What does it mean word for word?
The word comes from the verb frequentare, which literally means to frequent or to go to a place regularly.
Which one should you use?
While frequentato is the correct choice for regular attendance at an institution like a school, you should use partecipato when referring to attending a specific event, such as a meeting or a party.
How does it change in a sentence?
As the past participle of the verb frequentare, the form must agree in gender and number with the object if it functions as an adjective or in certain constructions when used with the auxiliary avere. For example, the feminine form is frequentata.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using assistito to mean you attended a lecture or a class. In Italian, assistere a means to witness or observe an event and it is not used for school attendance.
Did you know?
- The verb frequentare is used in Italian to describe 'dating' or 'seeing' someone in the early stages of a relationship. This uso suggests that the person has become a regular part of your routine.
- Using assistito to mean you attended a class is a common mistake called a 'false friend'. In Italian, assistere often means to provide medical aid or assistance, such as a nurse assisting a patient.
- The adjective form frequentata can also be used to describe a place, such as a 'frequentata' bar or club. In this context, it describes a venue that is popular or highly visited by many people.
Examples in context
- Ha frequentato la scuola.He attended school.This sentence is useful for showing how to use frequentato regarding school.Tatoeba #11037158 by Guybrush88, translation #8182415 by Amastan
- Tom ha frequentato Harvard.Tom attended Harvard.This sentence is useful for showing how to use frequentato regarding a university.Tatoeba #7958738 by Guybrush88, translation #4667032 by CK
- Mennad ha frequentato la scuola.Mennad attended school.Tatoeba #11037109 by Guybrush88, translation #8049952 by OsoHombre
- Ho partecipato al concerto ieri sera.I attended the concert last night.
- I dipendenti parteciperanno alla riunione domani.The employees will attend the meeting tomorrow.
- Partecipi all'evento aziendale la settimana prossima?Will you be attending the company event next week?
- Io sono andato/a al concerto ieri sera.I went to the concert last night.
- Siamo andati/ate a quella festa sabato scorso.We went to that party last Saturday.
- Sei andato/a al matrimonio di Marco?Did you go to Marco's wedding?
- Sono andato/a all'inaugurazione della mostra.I attended the exhibition opening.
- Volevo partecipare alla conferenza, ma ero occupato/a.I wanted to attend the conference, but I was busy.
- Siamo andati/ate alla presentazione del libro dell'autore famoso.We went to the book presentation of the famous author.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Giulia are talking about their educational backgrounds.
- LorenzoQuale università hai frequentato, Giulia?Which university did you attend, Giulia?
- GiuliaHo frequentato l'università di Bologna.I attended the University of Bologna.
- LorenzoDavvero? È un'università molto antica.Really? It is a very old university.
- GiuliaSì, mi è piaciuto molto studiare lì.Yes, I really liked studying there.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
