| Subject | Date Asked |
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| Italian conversation | 11/21/2009 |
Q: I was asked to do a short presentation with a friend in italian in class. I was wondering if you ...
A: here's the correct Italian text: RECEPTIONIST(addetto alla ricezione): Benvenuto all’Atlante Star ...
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| "borsa" and "sacco" | 11/20/2009 |
Q: Would you please tell me if there is any difference between the use of the words "borsa" and ...
A: Generally speaking, the Italian feminine noun “borsa” is used to say “bag”, “handbag”, “purse”, as ...
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| "guidare' and "andare in macchina" | 11/19/2009 |
Q: Would you please help me to understand the difference between the use of “guidare” and the use of ...
A: Yes, “guidare” is used to say “to drive” when talking about driving in a general sense. For ...
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| use of "collega" | 11/18/2009 |
Q: My dictionary states that the noun “collega” is both masculine and feminine. Does this mean that I ...
A: you are right:"Il collega" means "the male colleague" and "La collega" means "the female colleague". ...
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| cioccolati | 11/17/2009 |
Q: Can you please tell me if the word “cioccolati” (the plural form of cioccolato) is used in ...
A: the plural form of the masculine noun “il cioccolato” does not exist in Italian and therefore the ...
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| direct object | 11/16/2009 |
Q: Would you please help me to understand the following sentence: Lei paga con un assegno. (She pays ...
A: the sentence “Lei paga con un assegno” is correct just because the implied direct object is exactly ...
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| modal verbs / auxiliary verbs | 11/15/2009 |
Q: I am trying to understand the difference between “modal” verbs and “auxiliary” verbs. Would you ...
A: First of all I have to make some important remarks: 1-When the verbs “potere”, “volere”, ...
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| articles | 11/7/2009 |
Q: My question concerns the use of the word “caffè” with articles. I was once told that I should use ...
A: Generally speaking, it is correct to use the indefinite article and say “un caffè” when talking ...
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| "avere" or "portare" | 11/5/2009 |
Q: In my studies I recently came across a picture of several people, one of whom is wearing sunglasses. ...
A: The caption “Chi ha gli occhiali da sole?” under the picture of several people, one of whom is ...
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| verbs | 11/4/2009 |
Q: once again, for your help with my previous question on October 25 in regards to the sentence “Mi ...
A: yes, Italian “intransitive verbs” are followed by “prepositions”, but are not followed by “direct ...
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| The "si" with accent in Dante | 11/3/2009 |
Q: I just started reading "Inferno" translation Mark Musa 1996, and one problem I have is understanding ...
A: First of all the “sì” (“si” with accent) in Dante’s Inferno, Canto 1, line 43, stands for the adverb ...
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| nouns | 11/2/2009 |
Q: My question is about the use of auxiliary words with nouns. In order to test my understanding, can ...
A: First of all, Italian adjectives, verbs and articles must always agree in gender and number with ...
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| God mother | 11/1/2009 |
Q: Can you tell me the Italian word for Godmother?
A: The Italian word for “godmother”, as a woman who sponsors a person at baptism, is “madrina”. In ...
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| English to Italian translation/pronunciation? | 10/30/2009 |
Q: Ciao Maria, I am an Italian_American and I want to paint a plaque for my kitchen and I would like ...
A: The phrase “Kiss the Cook”, where “the cook” refers to a woman cook, translates as follows: -“Bacia ...
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| word classification | 10/24/2009 |
Q: Would you please help me with the following sentence: “Mi piace ascoltare la radio.” I know that ...
A: You must classify the feminine noun “radio” as a direct object of the transitive verb “ascoltare”. ...
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| infinitive phrase | 10/21/2009 |
Q: Could you please tell me if “giocare a calico” is an “infinitive phrase” in the following sentence: ...
A: In the sentence “All’uomo piace giocare a calcio” the verb “giocare” is just an infinitive used as a ...
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| "Largo" vs "Piazza" | 10/18/2009 |
Q: I am sorry to bother you again, but I am now wondering why the term “Largo” is used instead of ...
A: You don’t bother me at all. So, here’s the difference between a “Largo”, as in “Largo di Torre ...
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| indirect objects | 10/17/2009 |
Q: I am still having some confusion about how Italian "indirect objects" relate to English "objects of ...
A: It is so as you say. Italian indirect object pronouns / nouns can translate into English as ...
|
| Largo Argentina | 10/16/2009 |
Q: My question is about the name “Largo Argentina”. (the area in Rome that contains the four ancient ...
A: You are right: “Largo Argentina” means exactly “Argentina Square” and the masculine noun “largo”, ...
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| Translation | 10/15/2009 |
Q: I want to have a stencil made for my kitchen that says in Italian: Love lives here ...
A: The phrase “Love lives here” translates into Italian as “Qui abita l’amore” just in the sense that ...
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| phonetic | 9/30/2009 |
Q: I recently heard someone say a word in Italian and I cannot find its English translation. It ...
A: first of all the Italian word "ghétto" (not, “chetto” which does not exist in Italian) derives from ...
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| pubblicazioni | 9/29/2009 |
Q: Gentile Maria Potresti delucidarmi gentilment sul destino dei dati adibiti al supporting ...
A: Salve! Mi dispiace di non poterla aiutare, ma non ho competenza in questo campo, nel senso che non ...
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| infinitives | 9/27/2009 |
Q: Can you please help me with the following sentence: “Lui legge prima di dormire.” First of all, ...
A: Actually in the Italian phrase “Lui legge prima di dormire” (“He reads before sleeping”) the present ...
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| Translations | 9/25/2009 |
Q: I've asked you a question a while ago (and thanks a million for that) so I was hoping to ask you ...
A: Glad to have helped you a while ago. As for the translation of “What did you say?”, “What did he ...
|
| singular to plural | 9/24/2009 |
Q: I have to change words from singular to plural and I'm not sure about some of the words....sport, ...
A: Here’s the plural of the words you mention: 1-SPORT / GLI SPORT This is the plural form of “sport” ...
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| Pronunciation | 9/22/2009 |
Q: How do you pronounce the word "pazzo"?
A: Here’s the pronunciation of the Italian word “pazzo”: -P is pronounced like in English. -A is ...
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| verdura / verdure | 9/20/2009 |
Q: I hope that you will not mind if ask some follow-up questions. I ask these questions because I so ...
A: In Italian there is no literal translation for “I have one vegetable” or “I have three vegetables”, ...
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| internet terminology | 9/18/2009 |
Q: Ciao Maria- I am from an Italian/American family and can converse reasonably well in Italian, but I ...
A: Salve Marla, First of all in Italian we use to say “Internet”, without the definite article. See ...
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| verdura / verdure | 9/17/2009 |
Q: I am trying to understand the correct use of the words “verdura” and “verdure”. Would you please ...
A: I am sorry, but this time I have to correct all your statements. 1-First of all the feminine word ...
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| infinitive | 9/16/2009 |
Q: I have been trying to develop a better understanding of the use of the Italian infinitive. To do ...
A: When the Italian infinitive is used as a subject, like in “È difficile leggere nel pensiero” and ...
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| infinitive | 9/15/2009 |
Q: I have been trying to develop a better understanding of the use of the Italian infinitive. To do ...
A: The Italian infinitive mood which is the form of the verb ending in –are (1st.conjugation), -ere ...
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| use of "carni" | 9/14/2009 |
Q: My question is about the word “carne” (meat). Can you please tell me if this word is ever used in ...
A: the feminine noun “carne”/”la carne” can be used in the plural form “carni”/”le carni” in few ...
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| piccolo | 9/13/2009 |
Q: I must apologize because I made a typing mistake in my question. I meant to write: “La maglietta ...
A: No, you cannot say:“La piccola maglietta è rosa”, as this phrase sounds absolutely strange in ...
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| translation | 9/12/2009 |
Q: ..i sing with a band and we are doing "return to me" by dean martin and the last words of the song ...
A: First of all the two Italian words “ mio cuore “ translate as “my heart”. Moreover here’s the ...
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| piccolo | 9/11/2009 |
Q: My question is about the word “piccolo”. I am wondering if “piccolo” should be placed before or ...
A: actually the adjective “piccolo” can placed before or after the noun, according to the context and ...
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| gioiello | 9/10/2009 |
Q: Would you please help me to understand the use of the words “gioiello” and “gioielli”. These words ...
A: I realize that it is difficult for you to understand the use of the separate singular and plural ...
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| Wedding speech | 9/9/2009 |
Q: I would like to make a toast to the bride and groom at a wedding in Italy. Can you tell me ...
A: Here’s the Italian text of the wedding toast you are looking for: “Cari (name of the bride and name ...
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| use if "di" | 9/8/2009 |
Q: Would you please tell me if the phrase “negozio di ferramenta” (hardware store) is an “attributivo” ...
A: In “negozio di ferramenta” (hardware store), where “ferramenta” (metal goods and utensils such as ...
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| "di piu" and "di meno" | 9/7/2009 |
Q: I am still trying to make sure that I completely understand the correct way to use “di più” and “di ...
A: You are right: you have completely understood the correct way to use “di più” and “di meno”. ...
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| use of the word "meno" | 9/5/2009 |
Q: My question is about the word “meno”. I am wondering if “meno” is used the same in Italian as the ...
A: It is correct to state that: 1-“più” is used to say “more”. 2-it can be either an adverb or an ...
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| sentence structure | 9/4/2009 |
Q: My question is about the following sentence: “Che cosa ti piace fare?” What to you is pleasing to ...
A: your analysis of “Che cosa ti piace fare?” is correct, except for the interrogative pronoun “che ...
|
| capitalization | 9/3/2009 |
Q: My question is about the proper capitalization of the word Italia. When the singular form of the ...
A: the singular form of the feminine definite article [la, l’] used before the name “Italia” can be ...
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| chi | 9/2/2009 |
Q: My question is about using the interrogative pronoun “chi” as the subject of a sentence. Can you ...
A: Yes, it is true that the interrogative pronoun “chi”, when used as the subject of a sentence, is ...
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| Italian pronunciation | 9/1/2009 |
Q: I've started to learn Italian on my own, since I'm already taking Spanish in school. It's so much ...
A: here are my answers: 1-"è", which means "he/she/it is", must be pronounced with the stress and then ...
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| use of "signore" | 8/4/2009 |
Q: My question is about the correct use of the word “signore”. Would you please tell me if the ...
A: Yes, “signore” can be used to say: “sir”, “Lord” (in the religious context), or “gentleman” as in: ...
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| use of definite article | 8/3/2009 |
Q: My question is about the use of the definite article with a person’s title when introducing that ...
A: when introducing a person you must say “Questo è il signor Mantini” with the definite article, not ...
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| placement of adjectives | 8/1/2009 |
Q: I have found the following sentences in a computer course that I am using to study Italian: Il pane ...
A: yes, you are correct in thinking that the adjectives “buono” and “cattivo” can be placed before or ...
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| placement of adjectives | 7/31/2009 |
Q: I have found the following sentences in a computer course that I am using to study Italian: Il pane ...
A: the placement of the adjectives “buono” and “cattivo” in the sentences you mention is correct. ...
|
| translation | 7/30/2009 |
Q: Would you please help me with the translation of the following sentences: “Noi siamo dal nonno.” ...
A: Actually “Noi siamo dal nonno” means “We are at our grandfather's (house)” and “Io vado da mia ...
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| possessive adjective with "casa" | 7/28/2009 |
Q: Would you please explain to me when to place the possessive adjective after the noun “casa” as ...
A: Actually there is not a so marked difference between the two uses of the possessive adjective with ...
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| use of "benvenuto" | 7/27/2009 |
Q: Would you please tell me the correct way to say: “Welcome to Rome.” I am not sure if this would ...
A: You must say correctly “Benvenuto a Roma” as well as “Benvenuto a Genova”, “Benvenuto a Torino”, ...
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| correct pronunciation | 7/26/2009 |
Q: My question concerns the correct way to pronounce the verbs “permettere” and “servire”. I have ...
A: You are twice right: first time you are right when you have marked the correct syllables; second ...
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| soggiornare | 7/25/2009 |
Q: Buongiorno Maria, Spero che tutto vi va bene. Vorrei farti una domanda sul verbo “soggiornare” ...
A: Salve Simon, il verbo “soggiornare” risale effettivamente al Latino volgare “subdiurnare” ...
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| Thank you note | 7/24/2009 |
Q: I want to thank two of my fiance's friends for gifts for my bridal shower. I want to say something ...
A: Actually I'd have needed to know if the friends you mention are male or female persons as in ...
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| farcela, idiomatic expression? | 7/19/2009 |
Q: Please help with the meaning of the pronominal verb farcela as used in the news excerpt below "Sta ...
A: the Italian idiomatic verb “farcela” as used in the news excerpt you mention, i.e. :"Sta ...
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| "studiare" and name of a language | 7/18/2009 |
Q: My question is about the use of the definite article before the name of a language after the verb ...
A: Actually you can say correctly both “Io studio l’Italiano” and “Io studio Italiano”, without any ...
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| La Mia Poesia Translation | 7/15/2009 |
Q: Listening to music of the most beautiful language on earth for the last 50 years has given me ...
A: I’ve checked your translation and corrected some mistakes, like e.g. “I listened to you” instead ...
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| La Mia Poesia | 7/14/2009 |
Q: I just finished writing down the lyrics to Italian song calld "La Mia Poesia" Could you possibly ...
A: I’ve just listened "La Mia Poesia" sung by Peppino Gagliardi and I’ve corrected some mistakes, ...
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| accent location | 7/13/2009 |
Q: My question is about the location of the accent on past participles. Can you please tell me if the ...
A: you are right: the accent is always placed on the “a” of –ato in the 1st.conjugation, the “u” of ...
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| Translation | 7/11/2009 |
Q: I am in need of your help for a message that I love to spread to everyone. I need the following two ...
A: the Italian phrases “Spargi soltanto semi d’amore”(literal) or better “Semina solo amore” correspond ...
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| objects | 7/10/2009 |
Q: I am still confused and hope you will not mind helping me some more. I think I may be confused ...
