conoscere
/koˈnoʃ.ʃe.re/
To learn about in Italian is conoscere.
The verb conoscere is used when you are learning about a subject or getting to know something. A common way to express the active process of learning about or getting to know a topic or a person is the phrase imparare a conoscere.
Which one should you use?
While conoscere is used for learning about a subject or getting to know something, imparare is used specifically for the process of acquiring a skill or a specific piece of information.
How does it change in a sentence?
Conoscere is a transitive verb, which means it is used directly with an object without a preposition. For example, the first-person singular present indicative form of conoscere is conosco, which can mean 'I know' or 'I am learning about'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /koˈnoʃ.ʃe.re/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian, conoscere is used for people, but not for knowing a fact. To say 'I know that' you must switch to a completely different verb, sapere.
- The phrase fare la conoscenza is used when two people are introduced for the first time. It literally translates to 'making the acquaintance'.
- The verb conoscere shares the same root as the English word 'cognition', as both derive from the Latin 'cognoscere'.
Examples in context
- Gli adolescenti che partecipano al programma imparano a conoscere la salute sessuale.Teenagers who participate in the programme will learn about sexual health.This sentence shows how the phrase conoscere is used to describe teenagers learning about sexual health.Tatoeba #11591304 by Nuel, translation #11591302 by Nuel
- Vorrei imparare a conoscere la storia dell'Italia antica.I would like to learn about the history of ancient Italy.
- Mi sto informando sulla cultura italiana.I'm learning about Italian culture.
- Ho scoperto molto sulla cucina italiana grazie al mio viaggio a Roma.I learned a lot about Italian cuisine thanks to my trip to Rome.
- Voglio apprendere di più sulla moda italiana.I want to learn more about Italian fashion.
- Mi piacerebbe scoprire di più sul settentrione d'Italia.I would like to learn more about the north of Italy.
- Voglio conoscere meglio la tua cultura.I want to learn about your culture better.
- È un buon modo per conoscere la città.It is a good way to learn about the city.
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Chiara are discussing a new museum exhibit.
- LorenzoVuoi venire al museo con me?Do you want to come to the museum with me?
- ChiaraSì, voglio conoscere l'arte moderna.Yes, I want to learn about modern art.
- LorenzoÈ un'ottima opportunità per imparare.It is a great opportunity to learn.
- ChiaraAndiamo domani pomeriggio, Lorenzo.Let's go tomorrow afternoon, Lorenzo.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry conoscere, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries conoscere, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
