imparare
/im.paˈra.re/
The Italian verb for 'to learn' is imparare. Wiktionary also lists apprendere and scoprire.
Meaning: to acquire knowledge or ability (verb)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| imparare | /im.paˈra.re/ |
| apprendere | /apˈprɛn.de.re/ |
| scoprire | /skoˈpri.re/ |
Which one should you use?
imparare is the most common and versatile way to say 'to learn' in everyday conversation. In contrast, apprendere is more formal than imparare and is often used in academic, technical or psychological contexts regarding the acquisition of knowledge. scoprire is used when 'learning' something means discovering a fact or finding out information that was previously unknown. The verb studiare can be used to convey a sense of studying rather than simply learning.
How does it change in a sentence?
When imparare is followed by another verb (to learn to do something), it requires the preposition a.
How do you pronounce it?
/im.paˈra.re/. The word has 4 syllables and the stress is on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- The formal verb apprendere shares the same Latin root as the English word 'apprehend'. In both languages, the concept of learning is linked to the act of grasping or seizing something.
- The word scoprire literally means 'to uncover'. It is formed from the prefix s- meaning 'away' and coprire meaning 'to cover'.
- In Italian, the distinction between imparare and studiare is stricter than in English. You can studiare for years without ever imparare the subject.
Examples in context
- È veloce ad imparare.He is quick to learn.This sentence shows how to describe someone's ability to learn using imparare.Tatoeba #2435896 by Guybrush88, translation #298441 by Jesse
- Ho molto da imparare.I have a lot to learn.This sentence uses imparare to express having much to learn.Tatoeba #3528974 by Guybrush88, translation #2060035 by CK
- Tu cosa vuoi imparare?What do you want to learn?This sentence uses imparare to ask a question about what someone wants to learn.Tatoeba #3379208 by Guybrush88, translation #2220939 by CK
- Devo imparare l'italiano.I need to learn Italian.
- Sto imparando il pianoforte.I am learning the piano.
- Gli studenti imparano molte cose a scuola.Students learn many things at school.
- Studio l'arte italiana.I am learning/studying Italian art.
- Studiamo la storia dell'Italia.We are learning/studying Italian history.
- Ha capito come funziona.He/she has learned how it works.
- Sto imparando l'italiano.I am learning Italian.
- 1244 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Chiara are talking about a new hobby at a cafe.
- LorenzoVuoi imparare a suonare la chitarra?Do you want to learn to play the guitar?
- ChiaraSì, ma è difficile imparare subito.Yes, but it is difficult to learn immediately.
- LorenzoNon preoccuparti, imparerai presto.Don't worry, you will learn soon.
- ChiaraSpero che sia vero.I hope that is true.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “learn” translations and entries imparare, apprendere, scoprire, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries apprendere, imparare, scoprire, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