A: I am sorry that you are still confused and I’ll try to throw light upon this matter. 1-Yes, what ...
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| sentence structure | 7/10/2009 |
Q: tu?” This is very much appreciated. I am still trying to understand that in this sentence ...
A: Firstly I have to point out that in Italian we call “indirect objects” (complementi indiretti) all ...
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| Offering food/drinks | 7/9/2009 |
Q: hope you're doing good :) I have a question about how to ask some one if they would like something ...
A: Here are the correct way to ask someone if he/she/they would like something to eat or drink: -“Vuoi ...
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| sentence structure | 7/8/2009 |
Q: I am trying to understand the following sentence. "Di che grandezza vuoi la torta tu?" Would you ...
A: Here’s the correct grammatical analysis of “Di che grandezza vuoi la torta, tu?": -tu = subject ...
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| Dante, l'inferno, canto 1, line 103 | 7/7/2009 |
Q: "Questi non cibera terra ne feltro" is the line I'm concerned about. It occurs during Vergil's ...
A: First of all the line 103 in Dante’s Inferno, canto I, reads correctly: “Questi non ciberà terra né ...
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| Can we stay / Can you find | 7/5/2009 |
Q: Buona sera Maria! Spero che tu sta bene! If I needed to say "How long can we stay here", do I say ...
A: Salve Cindy, If you want to translate "How long can we stay here?", you must say correctly “Per ...
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| verb pronunciation | 7/4/2009 |
Q: I am still having some confusion about verb pronunciation. I hope that you will not mind another ...
A: First of all I have to tell you that in our dictionaries we don’t have any vowel pronunciation for ...
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| pronunciation | 7/2/2009 |
Q: Would you please tell me if the "e" in the second syllable of "vende" (3rd person singular of ...
A: the "e" in the second syllable of "vende" (3rd person singular of the present indicative of ...
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| verb pronunciation | 6/29/2009 |
Q: June 28, 2009 Dear Maria, My question is about verb pronunciation. Can you tell me whether or not ...
A: actually I’ve already answered this question you asked me on Thursday 25th.June. Didn't you receive ...
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| ancient family coat of arms | 6/27/2009 |
Q: We recently were given our family coat of arms after an elderly relative passed on. Under the crest ...
A: the inscription “ARMA TESSANDORO” means “coat of arms of the Tessandoros”. In fact ARMA is the ...
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| verb pronunciation | 6/26/2009 |
Q: June 25, 2009 Dear Maria, My question is about verb pronunciation. Can you tell me whether or not ...
A: generally speaking, you can use the pronunciation of the infinitive (as this pronunciation is ...
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| grande | 6/24/2009 |
Q: Would you please help me with the following question that concerns the word “grande”. I understand ...
A: First of all I have to tell you that it is not always true that the adjective “grande” implies ...
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| word order | 6/23/2009 |
Q: Is it acceptable to place the subject after a transitive verb. Ex. Juan sells many books. 1. Venda ...
A: Actually the only one correct translation of the English sentence “Juan sells many books” is the ...
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| conjunction | 6/22/2009 |
Q: Is it right to use either “da” or “perche” in the sentences below, in which the word “quanto” means ...
A: actually I have to point out that in the Italian sentence “ Lui non è uscito da quanto stava male” ...
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| congiuntivo | 6/21/2009 |
Q: Perché il congiuntivo passato è usato qui? Siete a conoscenza di altri paesi in cui l'immigrazione ...
A: Salve! Nella frase “Siete a conoscenza di altri paesi in cui l'immigrazione sia diventata un ...
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| Italian | 6/20/2009 |
Q: When my father greeted his friends he said something like Wall yo---- please tell me what it means ...
A: I think that when your father greeted his friends by saying something like “Wall yo” , he used the ...
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| Italian Wedding Toast | 6/19/2009 |
Q: My daughter is marrying an Italian gentleman in Chianti in August. None of his parents/aunts/uncles ...
A: firstly I‘d like to wish Jennifer and Simone happiness on the occasion of their marriage; secondly ...
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| conjunction se | 6/18/2009 |
Q: Please help me with regards to the use of "se" in the sentence below. Meno corretta la definizione ...
A: First of all I have to tell you that the Italian language of the passage you cite (from "Diritto ...
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| ordine corretto delle parole | 6/17/2009 |
Q: Cara Maria, Io spero che hai avuto una vacanza molto buona. Io ti ho precendentemente chiesto una ...
A: Caro Rich, il corretto ordine delle parole nella frase che tu citi è “Quali scarpe vanno bene?” con ...
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| gerund and conjunction | 6/15/2009 |
Q: I'm having difficulty analyzing why gerundio is used in the sentence below (cercando and ...
A: First of all the present gerunds “cercando” and “istituendo” are related to the main clause subject ...
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| 'come' | 6/13/2009 |
Q: When the adverb “come” is used in questions, is it right to put the subject before it, as in ...
A: In Italian we say correctly: “Come vinse Isabella?”, where the adverb “come” stands at the beginning ...
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| relative clause | 6/12/2009 |
Q: Please help on the positioning of preposition in relative clause. Can the sentence "Dimmi il ...
A: In Italian we can say correctly either “Dimmi a cosa stai pensando”/Dimmi a che cosa stai pensando” ...
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| preposition | 6/11/2009 |
Q: Please help on the positioning of preposition in relative clause. Can the sentence "Dimmi il ...
A: if you are looking for a translation of "Tell me the plan you are thinking of", you must say ...
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| preposition | 6/10/2009 |
Q: Are there any grammar rules that would forbid the dropping of preposition "a" in the common ...
A: First of all there is no grammar rule which forbids the use of the preposition "a" in the idiomatic ...
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| preposition & infinitive | 5/17/2009 |
Q: Is it required/optional to use a preposition before an infinitive if it is governed by an impersonal ...
A: in Italian we don’t use the preposition “di”/ “a” before an infinitive, if it is governed by the ...
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| predicate adjectives | 5/16/2009 |
Q: Can you please tell me if the concept of predicate adjectives and linking verbs work the same way in ...
A: You are right: in the sentence "La finestra è aperta" (The window is open) "aperta" is a predicate ...
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| di for specification | 5/15/2009 |
Q: I was once told that when "di" is used for specification the noun that comes after "di" will always ...
A: Actually it’s not true that, when the preposition "di" is used for specification, the noun that ...
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| answering questions | 5/14/2009 |
Q: what does the question - Chi ha molto fame? mean and how do i answer it.
A: The phrase “Chi ha molta fame?” means exactly: “Who is very hungry?”. An answer could be: “Sono io ...
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| word order | 5/7/2009 |
Q: I am trying to understand the following sentence: "Quali gatti ti piacciono?" Would you tell me if ...
A: it is so: in the phrase "Quali gatti ti piacciono?" (Which cats do you like?) the Italian word ...
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| Translate English to Italian | 5/6/2009 |
Q: How would I say two faced in Italian?
A: The English adjective “two-faced“ can be translated into Italian as “doppiogiochista”, “ambiguo”, ...
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| piu | 5/5/2009 |
Q: I have been having a hard time completely understanding the many uses of the word "piu". It would ...
A: the sentence “Quale vestito ti piace di più?” (Which dress do you like more?) is correct, while ...
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| passive | 5/4/2009 |
Q: Kindly help me with the sentences below. Is it correct to use the dative case “ci” in both sentences ...
A: “They are sold" using passive ‘si’ is in Italian “si vendono”, without the pronoun ‘essi’ which is ...
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| dative pronoun | 5/3/2009 |
Q: Kindly help me with the sentences below. Is it correct to use the dative case “ci” in both sentences ...
A: Sorry, but “Ci si e vendutu i libri“ is absolutely wrong, while “Ci si sono venduti i libri”, which ...
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| piu | 5/2/2009 |
Q: I have been having a hard time completely understanding the many uses of the word "piu". It would ...
A: “Mi piace più il vestito nero” is correct as well as “Mi piace di più il vestito nero” (I like the ...
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| piu di / piu... che | 4/30/2009 |
Q: I have recently encountered the following sentences in a computer course that I am using to study ...
A: in Italian it would better to say:"Il tè mi piace più del caffè" and "Mi piace più il vestito rosso ...
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| piu di / piu... che | 4/29/2009 |
Q: I have recently encountered the following sentences in a computer course that I am using to study ...
A: Generally speaking, we can use the preposition “di” (del, dello, della, etc.) as well as the ...
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| Wedding Toast | 4/27/2009 |
Q: I would like to make a toast ( I am the groom ). I have a strong Italian background; never learned ...
A: first of all I wish you a Merry Wedding and a Happy Honeymoon. As for your question, here’s a ...
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| use of "di" | 4/25/2009 |
Q: I am still having a difficult time understanding the use of "di" to specify in sentences such as: ...
A: the preposition "di" needs to be included for specification in these sentences not because the verb ...
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| si passive | 4/22/2009 |
Q: Can I use the so-called "si passive" construction with first-person or second-person subjects (i.e. ...
A: the so-called "si passive" construction, i.e. “si passivante” in Italian, cannot be used with ...
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| using "andare bene" | 4/21/2009 |
Q: Cara Maria, Puoi per piacere dirmi il ordine corretto delle parole in una frase quando faccio una ...
A: Caro Rich, di solito si dice “Va bene la camicia?”, ma nel linguaggio familiare possiamo anche ...
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| preposition "di" | 4/20/2009 |
Q: Would you please help me to translate the following: Queste tazze sono della stessa grandeza. ...
A: it is so: in "Queste tazze sono della stessa grandezza" as well as in “Queste tazze sono di ...
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| impersonal si | 4/19/2009 |
Q: Should I use the plural or singular inflection of mangiare in the sentence below? Li si ...
A: Actually in the Italian “si passivante” the particle “si” does not stand as an impersonal pronoun, ...
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| impersonal si | 4/18/2009 |
Q: Should I use the plural or singular inflection of mangiare in the sentence below? Li si ...
A: in the sentence “Li si mangia” just meaning “One eats them/ People eat them/ We eat them” you ...
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| The word giomata | 4/17/2009 |
Q: This is the title of a painting by Marco Calderini in our local museum: Giomata de Pioggia in ...
A: First of all the correct title of this painting by the Italian painter Marco Calderini (1850-1941) ...
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| Verbs | 4/7/2009 |
Q: This may seem like a very basic question, but I am having trouble with Italian verbs. What is the ...
A: I am really not surprised that you have trouble with Italian verbs as they are quite difficult ...
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| interrogative adjective "quanto" | 4/6/2009 |
Q: Cara Maria, Puoi per favore dirmi se il soggetto mette prima o dopo il verbo in una frase ...
A: Caro Rich, se una frase comincia con l'aggettivo interrogativo "quanto", il soggetto si mette di ...
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| Translation | 4/5/2009 |
Q: I'd like to translate this phrase into Italian: Through difficulties to the stars Thanks so much ...
A: "Through difficulties to the stars" translates as follows: 1-“Alle stelle attraverso le difficoltà” ...
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| Dire bene | 4/4/2009 |
Q: I'd like to ask more questions regarding these letters my grandmother wrote my mother, who by the ...
A: first of all the Italian expression “una poco di buono” (not ’poca di buono’) means “a flirtatious ...
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| avere bisogno di | 4/3/2009 |
Q: In my studies I have encountered several sentences where the "di" of "avere bisogno di" is placed at ...
A: You are right: the preposition "di" from "avere bisogno di" is always placed at the beginning of a ...
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| attributivo | 4/2/2009 |
Q: Cara Maria, Puoi per piacere dirmi se "di credito" e un attributivo in la frase seguente: "Le ...
A: Caro Rich, lieta di leggerti in Italiano e di poterti dire che ti sei espresso correttamente, a ...
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| response to your questions on 3/27 e-mail | 3/31/2009 |
Q: This is Linda,the woman who wrote on 3/27. I don't know where I'm supposed to leave my response to ...
A: the passage you mention should have been written as follows in the correct Italian language: "Si ...
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| comparative structure | 3/30/2009 |
Q: I am still trying to make sure that I completely understand the use of comparatives. I hope you ...
A: In the Italian phrase “La mia casa è più piccola della tua casa”, or better “La mia casa è più ...
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| comparison of quantity using "tutti" | 3/29/2009 |
Q: Would you please help me to understand both the grammar and the use of the word "tutti" in the ...
A: the correct translation of "La bambina mangia più torta di tutti" is just "The young girl eats more ...
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| translate song title | 3/28/2009 |
Q: Can you tell me what the title Al Di La means? I look forward to hearing from you soon, thank you ...
A: The song title “Al di là” means “Beyond” as e.g. in the lyrics which reads “Al di là del bene più ...
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| translation confusion | 3/27/2009 |
Q: I am translating letters written by my Italian grandparents in the '40's. I don't know a lot of ...
A: First of all it would need to know the Italian context where the phrase "Qualche diavolo deve ...
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| Translation :-) English to Italian | 3/26/2009 |
Q: My best friend and I have always found Italian to be a beautiful language. I am currently putting ...
A: Here are the translations you asked me: -“Let it be” = “Lascia che sia!” (literal), that is “Non ...
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| attributivo | 3/24/2009 |
Q: I was wondering if there is a way for me to know when it is correct to use a noun to form the ...
A: the correct Italian translation for "garbage can" is “bidone della spazzatura” where “della ...
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| Lauretta Mia | 3/23/2009 |
Q: I am seeking a song with my daughter at her wedding which has Italian theme adn I want to make our ...
A: I'm glad to help you and I wish your daughter good luck and happiness. So, here's the Italian ...
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| "attibutivo" / "di used for specification" | 3/22/2009 |
Q: Can you please tell me if there is any difference between the term "attributivo" and the expression ...
A: The Italian term “attributivo”, i.e. a word group having the nature of an attribution placed ...
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| attributivo | 3/20/2009 |
Q: I am trying to understand the structure of the following sentences: Questa sedia e di plastica. ...
A: you are right: in the phrases you mention the "attributivo" is just a grammatical construction that ...
