conversational sentences that deal with family relations and some tips on sentence building too.

In this episode, you'll learn the different ways to say "please" in Italian and discover how important context is when using these expressions appropriately. Get the written version of the episode and more materials: Italialikealocal.com!

Join me on Patreon to practice Conversational Italian! In this episode you'll learn how to talk about age in Italian. You'll discover how to ask someone's age, reply with your own age, and even discuss how old someone is turning on their birthday.

Speak and start learning Italian today! Download this episode's free summary chart for a handy reference: Speak Italian Like A Local Today we're diving into counting from one to one hundred. We'll start small with the basic numbers from one to ten. Once you've got those under your belt, we'll level up to eleven through twenty. With the first twenty numbers locked in, we're ready to explore the multiples of ten. From twenty all the way to ninety, I'll show you how to combine those tens places with the ones. Just wait until you see how easy it is to form numbers like thirty-seven or eighty-two. And just when you think we're done, I have one more trick up my sleeve - hundreds! Turns out all you do is add "cento" to make one hundred, two hundred, and so on.

In this episode, we will explore the various question words and their use in determining specific information from listeners. I will give several examples from simple yes or no questions to the ones that contain more options and explain what is the right word order. Learn conversational Italian with me and learn how to ask question in Italian today. Join me in our facebook group! Download your free PDF guide for this episode here!

In this episode we will learn how to pronounce the “c” and also "g" in Italian. We will look at the rules of when these letters get a hard or soft pronunciation depending on what vowels are following them, and we will give examples of words containing both "c" and also ”g”. In addition, we will find the cases when rules are not following which include situations in the case of "c" or "g", followed by “l” or “n.” Don't miss the episode that will enable you to speak Italian like a local. You can download your PDF guide here!

Discover the ins and outs of Italian subject pronouns in this new episode of "Speak Italian Like a Local." Learn about the eight pronouns, including their unique twists and when to use them. Find out why subject pronouns are often dropped in Italian and when to use them for emphasis, contrast, or clarity. Join our Facebook group where you'll connect with me and a community of fellow Italian language learners. Check out my Telegram channel for daily doses of Italian. I'll share fun words, expressions, and sample conversations with you each day to help your learning. Be sure to download your free PDF guide for this episode!

In this bonus episode I wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, the Italian way. Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo!

In this episode, we talk about two commonly used phrases in Italian: "C'è" and "Ci sono." Have you ever wondered when and how to use them? Fear not, as we unravel the mysteries and provide practical insights to help you navigate these expressions like a native speaker. Discover the fundamental differences between "C'è" and "Ci sono" and when to use each one. Learn essential tips and tricks to enhance your conversational skills and sound effortlessly natural. Let's chat, join me on facebook and Clubhouse! Download your PDF guide here!

In this latest lesson of the "Speak Italian Like a Local" podcast, we'll be talking about how to ask for directions in Italian and understand some simple answers.  You'll learn some useful terms and phrases for getting around. If you want more in-depth lesson notes, bonus audio recordings and video versions with "synchronized flashcards" to see words written out, you can access Italian Enthusiast Pier on Patreon, here.  Don't forget to follow "Speak Italian Like a Local" on Facebook, where I post language activities, cultural insights and review materials to help you practice your Italian.  Remember, even just a few minutes a day can help you feel more confident with the language. Join the "Speak Italian Like a Local" Facebook group here.  If you want to find out what goes on behind the scenes of the podcast, follow @explorewith_lucy on Instagram. I hope today's lesson is helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions.

In this episode, we discuss the Italian word "magari" and its various meanings depending on the context. I explain that "magari" can be translated as "maybe" when talking about future plans. It can also express a wish or desire, either indicating a positive response or regretful inability. Additionally, "magari" can be used to mean "if only" when followed by certain verbs. I also highlight that "magari" can be used as a polite way to give advice or make a suggestion. Overall, "magari" is a flexible and useful word in Italian that can be used in different contexts and tones. Click here to download you free PDF guide!

In today's episode, we'll discuss some Italian words and phrases that are easily confused by English speakers. We'll highlight the differences in meaning between English and Italian, providing helpful tips to avoid misunderstandings. We'll cover words that might sound the same in both Italian and English but their meanings are  different. I will explain the correct use of these words in Italian and give you alternative phrases to use in specific contexts. You can download your free PDF guide here!

