sto imparando a parlare italiano
The English phrase "I am learning to speak italian" is translated into Italian as sto imparando a parlare italiano.
This phrase is a statement used to say that you are currently in the process of acquiring the ability to speak the Italian language.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase breaks down literally as sto (I am) imparando (learning) a (to) parlare (speak) italiano (Italian).
Which one should you use?
You can also say sto imparando l'italiano to mean "I am learning the Italian language," whereas sto imparando a parlare italiano specifically includes the verb for "to speak."
How does it change in a sentence?
The construction sto imparando uses the present indicative of stare plus the gerund to express a continuous action happening right now. The verb imparare (to learn) requires the preposition a before an infinitive verb like parlare (to speak). Additionally, the subject pronoun io (I) is often omitted because the verb conjugation sto already indicates the first person singular.
Did you know?
- The verb parlare comes from the Early Medieval Latin word parabolāre, which refers to speaking in parables.
- Italian uses the verb imparare for both 'learning' a skill and 'memorizing' a specific piece of text, such as a poem or a song.
- While sto imparando means 'I am learning', the verb stare more generally means 'to stay' or 'to stand', implying a state of being rather than just a location.
Examples in context
- Sto imparando a parlare italiano con un professore.I am learning to speak Italian with a professor.
- Sto imparando a parlare italiano da solo.I am learning to speak Italian by myself.
- Sto imparando a parlare italiano perché mi piace la cultura.I am learning to speak Italian because I like the culture.
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Giulia meet for the first time at a cafe.
- LorenzoCiao! Come ti chiami?Hi! What is your name?
- GiuliaCiao Lorenzo, io sono Giulia.Hi Lorenzo, I am Giulia.
- LorenzoScusa, sto imparando a parlare italiano.Sorry, I am learning to speak Italian.
- GiuliaNon preoccuparti, parli molto bene!Don't worry, you speak very well!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, italiano, parlare, CC BY-SA 4.0.