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| dare del tu | 3/19/2009 |
Q: I am still trying to understand the expression "dare del tu". Would you please tell me if I am ...
A: first of all here are the correct Italian sentences: -"Do del tu al professore" (I am on first-name ...
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| "no" vs "non" | 3/18/2009 |
Q: Would you please tell me when I should say "no" or "non" in Italian for "not" in English. I do not ...
A: Generally speaking, you must say “no” in Italian when this adverb is used as a negative answer to a ...
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| use of "fare spese" | 3/17/2009 |
Q: Cara Maria, Mi diresti se le frasi seguenti sono corrette o non: "Lei fa spese in un negozio di ...
A: Caro Rich, le due frasi che citi , e cioè "Lei fa spese in un negozio di ferramenta" (She shops in ...
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| "piu" and definite article | 3/16/2009 |
Q: once again, for explaining to me that the definite article is not used after the comparative adverb ...
A: the answer to your question is quite easy. In fact in all the sentences you mention the adverb of ...
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| use of definite article | 3/15/2009 |
Q: In the computer course that I am using to study Italian there is a picture of a boy holding a glass ...
A: the caption under the picture you mention is correct. In fact you must say: “Il bambino ha più ...
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| Italian translation | 3/14/2009 |
Q: How would you translate: Non piangete la mia assenza sentitemi vicino e parlatemi ancora. Io vi ...
A: Here’s the translation of “Non piangete la mia assenza, sentitemi vicino e parlatemi ancora. Io vi ...
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| che stare per | 3/13/2009 |
Q: Would you please help me to understand the expression: "che stare per". I am thinking that a ...
A: First of all I think you mean “che sta per” (not “che stare per”) as e.g. in the sentence ...
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| surname pronunciation | 3/12/2009 |
Q: I married an Italian American 12 years ago. Our last name is Di Bisceglie, and I realize it's an ...
A: The pronounciation "Dee Bee Shell ee" for the Italian surname “Di Bisceglie” is correct, apart from ...
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| Translation Assistance. | 3/9/2009 |
Q: Greetings: I could use a bit of assistance in translating the following thank you: Dear XXX ...
A: here's the translation you need: Cara famiglia XXX, sono molto felice che voi tutti abbiate ...
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| translation | 3/8/2009 |
Q: Gentile Maria, Aiuterebbe con la proposizione seguente: <<Il biglietto del concerto costa piu di ...
A: Caro Rich, ti aiuto volentieri a capire il senso del pronome dimostrativo “quello” che noi Italiani ...
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| Are dialects unique languages or just "forms"of Italian? | 3/6/2009 |
Q: Ciao Maria. With due respect, I must ask about your note in another reply that: "...the Sicilian ...
A: although the dialects of the twenty Italian regions did not develop after Italian, they are however, ...
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| Adattare una Canzone | 3/4/2009 |
Q: Provo a tradurre in un modo cantabile la canzone "When You Look Me in the Eyes" dai Fratelli Jonas, ...
A: Salve! Capisco che non è sempre facile adattare ad un’altra lingua una canzone rendendola ...
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| "a" vs "in" | 2/18/2009 |
Q: Would you please tell me whether or not the prepositions "a" and "in" can both be used in the ...
A: yes, the prepositions "a" and "in" can both be used correctly in the sentences you mention, though ...
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| translation from english to italian | 2/17/2009 |
Q: Was dissappointed Sunday.It took a long time to use Skype, and when your pictures came up finally ...
A: here’s the translation you asked me. Best regards, Maria ___________________ Cara Elisa, Che ...
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| use of "del" with "avere bisogno" | 2/14/2009 |
Q: My question is about the following sentence: "Tu hai bisogno del sapone?" I am wondering if this ...
A: the sentence “Hai bisogno del sapone?”/ ”Tu hai bisogno del sapone?” corresponds to the English ...
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| use of | 2/6/2009 |
Q: Would you please explain why the preposition "di" is included in the following sentence: "Tu di che ...
A: In Italian we can say indifferently “Tu di che cosa hai bisogno?”, “Tu di cosa hai bisogno?” ...
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| articles | 2/5/2009 |
Q: if we have two vowels for singuralr definite feminile articles then we remove one vowel eg. la erba ...
A: first of all I have to tell you that you must write "le erbe", not "l'erbe". In fact, if the ...
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| use of "di" with interrogatives | 2/4/2009 |
Q: Would you please explain why the preposition "di" is included in the following sentence: "Tu di che ...
A: the preposition “di” has been included in the interrogative sentence "Tu di che cosa hai bisogno?" ...
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| scusi | 2/2/2009 |
Q: Dear Maria, Would it be better to say "scusi", or should the direct object pronoun be included ...
A: When excusing yourself, you can say either “Scusi” or “Mi scusi”, as they both are correct. ...
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| "Firma del caffe"? | 2/1/2009 |
Q: 1. For a restaurant menu, is this correct; Firma del caffe (of course with the "accent" on the e of ...
A: Actually such a “signature coffee" does not exist at all in Italy as well as the translation “firma ...
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| medicina | 1/31/2009 |
Q: Would you please translate the following sentences for me: Io ho bosogno di una medicina. Io ho ...
A: Actually the Italian sentence ”Io compro le medicine” can mean that I am buying specific items of ...
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| medicina | 1/29/2009 |
Q: Would you please translate the following sentences for me: Io ho bosogno di una medicina. Io ho ...
A: Firstly the correct Italian sentences are “Io ho bisogno di una medicina” and “Io ho bisogno della ...
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| A and Alla | 1/27/2009 |
Q: Ciao Maria! What is the rule of thumb when it comes to "al, a, alla"? Sono "a" casa, Sono "al" ...
A: Salve Cindy! I’m sorry, but there is no rule of thumb for using the prepositions A, AL, ALLA nor ...
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| sounds like . . . | 1/26/2009 |
Q: Is there a word that sounds like 'capeesh'? If so, what does it mean and how do you spell it? Thank ...
A: I think you refers to the Italian verb “Capisci” which sounds just like “capeesh”. “Capisci”, which ...
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| fare spese | 1/25/2009 |
Q: Would you please tell me if the expression "fare spese" can be used to say "to do shopping" when ...
A: You must include a specification about the supermarket and then say “Faccio la spesa in un ...
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| fare spese | 1/24/2009 |
Q: Would you please tell me if the expression "fare spese" can be used to say "to do shopping" when ...
A: actually we use the expression “fare spese” ("to do some shopping") in sentences like the ...
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| preposition "in" and definite article | 1/23/2009 |
Q: Would you please verify for me that the definite article is omitted when the preposition "in" is ...
A: Yes, the definite article is omitted when the preposition "in" is used with the expressions of place ...
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| non-count nouns | 1/22/2009 |
Q: Could you please tell me whether or not "non-count" nouns exist in Italian. For example, I am ...
A: First of all “non-count nouns”, such as ‘sand’, ‘oil’, or ‘honesty’, that denote a substance or ...
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| preposition "in" | 12/22/2008 |
Q: My question is about the preposition "in" when talking about items being "on the dish" or "in the ...
A: First of all "Buon Natale e Buon Anno" to you and your family. As for your question about the ...
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| correct spelling of phrase | 12/21/2008 |
Q: My mother in law used to say "manage a gui". I think it means either whoa or oh mi gosh, something ...
A: I think that your mother in law used to say “Mannaggia a lui”, or “Mannaggia a vui”( vernacular for ...
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| usage of a phrase | 12/20/2008 |
Q: I have read this phrase in a novel, I know the meaning but I want to know how is this phrase used ...
A: I think you are referring to a phrase uttered by Sebastian de Rosa, the character played by Raoul ...
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| pronunciation | 12/14/2008 |
Q: What is the correct pronunciation of the name "laudomia"? Where is the accent (i or o) - if on o: is ...
A: In the Italian feminine name "Laudomia" the accent is on the O which is open, not closed. As for ...
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| "che" "cosa" "che cosa" | 12/13/2008 |
Q: My question is about the interrogative pronouns "che", "cosa", and "che cosa". I know that "che", ...
A: to tell the truth, there is no set rule on when we must use the interrogative pronouns "che", ...
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| Thank you note to various family members | 12/12/2008 |
Q: My wife and I had the great fortune of spending two weeks in Italy the past September, much of it in ...
A: Glad to help you. So, here’s the translation you asked me. Note that I’ve added “Carissimi” (my ...
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| "May" | 12/11/2008 |
Q: How would I say in Italian -"May God bless...." Would I use the present subjunctive of Potere with ...
A: Generally speaking, “May God bless…..” translates as “Dio benedica….” with the present subjunctive ...
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| avere | 12/7/2008 |
Q: My question is about the verb "avere" being used to express possession. I am wondering if the verb ...
A: in Italian the verb “avere” is used to express possession like in the following examples: -“Loro ...
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| placement of "quanto" | 12/5/2008 |
Q: My question is about the interrogative adjective "quanto". Would you please tell me if the ...
A: the interrogative adjectives "quanto" /”quanti”/ quanta”/ “quante” are always placed before the ...
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| m'avea | 12/4/2008 |
Q: in this sentence "Quando entrai nella scuola, -- un poco tardi, che m'avea fermato la maestra di ...
A: In this passage of the children’s novel “Cuore” (Heart), written by Edmondo De Amicis in 1886, ...
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| articles for nouns | 11/29/2008 |
Q: When you have two nouns in a sentence that would take different articles, but are linked through the ...
A: you must say “Il ragazzo e l’amico”, first because, though both nouns are masculine, they take ...
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| name of country | 11/27/2008 |
Q: Would you please tell me if my understanding of the following is correct: The preposition "in" is ...
A: your understanding is correct: the preposition "in" is used, without the definite article, before ...
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| name of a city | 11/24/2008 |
Q: Would you please tell me if my understanding of the following is correct: The preposition "a" is ...
A: you are right: the preposition "a" is used, without the definite article, before the name of a city ...
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| translations | 11/22/2008 |
Q: Would you please tell me if the following translations are correct: Io corro. = I am running. ...
A: both the translations are correct, though we prefer to use one or the other, according to the ...
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| Understanding these phrases | 11/21/2008 |
Q: What is the difference between these phrases? To me they almost mean the same thing but maybe I'm ...
A: Generally speaking, you have understood the sense of the phrases you mention, though I have to make ...
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| Sicilian Dialect | 11/19/2008 |
Q: Buoni Desideri a Voi Maria, Spero che tutto sia bene con voi e l'Italia. I am not Italian but I ...
A: though I’m not Sicilian and don’t know the Sicilian dialect so well, I can tell you that those who ...
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| il rito cristiano | 11/18/2008 |
Q: Salve cara Maraia Potrebbe rispondere alle seguenti domande ,almeno alcuni di cui? -Nel rito ...
A: Salve Vandad! Ecco le mie risposte: -La religione Cristiana è ricca di tante belle preghiere ...
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| Italian song | 11/17/2008 |
Q: Maria, I have been searching the internet with no luck! I am so glad I stumbled upon this website ...
A: I think you are talking about the song “Felicità” (Happiness) sung by then-married couple Albano ...
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| etymology | 11/14/2008 |
Q: What is the etymology of the Italian verb "andare"? Latin has two verbs meaning 'to go' - ire and ...
A: The most trustworthy theory about the etymology of the Italian verb “andare” is that it derives ...
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| fare colazione | 11/12/2008 |
Q: Would you please tell me if the definite article is ever included before "colazione" when colazione ...
A: when the feminine noun “colazione “ is used as a part of the idiomatic expression "fare colazione", ...
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| Italian Definite Article | 11/11/2008 |
Q: I read your recent answer to another questioner about definite article. I was confused about the use ...
A: First of all it’s true that in my mother tongue the definite article can be required or not, ...
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| existential there | 11/10/2008 |
Q: My question is about the following sentences: Quante biciclette ci sono? (How many bicycles are ...
A: Yes, it is so: in the Italian sentences "biciclette" is the subject in both of the sentences ; "ci" ...
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| interrogative pronoun "chi" | 11/7/2008 |
Q: My question is about the following sentences: "Chi mangia?" Who is eating? "Chi sei?" Who are ...
A: You are correct in thinking that the interrogative pronoun "chi" is the subject in the sentence ...
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| definite article/habitual action | 11/6/2008 |
Q: My question is about the following sentence: "Io gioco la sera dopo il lavoro." Would you please ...
A: the definite article can also be used with "mattina", "pomeriggio", and "notte" to express habitual ...
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| definite article/habitual action | 11/3/2008 |
Q: My question is about the following sentence: "Io gioco la sera dopo il lavoro." Would you please ...
A: You are partly right:in the sentence "Io gioco la sera dopo il lavoro" the definite article "la" ...
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| chi | 10/31/2008 |
Q: My question is about the use and placement of a subject pronoun in a sentence that starts with the ...
A: you don't bother me at all! As for your question about the use and placement of a subject pronoun ...
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| "ci" and "essere" | 10/30/2008 |
Q: My question is about the adverb of place "ci" when it is used with the verb "essere". One of my ...
A: Actually the “ci” in "crederci" is different from the “ci” in "esserci". In fact the particle ...
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| "chi" as object of preposition | 10/26/2008 |
Q: My question is about the use and placement of a subject pronoun in a sentence that starts with the ...
A: the phrase "Con chi pranzi?" (With whom are you having lunch?) is correct as well as “Tu con chi ...
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| dove and subject pronoun | 10/25/2008 |
Q: If a subject pronoun is included for emphasis in a sentence that starts with the interrogative ...
A: It is so: if a subject pronoun is included for emphasis in a sentence that starts with the ...
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| "dove" as an adverb of place | 10/24/2008 |
Q: Can subject pronouns be used in sentences with the word "dove" when "dove" is used as an adverb of ...
A: yes: subject pronouns can be used in sentences with the word "dove" when "dove" is used as an ...
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| le infinite domande | 10/23/2008 |
Q: Salve Maria Io imparai la Sua bellissima lingua soltanto con i 2 volumi del libro "la lingua ...