In this episode, I'll teach you how to say the very common phrase "to leave" in Italian. Whether you need to say you're leaving a party, leaving your house, or leaving the country, this essential verb will come in handy. I'll break down the right verb to use in different context. I'll also provide some sample sentences so you can practice your new Italian vocabulary right away. You can download your free pdf guide for this episode here!

In this episode, we'll explore how to use the verb "piacere" to express likes and dislikes in Italian. "Piacere" means "to like", and it works a bit differently than in English. We will learn how to conjugate "piacere" correctly and use it to say what you like and dislike doing, eating, wearing and more. You'll gain practical vocabulary and phrases centered around "piacere" that can be used in everyday conversations. You can download this episode's free guide here!

Welcome to this new podcast episode, where we'll explore everything you need to know about dining out in Italy.  Join me as I delve into the different types of restaurants you'll find in Italy, from trattorias to osterias, and learn about the traditional Italian meal courses, including antipasti, primi, secondi, contorni, and caffè. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor to Italy, this episode is packed with valuable insights and tips to help you make the most of your dining experiences.  So, sit back, relax, and let's explore the delicious world of Italian cuisine together!

In this episode, we unravel the mysteries of "essere" and "stare" - two essential verbs that often confuse learners.  I'll guide you through the various uses, contexts, and nuances of these versatile verbs, empowering you to communicate more effectively in Italian.  Discover the key differences between "essere" and "stare" in expressing states, locations, and emotions, and learn practical tips to help you choose the right verb every time.  Packed with real-life examples, this episode is your ultimate resource for mastering "essere" and "stare" and taking your Italian language skills to new heights.  Don't miss out - tune in now and elevate your Italian fluency!  If you'd like to support the podcast so that I can continue to provide you with free content, please click here!

Join me as we explore the fascinating world of Italian train travel vocabulary. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip to the land of romance and pasta, understanding the language used in Italian train stations and on board trains is essential for a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. In this episode, we delve into the rich vocabulary related to Italy's extensive train network, I'm an experienced traveler and language enthusiast, sharing insights and tips on how to navigate the train system with ease while immersing yourself in the Italian culture. We start by covering the essential vocabulary and phrases you'll encounter at train stations, including ticketing, platforms, and departure boards. From "stazione ferroviaria" (train station) to "carrozza" (coach), you'll gain valuable insights into the terminology used during your train journey, allowing you to interact confidently with fellow passengers and train staff. You'll find a complete guide on how to navigate Italy's extensive train network on my blog Italia Like A Local. So, grab your metaphorical train ticket, get comfortable, and join us for an informative and entertaining exploration of Italy Train Travel Vocabulary.

In this special episode, we'll explore the beautiful tradition of Mother's Day in Italy and teach you how to say "Happy Mother's Day" in Italian. Join me as we dive into the history and significance of this heartfelt celebration and learn the perfect phrase to express your love and gratitude to the amazing mothers in your life. Don't miss this opportunity to add a touch of Italian charm to your Mother's Day celebrations! Find the phrases we've covered in this episode in this blog post. Let's keep in touch, join our facebook group here! So, if you'd like to support me, I'd be incredibly grateful! GRAZIE MILLE! 

In this episode, we spill the beans on how to order coffee in Italy like a true local! Join me as I cover the dos and don'ts of ordering coffee in Italy and teach you the Italian terms and etiquette you need to know to enjoy your perfect cup of coffee, from macchiato to cappuccino. Don't miss out on this caffeine-fueled adventure through Italian culture and language. Tune in now to learn how to order coffee in Italy like a pro!

In this episode, you will learn the essentials for introducing yourself in Italian, from basic phrases to useful expressions. Discover the correct pronunciation and improve your Italian speaking skills with this comprehensive episode. With plenty of examples and tips, you will have the confidence to introduce yourself in Italian in no time. Download this episode's free guide here! Join our facebook group! Follow me on Instagram!

Happy Easter to all! Today's episode is all about Easter traditions. We're going to explore how to say "Happy Easter" in Italian, and talk about some of the most common traditions that you might encounter on this holiday. Download the free guide here! Join our facebook group here!

"Ciao tutti!