A: Caro amico lontano, sono lieta di poterla aiutare in questo suo grande ed ammirevole interesse per ...
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| use of "assaggiare" | 10/22/2008 |
Q: Would you please tell me if both of the following sentences are acceptable: Il pane ha un buon ...
A: The phrase “Il pane ha un buon sapore” is correct, while “Il pane assaggia buono” is absolutely ...
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| essere/stare | 10/18/2008 |
Q: I am trying to understand the difference between the usage of the verbs "essere" and "stare". ...
A: You are right: when followed by a predicate adjective, "essere" is used to describe the subject. ...
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| definite article | 10/15/2008 |
Q: Would you please tell me if I am correct or not in thinking that a definite article must always be ...
A: Yes, the indefinite article can also be used with articles of clothing when that article of clothing ...
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| definite article | 10/14/2008 |
Q: Would you please tell me if I am correct or not in thinking that a definite article must always be ...
A: Actually it’s not always true that “a definite article must always be used before an article of ...
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| queste | 10/13/2008 |
Q: Would you please tell me if the following is correct: Queste sono persone. = These are people. ...
A: the sentence “Queste sono persone” ( These are people), as a caption under a picture of a group of ...
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| bere | 10/12/2008 |
Q: Would you please tell me if there is a reflexive form of the verb "bere" (to drink). If so, would ...
A: the transitive verb “bere” (to drink) is sometimes used as a false reflexive when it means that we ...
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| "au" | 10/11/2008 |
Q: I am still having a difficult time trying to understand how to pronounce the "au" in words where the ...
A: I really understand your difficulty for this matter is not so easy. Anyway here are my answers to ...
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| pronunciation | 10/10/2008 |
Q: My question concerns the pronunciation of "au" as in the words "paura" and "aula". I am trying to ...
A: it is so: "au" is sometimes an "iato" and sometimes a "dittongo" and it is true that when "au" is ...
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| pronunciation | 10/9/2008 |
Q: I am trying to understand how to correctly pronounce the "ao" in the name "Paolo" First of all, ...
A: the name “Paolo” has three syllables as in “Pa-o-lo” and the accent falls on the first syllable ...
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| domanda | 10/8/2008 |
Q: Ciao cara Maria! Sono veramente curioso di saper se c'e in italiano un proverbio con questo ...
A: Salve! “Portare acqua al mare” è il proverbio che in Italiano corrisponde a “To carry coal to ...
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| translation | 10/7/2008 |
Q: Mt question is about the following sentence that I found in a textbook that I am using to study ...
A: the word "ci" is included in the sentence you mention simply because it is an adverb of place just ...
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| definite article | 10/6/2008 |
Q: My question is about the sentence: "Perche tu bevi acqua?" I am thinking that there is no definite ...
A: you are right: in "Perché tu bevi acqua?" there is no definite article before the word "acqua" ...
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| The scam again | 10/5/2008 |
Q: I put out a relevant question to Kudoz: ...
A: as far as I know, the scam you refer to is called “Abuso d’ufficio” or more specifically “Interesse ...
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| A Particular Kind of Scam | 10/3/2008 |
Q: In Greece and Turkey money is frequently made illegally in the following way: 1. I purchase a piece ...
A: I think that unfortunately this kind of scam which in English is called “bribe”, i.e. “something, ...
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| courtesy pronoun | 10/2/2008 |
Q: I am still having a hard time completely understanding what is meant by the "courtesy pronoun"? Is ...
A: You are right: the Italian "courtesy pronoun" can be called also “formal pronoun”, as it is the ...
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| translations | 10/1/2008 |
Q: I have finally been able to finish translating the sentences that you gave me to study in my ...
A: excellent! Congratulations! The only remark I could make, if I wanted to split hairs, would concern ...
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| courtesy pronoun | 9/30/2008 |
Q: Would you please tell me what is meant by a "courtesy pronoun" as opposed to a "subject pronoun" as ...
A: I wrote that in the phrase “Lei che cosa beve?” ( “What do you like to drink?”) the Italian pronoun ...
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| mere/downright/utter etc. | 9/29/2008 |
Q: Greetings Maria, With regard to the Roman leader who played a rather negative part in the war that ...
A: The expressions “a pirate pure and simple", "a downright pirate", "nothing more than a pirate“, can ...
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| translations | 9/28/2008 |
Q: I have been studying the examples that you gave me. Would you please tell me if I have translated ...
A: your translations are good except for a few details in the following phrases: -“Che hai visto?” = ...
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| subject pronoun | 9/18/2008 |
Q: This is a followup to my previous question about the subject pronouns in "Lei come va al ...
A: first of all you cannot state that you “should never put the subject pronoun directly before the ...
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| subject pronoun | 9/17/2008 |
Q: My question concerns the placement of a subject pronoun in a question clause that starts with an ...
A: the subject pronoun "lei" is at the beginning of the sentence “Lei come va al ristorante?” before ...
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| subject placement | 9/15/2008 |
Q: Would you please tell me if I have translated the following sentence correctly: Dove viva tua ...
A: You’ve correctly placed the subject (nonna) after the verb (‘vive’, not ‘viva’) in the sentence ...
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| Important | 9/14/2008 |
Q: Buongiorno, come va? Voglio chiedere una domanda... Perche' si usa "La porta deve essere chiusa, ...
A: Salve! Prima di tutto la frase “La porta deve essere chiusa, quando non è usata” suona piuttosto ...
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| Need translation to English | 9/13/2008 |
Q: Maria, Would you please translate this e-mail reply for me? "se ci sono problemi di retardo, puoi ...
A: Glad to help you with this. So, here’s the translation you need: “If there is some delay problem, ...
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| cute love/inspirational quote | 9/12/2008 |
Q: I have a guy friend who's moving away from atlanta to San Diego. i am getting him an engraved ipod ...
A: I think that you could use one of the following Italian quotes which express love in the sense you ...
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| subject and verb placement | 9/11/2008 |
Q: My question is about the subject and verb placement in the following sentences: Perche papa e in ...
A: generally speaking, when a sentence starts with the interrogative conjunction "perché", the subject ...
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| English Recipe --> Italian | 9/10/2008 |
Q: I have this recipe in English and I need it translated. Could you please translate it for me? ...
A: See below for the translation you asked me. Best regards, Maria ...
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| Name for choir | 9/9/2008 |
Q: I have just become apart of a choir of both girls and boys... all teenagers...!!! we are in the ...
A: actually I have already answered your question three days ago (on 9/06/08), when you wrote:" Dear ...
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| Accent mark | 9/8/2008 |
Q: I am trying to learn italian on my own.I speak Spanish and French my father is italian so I can ...
A: In Italian there are two forms of the accent mark: grave (`) and acute (´), while the circumflex ...
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| svegliare | 9/7/2008 |
Q: My question is about the verb "svegliare" Would you please tell me if the "sv" in this word is ...
A: First of all you have marked correctly the syllables which must be stressed in the present ...
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| profumare/puzzare | 9/4/2008 |
Q: Would you please tell me if there is any difference between the use of "profumare" and "avere buon ...
A: broadly speaking, there is no difference between "profumare" and "avere buon odore" as well as ...
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| Italian question | 8/9/2008 |
Q: I'm not sure if i understand the difference in between these two words. What is the difference ...
A: Actually your question is not clear. First of all I think you want to say “visita”, not ...
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| habitual action | 8/8/2008 |
Q: Would you please tell me if the "singular" definite article is always used with lunedi, martedi, ...
A: Actually the singular definite article is used with lunedì, martedì, mercoledì, giovedì, venerdì, ...
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| habitual action | 8/7/2008 |
Q: Would you please tell me if the "singular" definite article is always used with lunedi, martedi, ...
A: In the sentence "Io lavoro il lunedì, il martedì e il giovedì“ we use correctly the singular ...
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| pronunciation | 8/6/2008 |
Q: Would you please tell me if I have marked the correct syllable that should be stressed in the ...
A: Excellent! You have marked the correct syllables that must be stressed. As for correct ...
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| Books to read to learn Italian | 8/5/2008 |
Q: I'm interested in learning some of the Italian language, so can you recommend some comprehensive ...
A: I could suggest the following books and dictionaries you can find at Amazon: -"Teach Yourself ...
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| literal translation | 8/4/2008 |
Q: Maria, I am in search of a LITERAL translation for the song Per la Gloria d'adorarvi from the ...
A: before giving you the LITERAL translation of “Per la Gloria d'adorarvi from “Griselda” by Giovanni ...
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| La donna e mobile | 8/3/2008 |
Q: I would like to be able to learn to pronounce the words to La donna e mobile so I may learn to sing ...
A: As I think you want to know the pronunciation of the full aria “La donna è mobile” sung by the ...
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| da | 7/31/2008 |
Q: Would you please help me to understand the meaning and use of the preposition "da" in the following ...
A: The Italian preposition “da” in the phrases you mention denotes a ‘place to which’ just because it ...
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| lyrics translation, song from musical "Sound of Music" | 7/29/2008 |
Q: I am looking to include some song lyrics in Italian from the musical, "The Sound of Music" in an art ...
A: I think that the Italian text you wrote is nothing but a kind of adaptation of 'Maria and the ...
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| imperfetto | 7/26/2008 |
Q: Would you please tell me if I am correct in the following imperfetto conjugations. I have again ...
A: you are in the right: all the accented syllables are correct. Moreover the e's in the 'definire' / ...
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| accent | 7/25/2008 |
Q: Would you please tell me if I have marked the correct accent locations in the following ...
A: You have marked the correct accent locations in the present indicative of the 1st.conjugation verbs ...
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| red-/re-/ri- | 7/24/2008 |
Q: Today I wish to ask you about the Italian and Latin prefix red-/re-/ri-. (I believe that "red-" was ...
A: in Italian the prefix 'ri-' corresponds to “back” / “again”, as in “ri-tornare” (to come back/get ...
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| Che vs di | 7/19/2008 |
Q: Maria, I have been going over this sentence in my head for a while now. How would one say, "I speak ...
A: the correct translation of "I speak Italian better than you speak English" is the following: “Io ...
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| etiquette | 7/15/2008 |
Q: Would you please tell me if "buon pomeriggio" and "buona sera" can be used as both formal and ...
A: it is so: "Buon pomeriggio" and "Buona sera" as well as “Buon giorno” can be used as both formal and ...
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| definition | 7/11/2008 |
Q: what does "cara" mean in italian ?
A: The Italian adjective "cara" in the feminine singular means "dear" /”darling” like in the following ...
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| translation | 7/10/2008 |
Q: Would you please tell me the translation of the following sentence: Lui beve il caffe dopo il ...
A: The phrase you mention translates as “He drinks coffee after work”. Please note that in Italian we ...
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| use of cenare | 7/9/2008 |
Q: Would you please tell me if it correct to say both "La famiglia mangia la cena" and "La famiglia ...
A: you must say “La famiglia cena” or “La famiglia sta cenando”, while “La famiglia mangia la cena" ...
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| Adam's apple | 7/5/2008 |
Q: What is the Italian and Latin for "Adam's apple", please? I mean the bulge in front of a man's ...
A: in Italian we say “Il pomo d’Adamo” just meaning ‘the bulge in front of a man's windpipe’. As for ...
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| definite article | 7/4/2008 |
Q: My question is about the use of the definite article with the words "pranzo", "cena", and ...
A: actually I have to point out that the rule you mention, i.e. that the definite article should not ...
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| definite article | 7/3/2008 |
Q: Would you please help me to understand the use and meaning of the definite article "il" in the ...
A: Generally speaking, we can say “Io bevo il caffè” to mean either "I drink coffee" or "I drink my ...
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| Translations | 7/2/2008 |
Q: G'day, I'm 15 and my family on my father's side is no Italian I laugh! But God I love it all. Great ...
A: First of all here are the translations of “What do you want?” and “Why are you doing that?”: ...
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| definite article | 7/1/2008 |
Q: Would you please help me to understand the use and meaning of the definite article "il" in the ...
A: “Lei dove beve il caffè?”, just meaning either “Where do you drink the coffee? “ or "Where do you ...
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| definite article | 6/30/2008 |
Q: My question is about the following sentence: Tu hai fratelli e sorelle? (Do you have brothers and ...
A: the phrase “Tu hai fratelli e sorelle?” is correct as well as “Tu hai dei fratelli e delle ...
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| meaning | 6/29/2008 |
Q: what is pizza means in ITALIAN
A: The feminine noun “pizza”, which seems to derive from the Latin verb “pinsare” (to knead), means ...
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| mattina, pomeriggio, sera, notte | 6/26/2008 |
Q: I am using a computer course to study Italian. This course shows various pictures with written ...
A: glad to help you. So, if you had pictures where you see reproduced the morning, the afternoon, ...
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| mattina, pomeriggio, sera, notte | 6/25/2008 |
Q: I am using a computer course to study Italian. This course shows various pictures with written ...
A: I’ll begin by saying that your translations are correct, since it is true that: -mattina = morning ...
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| mattino | 6/23/2008 |
Q: Would you please explain the difference between "mattino" (ending in "o") and "mattina" (ending in ...
A: actually there is no difference in meaning between the masculine noun “mattino”, which is the ...
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| proper translation | 6/22/2008 |
Q: I would like to properly say "It has been nice speaking with you" in Italian to someone I do not ...
A: Here’s the proper translation of the phrase "It has been nice speaking with you", when addressed ...
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| Italian Pronunciation | 6/21/2008 |
Q: I have been trying to find websites that translate English words into Italian. But I can't find any ...
A: unfortunately I cannot recommend any website that shows the written pronunciation along with the ...
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| Ciao Buon Giorno | 6/20/2008 |
Q: Would you please explain when it is proper to say "ciao" as opposed to saying "buon giorno". ...
A: it is proper to say “ciao” only to express an informal greeting meaning either "goodbye" or "hello" ...
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| Wedding message in Italian | 6/18/2008 |
Q: I'll like to write a small note to my friend in Italian, congratulating her on her wedding and ...
A: Here’s the wedding message in Italian you asked me: Carissima…..,[put here the name of your friend] ...
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| italian | 6/16/2008 |
Q: how do u say (beautiful hair) and also (beautiful world) in italian please
A: in Italian we say "bei capelli" for "beautiful hair" like in “Lei ha dei bei capelli” (She has ...
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| marriage anniversary | 6/14/2008 |
Q: my two close Italian friends are going to celebrate the 1st anniversary of their marriage,i wish if ...
A: I think you could send the following message: Carissimi, in occasione del vostro primo ...
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| definite article | 6/13/2008 |
Q: I have managed to confuse myself very much over the use or non-use of the definite article with ...
A: First of all the phrase “Ho occhiali” is absolutely wrong, unless you add “da sole” / ”da vista”, ...
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| prepositions and seasons | 6/12/2008 |
Q: My question is about use of the prepositions "di" and "in" with the words "estate", "autunno", ...
A: Please note that: -We say :“In estate” /” D’estate”; “In inverno” / “D’inverno”/ . Either "in" or ...
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| Song question | 6/10/2008 |
Q: I will be playing music at a dance, for my friends parents 25th anniversary. Is there any ceremonial ...
A: I’m sorry, but I know no ceremonial Italian song played for the 25th anniversary, although I am ...
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| about matrimonio and maritarsi | 6/9/2008 |
Q: all my grateful appreciation for your answer on the 4 italian words for marriage: you were ...
A: Glad to have helped you some time ago. You are right: the word ‘matrimony’ ("matrimonio" in ...
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| adressing a baby | 6/6/2008 |
Q: I am making a sign to hang on the door of a friends nursery and want to make it say something sweet, ...
A: Glad to help you. So "little one" would be in Italian “La mia bimba” or “La mia bambina” as well as ...
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| Writing a letter in Italian | 6/4/2008 |
Q: We met a distant cousin while visiting Sicily afew yers ago. She recently sent us some gifts and ...
A: I’m glad to help you. So below is the translation of your text. Best regards from Italy, Maria ...
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| italian surnames not ending in a vowl | 6/2/2008 |
Q: Maria My Grandparents came to the us in 1950 from the Friuli region of Italy. My surname is ...
A: First of all in Italy there is nobody who espresses doubt about the Italian surnames ending in a ...
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| Cartone | 5/27/2008 |
Q: I recently went to the Victoria & Albert Museum in London to see "the Rafael cartoons", “i cartoni ...
A: The Italian word “cartone” (originally the augmentative of “carta”, as you say) has four meanings ...
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| definite article | 5/25/2008 |
Q: I am still confused and I hope that you will not mind another question on this same topic. Is it ...
A: No trouble at all! When I state that the "the definite article can be omitted when body parts are ...
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| definite article | 5/24/2008 |
Q: I am still confused and I hope that you will not mind another question on this same topic. Is it ...
A: I do realize that you are still confused and can't say you’re wrong, as this matter is not so easy. ...
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| definite article | 5/23/2008 |
Q: I am still trying to understand when and when not to use the definite article. I encountered the ...
A: First of all it’s not always true that "the definite article is always placed before body parts". ...
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| abito / vestitio | 5/22/2008 |
Q: Would you please help me to understand the difference between "abito" and "vestito". Thank you. ...
A: actually there is no difference between the masculine nouns "abito" and "vestito", since they both ...
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| maglia maglione | 5/21/2008 |
Q: Would you please tell me what the difference is between "maglia" and "maglione". Thank you. Rich
A: the masculine noun “maglione”/”il maglione” which is an augmentative of “maglia” means “sweater / ...
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| pronunciation | 5/19/2008 |
Q: Would you please tell me if the following accent locations are correct for the imperfetto of ...
A: The accent locations for the imperfetto of "definire” are correct. As for the pattern applied to ...
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| definiva | 5/18/2008 |
Q: Would you please help me with the translation of the verb "definiva" in the following" Una canzone ...
A: In the Italian phrase “Una canzone popolare di quei tempi definiva l'America ‘allegra e bella’“, the ...
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| '900 | 5/17/2008 |
Q: Can you please tell me what the apostrophe that is placed before the "900" means in the following: ...
A: the apostrophe placed before the "900" in the expression “all'inizio del '900” is merely a special ...
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| english to italian | 5/1/2008 |
Q: i would like translations of italian dishes from english to italian... if you are willing, i will ...
A: Actually I have no great interest in cuisine and then I don’t want to translate the whole menu you ...
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| ciao | 4/28/2008 |
Q: is it a verb or a noun
A: The Italian word “ciao” is neither a verb nor a noun, but an interjection used to express greeting ...
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| asking questions | 4/26/2008 |
Q: Could you please tell me if the verb comes before or after a demonstrative pronoun when asking a ...
A: Commonly the verb comes before a demonstrative pronoun when asking a question. Therefore the ...
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| English to Italian conversion of recipes -HELP!- | 4/25/2008 |
Q: Maria, Hello again! You helped me with the translation of a letter to my family in Italy earlier ...
A: glad to have helped you not long ago. As for the recipe, here’s its translation: INSALATA DI ...
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| La Meglio Gioventù | 4/24/2008 |
Q: First of all, congratulations on Valentina’s appointment. I am watching the miniseries “La Meglio ...
A: First of all, thanks for your congratulations. As for the title of the miniseries “La Meglio ...
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| seduta | 4/22/2008 |
Q: I hope you don't mind yet another question from me, but would you please help me with the term ...
A: the term "seduta" we use for example in the sentence "La donna è seduta"/ "La donna stava ...
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| seduta | 4/21/2008 |
Q: I hope you don't mind yet another question from me, but would you please help me with the term ...
A: You are right: “La donna è seduta“ means: "The woman is sitting". In this sentence however “seduta” ...
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| "in piedi" | 4/20/2008 |
Q: Would you please help me with the following: Does "in piedi" have to be used along with a verb such ...
A: usually we say : -“Sto in piedi” (I stand) -“Era in piedi” (He was standing) -“Siamo stati in ...
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| terms | 4/19/2008 |
Q: Would you please explain the difference between the following terms: la macchinetta la videocamera ...
A: here are my answers: -“la macchinetta” / “una macchinetta” is simply the diminutive of the noun ...
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| prepositions | 4/18/2008 |
Q: I have a reference book that states "ascoltare" (to listen to), "aspettare" (to wait for), and ...
A: Yes, you are right: it is more accurate to say that "aspettare" is not followed by a preposition ...
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| volere | 4/17/2008 |
Q: Would you tell me if the following syllables and accent locations are correct for the present ...
A: First of all accent locations are correct. As for the Italian expression "volere bene a" , both ...
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| Question | 4/16/2008 |
Q: What would the sentences be in Englis? 1)Qual è il tuo capo di abbigliamento preferito? 2)Che cosa ...
A: here are the translations you asked me. 1)”What item of clothing do you like best?” ( Qual è il ...
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| prepositions | 4/13/2008 |
Q: "Hello" again. I hope you are doing good. I hope you don't mind, but I have a question about the ...
A: All is fine. Thanks. As for your grammatical question, you are right: "La ciotola è sul tavolo" ...
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| Letter | 4/12/2008 |
Q: Ciao Maria, I have recently moved to Italy and I'm slowly learning the language, its beautiful ...
A: Here’s the translation you asked me: Spero che la scuola ti vada bene. Mi manca la dolce ...
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| prepositions | 4/11/2008 |
Q: My question concerns the following sentence: "Chi va all'albergo?" Would you please tell me if the ...
A: actually the phrase “Chi va all’albergo?” is not so correct, as it is better to say “Chi va in ...
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| preposition "per" | 4/8/2008 |
Q: I am trying to understand the use of the preposition "per" in the following sentence: "Questa e la ...
A: Firstly you are right: the phrase "Questa è la toletta per uomini” means exactly: "This is the ...
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| sentence structure | 4/7/2008 |
Q: My question concerns the use of an interrogative adverb in a question clause that also has a subject ...
A: "Lei come va al ristorante?" (How are you going to the restaurant?) is correct as well as “Come va ...
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| translation | 4/6/2008 |
Q: You got me thinking and I came up with the phrase "Come celebrate the sweet life with us" Would you ...
A: I’m sorry, but the Italian translation of "Come celebrate the sweet life with us” would sound ...
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| preposition "in" | 4/2/2008 |
Q: I am sorry to bother you again, but would you please help me with the following. I am wondering ...
A: No bother at all! So, the sentences “Il computer è nella camera da letto” (The computer is in the ...
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| prepositions | 4/1/2008 |
Q: Would you please help me to understand why the preposition "in" is articulated in the first sentence ...
A: First of all the phrase “La cucina è nella casa” sounds quite strange in Italian as we would say for ...
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| sentence structure | 3/31/2008 |
Q: My question concerns the use of an interrogative adjective in a question clause that also has a ...
A: You are correct in thinking that the phrase “Voi quante tazze avete?" (or simply “Quante tazze ...
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| Un pasto dalla (presso la?) “Dolce Vita” (hope that's okay for “A meal at the ‘Dolce Vita’”) | 3/30/2008 |
Q: Just before Easter, Aygül and I had a meal at a restaurant, “La Dolce Vita”. Do you use this ...
A: First of all “A meal at the ‘Dolce Vita’” is in Italian “Un pasto al 'Dolce Vita' ” where the ...
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| subject pronoun | 3/14/2008 |
Q: Would you please explain why the placement of the subject pronoun LEI is wrong in "Che cosa lei ...
A: the subject pronoun, if used, is usually placed before the conjugated verb like in “Io vado a Roma”, ...
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| word order | 3/13/2008 |
Q: I hope that you will not mind my asking you, yet again, another question. My question is about the ...
A: First of all your translations are correct. In fact “Lei che cosa beve?“ can mean either “What is ...
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| present participle used as an adjective | 3/12/2008 |
Q: Would you please help me with the following: "Lui e insegnante." is translated as "He is teaching." ...
A: actually the phrase "He is teaching" means “Egli ( lui) insegna” in the sense that this person is ...
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| definite article | 3/11/2008 |
Q: Would you please help me to understand why the definite article is not included in front of "libri" ...
A: Do not worry: no trouble at all. As for the definite article in Italian, I have to point out that ...
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| definite article | 3/10/2008 |
Q: Would you please help me to understand why the definite article is not included in front of "libri" ...
A: In the sentence “Le donne non hanno libri” (The women do not have books) the definite article is not ...
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| Puccini | 3/8/2008 |
Q: I've found a web site for Italian surnames, but Puccini isn't there. What does it mean and what is ...
A: the surname “Puccini” which is of Tuscan origin derives from the medieval Latin name “Puccius” which ...
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| lokanta | 3/7/2008 |
Q: You might be interested to know that the standard Turkish word for restaurant is “lokanta”, a word ...
A: Yes, I’m interested to know this standard Turkish word for restaurant. The term “lokanta” seems to ...
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| avere vs essere (again) | 3/6/2008 |
Q: I saw your previous answers about when to use avere vs essere in compound verbs and they were great. ...
A: when the dictionary says you can use either “avere” or “essere” in compound verbs depending on ...
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| Pronunciation of a word in Italian | 3/5/2008 |
Q: I am teaching myself Italian with the help of books and so forth. I have found one verb that I do ...
A: You must emphasize the first syllable of "visitano” (they visit) as if there were an accent on the ...
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| Translation | 3/4/2008 |
Q: How would you translate the phrase "fuori dal seminato" into English? Thanks for your help
A: “Fuori dal seminato”, i.e. “uscire dal seminato” which is an idiomatic expression to mean that ...
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| Have a question on Italian | 3/3/2008 |
Q: I'm learning italian right now. I don't understand the difference and when to use the following: Io ...
A: first of all the phrases you mention, i.e. “Io sono stanco” and “Io ho fame” mean exactly “I’m ...
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| un paio di scarpe | 3/1/2008 |
Q: In the following: un paio di scarpe (a pair of shoes) Is the preposition "di" being used for ...
A: In ”Un paio di scarpe” (a pair of shoes) the preposition "di" (‘of‘ in English) is used for ...
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| reflexive verbs | 2/28/2008 |
Q: I think that I am now able to recognize a reflexive verb when I see or hear one in a sentence that ...
A: You can say “Metto i jeans”/ “Tolgo i jeans” as well as “Mi metto i jeans” /”Mi tolgo i jeans” ...
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| reflexive verbs | 2/27/2008 |
Q: I am trying to understand the following sentence: Mi metto i jeans. (I wear jeans.) I found this ...
A: The phrase “Mi metto i jeans” (I wear jeans) is correct. In this sentence "mi metto" is a ...
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| definite article | 2/25/2008 |
Q: Would you please tell me if the definite article "il" should be included in the following sentence: ...
A: the phrase “Questo è il volo numero 234” (This is Flight Number 234) is absolutely correct . In ...
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| Formal letter. Proofread translation please! | 2/24/2008 |
Q: Ciao Maria! I would be so much grateful to you if you could please proofread this formal letter that ...
A: first of all I want to congratulate you on your translation which is grammatically correct, though ...
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| future tense pronunciation | 2/23/2008 |
Q: Would you please help me with learning where the accent should be located on third person, plural ...
A: in Italian the accent of the 3rd. person plural of future tense verbs must be located exactly on ...
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| MEANING OF DELA CASA | 2/22/2008 |
Q: I have recently registered a company and I was given a list of names to choose my company name. I ...
A: First of all the correct Italian expression is DELLA CASA which can be interpreted in two ways: ...
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| Opera | 2/21/2008 |
Q: Maria, I am reading the libretto from Turandot. Che cosa, "noi morrem sulla strada dell'esilio". I ...
A: “Noi morrem sulla strada dell’esilio”, the sentence uttered by Liù, the slave girl of Timur, the ...
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| Tosca | 2/20/2008 |
Q: I recently watched a version of “Tosca”, which I really loved. I was, however, greatly confused by ...
A: you are right: “Un orto mal chiuso” is simply a garden with a broken-down fence. As for “un ...
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| ritratto | 2/19/2008 |
Q: I'm a bit puzzled by the morphology of the word “ritratto”. What does “ri” mean here, please? Also, ...
A: the noun “ritratto” derives from the past participle “retractus” of the Latin verb “retrahere” ...
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| brutto & netto | 2/18/2008 |
Q: I believe that the original Italian for “gross” is “brutto” and that “net”, the opposite, is ...
A: actually the original Italian for “gross” (from late Latin “grossus”) is “grossolano” / “rozzo” / ...
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| My Mothers Name | 2/13/2008 |
Q: My mother, who recently died, was always called Esther but in finding her birth certificate says her ...
A: The Italian name “Pasqua” means “Easter”, the Christian feast which marks the Resurrection of Jesus ...
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| definite article | 2/12/2008 |
Q: Should the definite article be included in the following sentence: "Porto gli occhiali da sole." ...
A: "Porto gli occhiali da sole" (I wear sunglasses) is correct. As for “Ho bisogno degli occhiali da ...
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| My last name | 2/11/2008 |
Q: is Panella. and I know its italian. but i cant figure out what it means. can you help me??
A: your surname derives from the masculine medieval Latin name 'Panellus' which derived in turn from ...
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| ne | 2/10/2008 |
Q: Is there a special grammatical name for the pronoun "ne" that is used to refer to things previously ...
A: the pronoun "ne" used to refer to things or persons previously mentioned is called in Italian ...
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| Pronouns | 2/9/2008 |
Q: Using these instructions- Sostituisca i nomi sottolineati con i pronomi adatti. So the sentence is ...
A: the correct pronoun in the phrase you mention is "LE" (3rd person feminine singular)in the sense ...
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| Burlasconi :) | 2/8/2008 |
Q: It was most interesting reading your accounts of the meanings etc. of various names. You mention ...
A: The surname Berlusconi which is quite common in Lombardia, especially close to Milano, seems to ...
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| Italian surnames | 2/6/2008 |
Q: Please could you let me know the pronunciation (and, most importantly, the stress) of the following ...
A: the surname “Dettòri “, which is of Sardinian origin, even if it is quite common in the rest of ...
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| use of "degli" as partitive article | 2/5/2008 |
Q: Would you please tell me if the following translations are correct: "Porta degli stivali." = "He ...
A: the Italian phrases "Porta degli stivali" / "Porta degli occhiali da sole” are correct. In these ...
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| weather expressions | 2/4/2008 |
Q: Would you please help me to understand the difference between the use of "avere" and "fare" in ...
A: First of all the phrases “Ho freddo” ( I am cold); “Hai freddo” ( You are cold); “Ha freddo” (He ...
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| italian pronounciation | 2/3/2008 |
Q: how does an italian say "Perugia"?
A: here's the correct Italian pronunciation of each letter of the city name "Perugia": -P like the P ...
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| all'ambasciata | 2/2/2008 |
Q: I am sorry, but I am still confused with this topic. I hope that you will not mind the following ...
A: The sentence "Io e mio fratello siamo all'ambasciata", printed under a picture of a man and a woman ...
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| all'ambasciata | 1/31/2008 |
Q: Would you please help me with the following? Is the word "ambasciata" only used with preposition ...
A: First of all there is no dictionary or book that lists the correct preposition to use with ...
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| colazione pranzo cena | 1/30/2008 |
Q: Would you please tell me if the following is correct: (1) The definite article is never used with ...
A: The correct phrases are the following: -“Ecco la colazione” ( Here is your breakfast). -“Ecco la ...
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| Italian language | 1/29/2008 |
Q: I am going to Italy and I have kidney failure. My kidneys do not process potassium. Tomatoes are ...
A: here’s the translation of "I can not eat tomato sauce": -“Non posso mangiare la salsa (or ‘il ...
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| Italian Translation | 1/27/2008 |
Q: I recently returned from a great trip to Italy where I met many great people and am tryng to update ...
A: Glad to help you. So, here’s the translation: “Ciao a tutti, Sto aggiornando la mia agenda e ...
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| sentence structure | 1/26/2008 |
Q: I am trying to understand the structure of the following sentence: "E pronto per ordinare?" (Please ...
A: In “E’ pronto per ordinare?" (Are you ready to order?) the adjective "pronto" (ready) is used ...
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| Italian translation | 1/25/2008 |
Q: Maria, Hello. My husband and I visited our family in Italy in 2004 & 2007. We are trying to visit ...
A: I’ve traslated your letter you can see below.I’ve however two doubts.Here they are: 1-when you say ...
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| Premio Strega | 1/23/2008 |
Q: Please, what exactly is “Premio Strega”? Doesn't it mean “witch prize”? Or is “Strega” a surname? ...
A: the “Premio Strega”, i.e. “The Strega Prize” derives its name from an Italian herb-flavoured ...
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| Italian translation | 1/22/2008 |
Q: Maria, Hello. My husband and I visited our family in Italy in 2004 & 2007. We are trying to visit ...
A: First of all I have to tell you that unfortunately automatic online translators are absolutely ...
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| eccola eccoli | 1/21/2008 |
Q: Would you please help me with the following: Can "ecco" plus the atonic enclitic particle "la" be ...
A: "ecco" plus the atonic enclitic particle "la" can be used as "eccola" meaning "here you are" in the ...
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| reflexive verb | 1/20/2008 |
Q: I am sorry to bother you, yet again, with another question. But, would you please help me with the ...
A: It is so: the picture of a man on the telephone saying "Vorrei prenotare, per piacere” denotes ...
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| position of reflexive pronouns | 1/19/2008 |
Q: Would you please help me with the following question? When a reflexive verb is linked to a ...
A: first of all the reflexive pronoun, which usually is attached to the end of the reflexive verb ...
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| "bagaglio" e "bagagli" | 1/18/2008 |
Q: Would you please help me with the words "bagaglio" and "bagagli". I do not know when to use the ...
A: Both "Il bagaglio è nell'atrio" and "I bagagli sono nell'atrio" are correct, of course! Anyway ...
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| use of prepositions | 1/17/2008 |
Q: My question is about how to choose the correct preposition to use with the word "letto". I do not ...
A: The use of "su" with "letto" in a phrase like "Il bambino è sul letto" is correct, while “Il ...
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| Potere vs Riuscire | 1/16/2008 |
Q: Maria, I am trying to understand the differences between riuscire and potere. My basic ...
A: your basic understanding is correct, if you refer to the negative form of the verbs ‘riuscire’ and ...
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| prepositions | 1/15/2008 |
Q: I am still confused about the use of prepositions. I have learned that some words require a ...
A: You are right: the phrase you mention "Si ferma in albergo per una notte" can mean either: "She/ He ...
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| Illucinante | 1/14/2008 |
Q: I have come across the word "illucinante" several times in Italian. I hear it used often in ...
A: the correct adjective is ‘allucinante’ whose literal and metaphorical meanings are the following: ...
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| reflexive verbs | 1/13/2008 |
Q: Would you please tell me if intransitive verbs (such as stare and andare) have reflexive verb forms. ...
A: intransitive verbs (such as ‘stare’ and ‘andare’) do not have reflexive forms, but they can be in ...
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| verbs meaning | 1/12/2008 |
Q: Would you please help me to understand the differences between the use of following verbs: lasciare ...
A: In the phrase “Enrico va via dall’albergo” the verb “andare via”, which is the same as “andasene”, ...
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| verbs meaning "to leave" | 1/11/2008 |
Q: Would you please help me to understand the differences between the use of following verbs: lasciare ...
A: The verb which is best used when talking about someone leaving a hotel as in “Enrico lascia ...
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| modal verbs | 1/10/2008 |
Q: Hello again. Thank you for your help with my previous questions. Would you please tell me if the ...
A: I’m really happy that my efforts are not wasted on you, as you’ve said when you rated me. You are in ...
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| reflexive verbs | 1/9/2008 |
Q: Can you please tell me how I can know when I should use the reflexive form of a verb as opposed to ...
A: "Vorrei fermarmi per tre notti" (I would like to stay for three nights) is correct because in this ...
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| subjunction | 1/8/2008 |
Q: I am sorry to be so ignorant, but I do not know the term "subjunction". Would you please explain ...
A: Generally speaking, an Italian subjunction, also known as a “conjunction” (Congiunzione), is the ...
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| conjugated verb, per, plus infinitive | 1/7/2008 |
Q: concerning use of "per" with infinitives. As always, your answer helps me very much. I still have ...
A: you’re confused, I see, but I’ll try to make all this a little bit clearer, I hope at least!. So, ...
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| use of "per" before infinitives | 1/6/2008 |
Q: I am trying to understand the following sentence: Quanto tempo desidera fermarsi all'albergo? I ...
A: firstly you must say: ‘Quanto tempo desidera fermarsi IN albergo?’, NOT ‘all’albergo’, which is not ...
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| Law of retribution | 1/5/2008 |
Q: could you tell me please how Dante calls the "Law of retribution" in his Divine Comedy? Also, what's ...
A: “Legge del contrappasso” ("Law of retribution" ) is the expression used by Dante, as he himself ...
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| subject and verb placement | 1/4/2008 |
Q: I hope you don't mind another question. Is the subject always placed after the verb in ...
A: I really don’t mind your questions. As for the placement of the subject in interrogative sentences ...
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| use of preposition "di" for specification | 1/3/2008 |
Q: I am still trying to completely understand when to use the simple preposition di and when to use the ...
A: It is so: "mezzi di trasporto” refers to transportation in general. Because the specification is ...
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| 'The Wheelbarrow' | 1/2/2008 |
Q: May I have some information or better a critical analysis of the short story 'The Wheelbarrow' by ...
A: The short story, 'The Wheelbarrow' (“La carriola” in Italian), written in 1916 by Luigi Pirandello, ...
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| chiave della camera | 1/2/2008 |
Q: Would you please tell me if "chiave della camera" is the correct way to say "room key" in regards to ...
A: Yes, "chiave della camera" is the correct way to say "room key" in regards to the key for a hotel ...
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| reflexive pronouns | 12/31/2007 |
Q: Would you please tell me if the following chart of short form and compound form of reflexive ...
A: your chart of short forms and compound forms of reflexive pronouns is correct. As for a name for ...
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| Marcus Aurelius Antonius | 12/30/2007 |
Q: There is a phrase by Marcus Aurelius Antonius that I would like to have in it's original language; ...
A: If you want an Italian translation of “Live not one's life as though one had a thousand years, but ...
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| reflexive pronouns | 12/28/2007 |
Q: once again, for all of your great help. I am wondering about the particle "si" and the pronoun "se ...
A: First of all I’m always glad to help you, as you show great interest in Italian language and then ...
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| reflexive pronouns | 12/27/2007 |
Q: My question is about the following sentence: "Lui si registra." I am trying to understand the ...
A: The Italian phrase “Lui si registra”, where the particle “si” stands for the pronoun “se stesso” ...
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| adverb | 12/22/2007 |
Q: My questions concern the use of the adverb "ci". Would you please tell me if "ci" is used to say ...
A: In “Eccoci” the atonic enclitic particle “ci” is either an adverb of place where, corresponding ...
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| adverb "ci" | 12/21/2007 |
Q: My questions concern the use of the adverb "ci". Would you please tell me if "ci" is used to say ...
A: Actually the Italian phrase “"Ci sono due biglietti" means “"There are two tickets", not "Here are ...
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| translation | 12/18/2007 |
Q: Can you please tell me what the meaning of this is in English "la vendetta e un freddo il piu bene ...
A: First of all the correct Italian phrase is the following: “La vendetta è un piatto che va mangiato ...
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| guidare | 12/17/2007 |
Q: My question is about the verb "guidare". Is it true that "guidare" is translated into English as ...
A: I think you want to say “guardare”, not “guidare” which does not mean “to look at”, but “to lead”, ...
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| "Prego, mi dica!" "Mi dica!" "Dica!" | 12/16/2007 |
Q: waiter, or salesclerk may say the following when talking to a customer. "Prego, mi dica!" "Mi ...
A: Here are my answers: 1st.“Is "dica" being used as the imperative verb form?” ANSWER: In the ...
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| -one | 12/15/2007 |
Q: Many thanks for the excellent recent help. I was wondering about “patrone”, patronus in Latin. Now, ...
A: Actually the word “patrone” does not exist in Italian where we have “patrono” from “patronus” which ...
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| volta/volte | 12/14/2007 |
Q: Does Italian have words like semel, bis, ter etc. or must you always say “una volta, due volte” etc. ...
A: We haven't words like ‘semel’,‘bis’,‘ter’,‘quater’,‘quinquies’, etc., but we must say “una volta”, ...
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| follow-up: "Desidera?" | 12/13/2007 |
Q: Would you please help me to understand the translation of the following: A cashier who is selling ...
A: first of all you cannot answer simply “Yes” when a cashier, a waiter, or a salesclerk says ...
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| "desidera" | 12/11/2007 |
Q: Would you please help me to understand the translation of the following: A cashier who is selling ...
A: you’re right: your translation of “Desidera?” and “Sì, vorrei due biglietti per il film” is correct ...
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| preposition "a" | 12/9/2007 |
Q: Would you please explain to me why the definite article is used after the preposition "a" (the ...
A: It’s not so easy to explain what you are asking me as in this case there is no grammatical rule, but ...
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| use of "In" | 12/8/2007 |
Q: I do not know if there should be a definite article after the preposition "in" in the following ...
A: The phrase “Aspetto in fila per comprare un biglietto” is correct. See also : “Era in fila in ...
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| last names | 12/6/2007 |
Q: is DiFelice an italian last name? because someone said they cant end in an "e". do you know if this ...
A: First of all the Italian last names can end in the vowel “e” as well as in the other vowels like ...
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| giocare a | 12/4/2007 |
Q: Would you please tell me if the definite article should be included after "giocare a" ...
A: We say preferably “Gioca a calcio” (He is playing soccer) as well as we say “Giocare a carte” (to ...
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| using "essere" plus "profession" | 11/29/2007 |
Q: Is is true that the indefinite article is not used after the verb "essere" before a "profession"? ...
A: Actually it is not always true that the indefinite article is not used after the verb "essere" ...
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| When To end Verb in 'are' | 11/27/2007 |
Q: Why is 'E pronto per ordinare' (meaning 'Are YOU ready to order' not E pronto per ordina ('ordina' ...
A: In Italian we say “E’ pronto per ordinare?”( Are you ready to order?), but NOT “E pronto per ...
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| eccolo | 11/26/2007 |
Q: Would you please help me to understand the use of "eccolo". I have seen this word used in the ...
A: the explanation is very easy: the Italian adverb “ecco” without the direct object pronoun "lo" ...
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| modal verbs | 11/25/2007 |
Q: Would you please help with with the following questions about modal verbs. Is it true that both ...
A: Don't worry: no trouble at all. So, here are my answers to your questions: 1-Yes, it is true that ...
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| Invitation in Italian | 11/24/2007 |
Q: How to you print, YOU'RE INVITED in Italian. MAny thanks for your help.
A: in Italian we say: -"Sei invitato", if YOU refers to a 2nd.person singular in the masculine, that ...
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| infinitives | 11/22/2007 |
Q: My question concerns the infinitive form of Italian verbs. This is hard for me to understand ...
A: Actually the phrase "E pronto per ordinare?" you can hear in an Italian restaurant corresponds to ...
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| prenotare | 11/19/2007 |
Q: Would you please help me learn the correct way to use the verb "prenotare" when making dinner ...
A: To make a reservation for dinner / lunch we say: -“Vorrei, per favore, prenotare un tavolo per ...
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| italian madrigali | 11/18/2007 |
Q: i'm a classical music lover and i'd appreciate to have this madrigali by Claudio ...
A: this Monteverdi-Rinuccini madrigal (music by Claudio Monteverdi - verse by Ottavio Rinuccini) tells ...
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| pronunciation of "Angela" | 11/16/2007 |
Q: Would you please help me with the pronunciation of the name "Angela". I think from listening, that ...
A: the name Angela must be pronounced as follows: A like the A in ‘cat’/'father'/’attend’ The accent ...
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| a casa a la casa | 11/14/2007 |
Q: First of all - thank you for all your excellent help. Would you please tell me if there is a ...
A: I’m really glad to help you! So, in Italian we say “a casa” meaning “at home” or “ at the house” ...
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| la camera di consultazione | 11/12/2007 |
Q: In "la camera di consultazione" (the examination room): Is it correct to say that "di" is used ...
A: actually we don’t use to say “la camera di consultazione”. We say “sala di consultazione” (not ...
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| la mia famiglia | 11/10/2007 |
Q: Should the definite article be included before the possessive adjective in the following sentence: ...
A: yes, the phrase "Sono a casa con la mia famiglia” is correct. With the word “famiglia” in fact the ...
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| noun used as adjective | 11/7/2007 |
Q: I am trying to understand how to use the preposition "di" in order to have a noun act as an ...
A: In the expressions “sedia di plastica “(plastic chair ) and “succo d'arancia” (orange juice) as well ...
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| Pron | 11/5/2007 |
Q: Please could you give me the exact pronunciation of the following words? 1 Fiesole 2 Bertoli ...
A: You must say “Fièsole” and “Bèrtoli”. In the toponym Fièsole which derives from Latin “Faesulae” ...
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| desiderare volere | 11/4/2007 |
Q: Would you please tell me what the difference is between the use of the verb "desiderare", in the ...
A: You are right: the reply “Sì, vorrei della frutta. Grazie” not only is absolutely correct, but also ...
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| italian phrase | 11/3/2007 |
Q: I was wondering if you could help me translate this phrase. To each his own in this beautiful ...
A: In Italian we say: "A ciascuno il suo in questo splendido mondo". or more concisely: “A ciascuno ...
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| desiderare volere | 11/2/2007 |
Q: Would you please tell me what the difference is between the use of the verb "desiderare", in the ...
A: When a waitress and a customer are talking about what the customer would like to order, he/she can ...
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| Asilo Nido | 11/1/2007 |
Q: Would you please help me with the term "Asilo Nido" Does this translate as "Day Care Center"? ...
A: Firstly I’d like to point out that the Italian word “nido” literally means “nest”, i.e. a place ...
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| present conditional | 10/29/2007 |
Q: I am trying to learn how to pronounce the "present conditional verb tense". Would you please ...
A: Yes, it is so: the accent locations I've indicated in the present conditional ENDINGS of "volere" ...
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| present conditional | 10/28/2007 |
Q: I am trying to learn how to pronounce the "present conditional verb tense". Would you please ...
A: In the "present conditional verb tense" such as in“ amerei” (from “amare”,1st.conjugation), ...
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| "frutta" "frutto" | 10/25/2007 |
Q: Would you please explain the difference between the terms "frutta" and "frutto". Thank you very ...
A: Generally speaking, the masculine noun “il frutto”(”i frutti” in the plural ) indicates a single ...
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| use of "ecco" and "signora" | 10/24/2007 |
Q: I am trying to understand the difference between "Ecco la Sua cena" and "Ecco la cena" I think ...
A: You are right: "Ecco la Sua cena" means "Here is your dinner" and is used in formal settings such as ...
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| time expressions | 10/23/2007 |
Q: I am trying to understand the following expressions: "alla sera" which I think means "in the ...
A: Your translations are correct. In Italian in fact we can say :”Alla sera” or “Di sera”; “Alla ...
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| use of "guardare" and prepositions | 10/20/2007 |
Q: I am trying to understand the use of the verb "guardare" with prepositions. I know that this verb ...
A: Unfortunately I cannot suggest any guidelines that might help you because the verb “guardare”, when ...
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| Do you forstay? | 10/19/2007 |
Q: my grandmother came from Italy, but she spoke a dialect because my uncle who served in Germany in ...
A: I’m sorry, but there is no Italian word which sounds like “forstay”. The Italian verbs for “to ...
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| preposition | 10/16/2007 |
Q: Can you please explain the grammatical reason why the preposition "di" in included in the phrase: ...
A: the "courtesy form” or "courtesy formula” means that this phrase is used when someone has been ...
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| preposition "di" | 10/15/2007 |
Q: Can you please explain the grammatical reason why the preposition "di" in included in the phrase: ...
A: the grammatical reason why the simple preposition DI is included in the phrase “Piacere di ...
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| Learning the Italian language. | 10/14/2007 |
Q: I am very proud of my Italian heritage and have been trying to learn the language for over a year ...
A: I am very pleased to know that you are proud of your Italian heritage and really hope I can help you ...
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| subject pronouns | 10/11/2007 |
Q: Are there any guidelines that I can follow to help me know when and how to correctly use subject ...
A: maybe you could see the below Italian site where you can find some explanations and grammar ...
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| Can "dove" be used as object of preposition | 10/10/2007 |
Q: In the sentence: "Di dove sei?" is "di dove" a prepositional phrase that is made up of the ...
A: First of all "Di dov'e Pam?" is the correct way to say "Where is Pam from?". As for “Di dove sei?” ...
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| "scusi" vs "mi scusi" | 10/9/2007 |
Q: Is there any difference between saying "mi scusi" vs "scusi" when excusing oneself? I'm thinking ...
A: Actually the expressions "mi scusi" and "scusi" are not the 2nd person formal form of the imperative ...
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| use of dispiacere | 10/8/2007 |
Q: I am confused with use of the verb "dispiacere" I have seen "mi dispiace" translated into English ...
A: First of all “Mi dispiace” is more commonly used to say "I am sorry", while “sono spiacente” is ...
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| use of dispiacere | 10/7/2007 |
Q: I am confused with use of the verb "dispiacere" I have seen "mi dispiace" translated into English ...
A: actually “Mi dispiace” translated as “I am sorry” is correct because in this case “Mi dispiace” ...
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| using "di" vs "da" | 10/4/2007 |
Q: I am trying to understand the difference between using the prepositions "di" and "da" for "origin". ...
A: generally speaking, the preposition "da" either simple (da) or contracted, i.e. joined with definite ...
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| Greetings | 9/28/2007 |
Q: How can I tell someone " I am glad to see you" , "Welcome Back" and "I am glad that we met"?
A: here are the translations you need: 1-"Sono lieto di vederti", if the subject is a male person. ...
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| Buon' giorno, buon giorno or buongiorno?? | 9/27/2007 |
Q: I speak Italian resonably well, but I am unsure about this question, which is about the correct ...
A: Both “Buongiorno” and “Buon giorno” are grammatically correct, while “Buon’ giorno” is wrong, as ...
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| double negatives | 9/25/2007 |
Q: Do you go for double negatives in Italian? To translate, “I haven't seen anyone”, would it be “Non ...
A: To translate “I haven't seen anyone”, we say “Non ho visto nessuno” or “Non ho visto alcuno”, but ...
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| confusing pronouciation(vowels) and dipthong problems | 9/22/2007 |
Q: I have bought an Italian course and doing self-study. I am particularly interested in ...
A: Here are my answers to your questions: 1-Unfortunately there are no definite rules that indicate ...
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| "pagare sull’unghia or contanti sull’unghia " | 9/21/2007 |
Q: I read the following with regard to the expression “cash on the nail”: Similar expressions have ...
A: In Italian we say “pagare in contanti” for “to pay cash” and “pagare sull’unghia” for “to pay ...
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| Translation | 9/17/2007 |
Q: Can you help me translate this please? My trip to Rome was very scary. It was difficult to ...
A: here’s the translation you asked me: “Il mio viaggio a Roma è stato molto avventuroso. E’ stato ...
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| Giallo | 9/16/2007 |
Q: First of all, welcome back! Hope you had a really great break. Please, why are the “giallo murder ...
A: yes, I had a really great break! As for the term “giallo” we Italians use to indicate a murder ...
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| Italian accents derived from greek | 9/14/2007 |
Q: effect of greek accents on italian orthography, and pronunciation.
A: Obviously we can speak about an effect produced by the Greek accents on Italian orthography and ...
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| Oi Marie | 9/13/2007 |
Q: I have fallen in love with the tune of "Oi Marie," but I cannot find the English translation ...
A: You can see below my translation of the Neapolitan song lyrics “Maria Marì” by Russo (text) - Di ...
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| Italian Phrase | 9/6/2007 |
Q: I am planning a party and would like the invitation to be in Italian. How do you say/write: "An ...
A: The literal translation of your sentence is as follows: “Invito la mia famiglia ed i miei cari ...
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| “Una tira l’altra” | 8/3/2007 |
Q: I recently saw an Italian advert. On the top it listed “La Guida Michelin”, “La Guida verde” and “Le ...
A: The Italian saying “Una tira l’altra” originally related to the cherries literally means :“one ...
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| Bella Bionda lyrics | 8/2/2007 |
Q: Maria, you helped me in the past and I hope you will kindly do so now. I am writing from Japan, with ...
A: You are right. The singer of the old folk song, "Bionda, bella bionda", is indeed a girl named ...
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| Ossobuco | 8/1/2007 |
Q: I was wondering about ossobuco: have I spelt it right? It literally means “bone hole”, doesn't it? ...
A: The ‘ossobuco’, i.e. the veal shank, is the upper part of the front leg and hind leg of a veal. In ...
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| Ossobuco | 7/31/2007 |
Q: I was wondering about ossobuco: have I spelt it right? It literally means “bone hole”, doesn't it? ...
A: You are right: it is “ossobuco” in Italian, though it can be spelt also as “osso buco”, since it is ...
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| italian spelling | 7/30/2007 |
Q: how do you say the following names in italian: Aaron Sarah
A: FOLLOW UP With regard to Aron, which exists in Italian, though it is not so common, I must specify ...
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| carlo buti song lyrics | 7/29/2007 |
Q: I hope you can help me find the lyrics to a recording of a Carlo Buti song I used to listen to as a ...
A: Glad to help you. So here is the lyrics of “Rondinella Forestiera “ of a Carlo Buti song you used to ...
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| what does it mean? | 7/25/2007 |
Q: honesto o'cio post labores
A: actually the phrase you mention, i.e. “honesto ocio post labores” is not Italian, but Latin, and ...
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| say thank you in italian at our wedding | 7/24/2007 |
Q: Please could you tell me how to say the following in italian for my wedding: Thank you Sofia, ...
A: see below the translation you need. Greetings from Italy, Maria ______________________________ Un ...
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| 25th anniversary | 7/23/2007 |
Q: how do i say "my whole life" in italian?
A: "my whole life" is in Italian "Tutta la mia vita". Best wishes, Maria ________________________ Note ...
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| i want to learn italian language | 7/21/2007 |
Q:
A: if you want to say "How are you?" in Italian, you must say: -"Come stai?", which is the phrase used ...
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| Solfa | 7/19/2007 |
Q: Please could you translate the following into (fairly formal) Italian for me? I believe it’s the ...
A: here’s the translation of the medieval Latin lines “UT queant laxis/ REsonare fibris /MIra gestorum ...
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| Italian translation | 7/14/2007 |
Q: My family is from Foggia, Italy. There is a word we have used for generations in my family, to mean ...
A: Ciao Nicole, I think that the word you are looking for is DAVVERO which in Italian is an adverb we ...
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| Zante | 7/13/2007 |
Q: Many thanks for the recent superb help. I've become intrigued by the name Zante, which seems (I may ...
A: in Italian we use the name Zànte as well as Zacìnto for the Greek island of Zákynthos, where Ugo ...
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| Expressions | 7/12/2007 |
Q: Please, what are the exact meanings of 'noi tireremo dritto' and 'me ne frego'? I believe they were ...
A: First of all you are right: ‘logic never was fascism’s strong point!’, as history has amply shown. ...
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| Translation Inquiry | 7/11/2007 |
Q: I was wondering if you could translate the phrase "Always Learning" for me? Thank you for your help! ...
A: "Always Learning" can be translated into Italian as follows: - “Sempre imparando” Or with a ...
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| looks | 7/9/2007 |
Q: how do you say you still look beautiful in italian
A: “you still look beautiful” would be in Italian as follows: -“Sei ancora bella”, if the adjective ...
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| question | 7/8/2007 |
Q: how do you say "I speak Italian... I thought you knew (that)"
A: In Italian we can say: -”Parlo Italiano...Pensavo che tu lo conoscessi”, if you are addressing to ...
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| Samuele Bersani - Spaccacuore | 7/7/2007 |
Q: Ciao Maria! My name is Petra. I'm a studend and I study German and English. Last year I visited ...
A: Ciao Petra! Although this lyrics is quite long, here’s the translation you asked me. Best regards ...
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| Two sentences | 7/5/2007 |
Q: I wish to write to someone in Italian; please could you help me with two sentences? 1 I hope I am ...
A: Here’s the correct Italian sentences: “Ho trovato il suo indirizzo e-mail sul sito www. ….e vorrei ...
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| Wedding Congratulations | 7/3/2007 |
Q: My niece in Italy is getting married and I was invited to her wedding. I will not be able to attend ...
A: You could write as follows: “Carissimi, Vi ringrazio moltissimo per avermi invitato al vostro ...
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| Italian pronunciation of Galilei | 7/2/2007 |
Q: My son is cast as Galileo Galilei in a production of the Brecht play and I have been searching for ...
A: Here’s the correct pronunciation of the surname GALILEI : G is pronounced like the G in ‘game’ A ...
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| How to say how old you are | 6/29/2007 |
Q: If I remember rightly, to say how old you are in Italian is fairly straightforward: ho 53 anni. But ...
A: You remember rightly. We use to say “Ho 53 anni” (Ho cinquantatré anni), not “Ho 53 anni di età” ...
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| HELP!!! | 6/26/2007 |
Q: I received a letter from a wonderful girl and she wrote "Amo il sole per i giorni, la luna per le ...
A: First of all the correct Italian phrase is :"Amo il sole per i giorni, la luna per le notti, e TE ...
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| " In Love" | 6/23/2007 |
Q: how would i say "In Love" ? thanks for your help!
A: For “In love” as in “Man in love” we say “innamorato” (adjective in the masculine singular), while ...
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| Italian Translation | 6/21/2007 |
Q: Could please confirm that the phrase "cento di questi giorni" translates to, "May you live a hundred ...
A: Yes, I confirm that "cento di questi giorni" corresponds to: "May you live a hundred years” as this ...
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| Pronunciation | 6/19/2007 |
Q: My last name is of Calabrian origin. I am wondering about the Italian pronunciation of it. It is ...
A: here’s the Italian pronunciation of your last name: F like the F in ‘from’. A like the A in ...
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| hola maria como estas | 6/14/2007 |
Q: hablo espanol and i know a little bit of italian so i wanna know the differences how do i say "do ...
A: The phrase "Do you really speak Italian or are you just saying that to impress us?" translates into ...
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| Boragine vs Voragine | 6/12/2007 |
Q: Boragine is a surname in Italy, but I am not sure what it means or where it comes from. The only ...
A: first of all the surname 'Boragine' is not so frequent in Italy as well as its alternate form ...
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| Italian Song | 6/10/2007 |
Q: Looking for words to old Italian children's song, I think about a cat? Something like Muglie la ...
A: I'm sorry, but there was a typo in "Gatte gattille" which must be written as "Iatte iattille". ...
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| Help! | 6/7/2007 |
Q: I was wondering if you could help me? i am going on holiday to italy soon and i was wondering if you ...
A: Here’s the Italian phrase you can show in a restaurant to inform the waiter that you have some food ...
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| Aria | 6/6/2007 |
Q: Many thanks for the excellent help. I would like to ask a question or two about the following aria: ...
A: Glad to have helped you. As for the questions about Zerlina's aria from Don Giovanni by Wolfgang ...
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| Pronunciation | 6/5/2007 |
Q: I know this be tricky to answer in a email format, but I am having the hardest time figuring out how ...
A: the feminine adjective “bella” which has its stress on the E, i.e. it would be “bèlla”, if in ...
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| Stress Change | 6/1/2007 |
Q: With regard to Taranto, with its stress on the first syllable, making it a parola sdrucciola, since ...
A: the Italian name Tàranto has its stress on the first syllable simply because it has maintained the ...
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| italian translation help | 5/30/2007 |
Q: i have a letter to translate fo my boss, from English to Italian, could you please help do it for ...
A: First of all I am Maria, not Chris you probably wanted to send this e-mail to. Anyway, here’s the ...
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| O Sole Mio II | 5/29/2007 |
Q: Many thanks for the help with that. So “e” = “de” = “di”, perhaps? (In “jurnata 'e sole”, I mean.) ...
A: you are right: “e” = “de” = “di”, in “jurnata 'e sole”. As for the Italian version, I’m giving you ...
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| "O sole mio" | 5/28/2007 |
Q: This is one of my favourite songs; I'd be ever so grateful if you could translate it into standard ...
A: here’s the Italian version of the first stanza of the Neapolitan song 'O Sole Mio’ composed in 1898 ...
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| grammar/translation | 5/26/2007 |
Q: A small grammar point first. Could you tell me if the substitution of (for example) 'Dovevi farlo' ...
A: Actually I answered this question on 05/25/07, i.e. yesterday. So I’m wondering why you are asking ...
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| grammar/translation | 5/25/2007 |
Q: A small grammar point first. Could you tell me if the substitution of (for example) 'Dovevi farlo' ...
A: glad to hear from you. Well, the substitution of 'Dovevi farlo' for 'Avresti dovuto farlo' is ...
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| Neapolitan (& Sicilian) words | 5/19/2007 |
Q: Maria. I hope you do not mind a follow-up question about "Maria, Mari". I have tried to find the ...
A: I’m glad to help you. So, in the Neapolitan song lyrics “Maria Marì” by Russo (text) - Di Capua ...
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| culture | 5/18/2007 |
Q: Greetings Maria, With regard to “cultura”, is it mainly used figuratively in Italian now or is it ...
A: The Italian word “cultura” is used only figuratively in Italian, while we used “coltura” to mean ...
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| Actually a follow-up | 5/16/2007 |
Q: Greetings, Many thanks for the help with purpose and result clauses, Maria. I hope you don't mind ...
A: Greetings Simon, The first example [i.e. purpose clause /proposizione finale] is correct either in ...
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| quick question | 5/15/2007 |
Q: i just have 1 question how do you say Very Beautiful in Italian? is it UNTA BELLA?
A: “Very beautiful” is “BELLISSIMO(masculine singular) / BELLISSIMA (feminine singular) / BELLISSIMI ...
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| Purpose vs. Result | 5/14/2007 |
Q: Greetings Maria, How do you distinguish purpose clauses from result clauses in Italian (and also in ...
A: in Italian we distinguish purpose clauses (proposizioni finali) from result clauses (proposizioni ...
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| italian language | 5/12/2007 |
Q: How would you say in italian 'a beautiful life', 'life is beautiful' and 'beautiful'??? Thanks so ...
A: here are the translations you asked me: -'a beautiful life'= "una bella vita" or "una vita bella", ...
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| Pronunciation | 5/7/2007 |
Q: Maria, Where is the accent placed on the following names" Amerigo, Americo, Domenico. Thank you.
A: in the Italian name “Amerigo” the accent stands on the I (Amerìgo), while in “Domenico” the accent ...
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| Cato the Censor | 5/5/2007 |
Q: Maria...I realize this is the Italian site, but there was no Latin site. I asked Chris, but he said ...
A: Actually the Latin category is at: http://www.allexperts.com/browse.cgi?catLvl=3&catID=2145 Also at: ...
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| voce | 5/4/2007 |
Q: Greetings Maria, Many thanks for the recent help. Please, what would be the best way to translate ...
A: Greetings Simon, Glad to have helped you. So, the best way to translate the Italian word “voce” in ...
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| C'è la luna a mezzu'u mare follow up to JoAnn | 5/2/2007 |
Q: I too remember this song and its English title of Lazy Mary from my youth and Italian Grandmother. ...
A: There is only one link I can suggest, besides the one I provided JoAnn. Here it is: ...
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| vindico | 4/29/2007 |
Q: I understand that VINDICO is from VIM DICO (I say strength), but how does it come to have its ...
A: "VIM DICO" as etymology for the Latin verb VINDICO, which becomes 'vèndico' in Italian, means 'I ...
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| iolasus: VOI ASPETTATE LA MAMMA? | 4/28/2007 |
Q: "voi aspettate la mamma?" i got the translation for this in a book, "are you (pl.) waiting for mom?" ...
A: You’re right: “Voi aspettate la mamma?” means exactly "Are you (pl.) waiting for mom?" and ‘LA’( ...
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| inlaws | 4/27/2007 |
Q: Greetings Maria, Hope all is well. I have a question about vocabulary: Please, what is the ...
A: Greetings Simon, Here are the Italian, Ancient Greek and Latin words for “father-in-law”, ...
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| Congratulations | 4/23/2007 |
Q: I'd like to congratulate my cousin and wife in Italian on the birth of thier son. What is the ...
A: Here’s an appropriate phrase you can use to congratulate your cousin and wife on the birth of ...
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| verbs changing conjugation | 4/20/2007 |
Q: Are you able to give me any guidance on which Latin third conjugation verbs stayed in the third ...
A: First of all the Italian verb “prèndere” belongs to the 2nd Italian conjugation as well as “cadère”, ...
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| Domire Firenze | 4/18/2007 |
Q: My Grandfather served in Itlay in the WWII and has really fond memories of a song he used to hear ...
A: I think that the title of this Italian song is “Firenze sogna”(Florence is dreaming), also known as ...
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| Welfare matters | 4/16/2007 |
Q: Greetings Maria, I take it that Italy has a welfare state as it’s in the EU. But what is the ...
A: Greetings Simon, the Italian word for “dole” (the money you receive for a year or so after losing ...
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| More on the subjunctive | 4/14/2007 |
Q: Greetings Maria, Just to really cement my understanding of the subjunctive, I've found a very ...
A: in the phrase “Puellas detestor quae in foro cunctantur” (Italian, “Detesto le fanciulle che stanno ...
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| Citizens | 4/12/2007 |
Q: What are the nouns denoting a native of the following Italian cities, please? (E.g. a native of Rome ...
A: the adjectives/nouns denoting a native of Rome, Florence, Turin, Milan, Syracuse, Palermo, Trieste, ...
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| old italian song | 4/4/2007 |
Q: I am searching for a song my great-great -great gramdmother used to sing to my father as a young ...
A: FOLLOW UP Dear Erica, perhaps I found out the song you refer to. It could be the hymn the catholic ...
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| old italian song | 4/3/2007 |
Q: I am searching for a song my great-great -great gramdmother used to sing to my father as a young ...
A: I'm sorry, but you should tell me at least some words of this song so that I can find out the title ...
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| Pronunciation question | 4/2/2007 |
Q: Greetings Maria, can you please advise as to the correct pronunciation for the name 'Bertoli'. I am ...
A: here’s the correct pronunciation of the Italian surname Bertoli. B is pronounced like in English. ...
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| Ribes nigrum | 4/1/2007 |
Q: Ribes nigrum, as far as I can determine, means “black currant”. So what does “ribes” mean exactly, ...
A: “ribes” is not a Latin word and then cannot have a genitive, while we can use the genitive of ...
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| Famous song | 3/28/2007 |
Q: There is a song that has the words sono italiano which I know what they mean but am searching for ...
A: yes, I can help you. The proper title of the song you are looking for is “L’Italiano” (1983) by ...
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| Lyrics to Italian song | 3/26/2007 |
Q: I would love to have the lyrics to "Luna Luna Mezza Mare" in the Italian language. MY Grandmother ...
A: First of all I must point out that the song you mention is not in Italian, but in Sicilian dialect, ...
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| Basic Italian Grammar | 3/24/2007 |
Q: I am going to Italy and Greece with a group from school in about 2 weeks and I'm nervous because we ...
A: Actually to teach you how to conjugate the Italian verbs, how to use the pronouns, how to construct ...
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| TRANSLATION | 3/23/2007 |
Q: How do you say "please join us for lunch" in italian?
A: In Italian we can say: -”Unisciti a noi per il pranzo!” -“Raggiungici per il pranzo!” -“Pranza ...
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| Stress again | 3/20/2007 |
Q: Many thanks for the recent help. Please, where is the Italian stress on Olimpia, Micono, Micene, ...
A: the Italian stress on Olimpia, Micono, Micene, Salonicco, Corinto, Peloponneso is as follows: ...
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| Amazing Placenames | 3/18/2007 |
Q: Many thanks for the recent help. I love your Italian names for places in Greece and formerly Greek ...
A: To tell the truth, in Italian the name “Monte Matto” indicates only a mountain near the town of ...
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| subjunctive in Italian and Latin | 3/16/2007 |
Q: Greetings Maria, Many thanks for the recent help. I’m still not too sure about all the uses of the ...
A: First of all here’s the Italian translation of Cicero’s passage in 'De Legibus', III, 5 “qui ...
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| expressions | 3/14/2007 |
Q: I have heard that in Italy there is a show called QUELLI CHE IL...CALCIO. what does the expression ...
A: the literal translation of “Quelli che....il calcio” is : “Those who.....the football”, i.e. ...
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| MORE ON STRESS | 3/13/2007 |
Q: Ah, I seem to have misunderstood. Is it simply that “forte accentazione” refers to an accented ...
A: Yes, the expression “forte accentazione”, used by Giacomo Devoto, refers to an accented syllable and ...
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| MORE ON STRESS | 3/12/2007 |
Q: Well, I really feel I have a better understanding after your last answer, many thanks again. Just to ...
A: Greetings Simon, ‘Casa’ is not an example of “scarsa accentazione”. In CASA in fact both the first ...
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| abantiare | 3/11/2007 |
Q: Greetings Maria, I've become very interested in the late Latin (early Italian?) verb abantiare. ...
A: First of all the demarcation line between the late Latin and early Italian is very tenuous as it ...
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| Italian sentence | 3/9/2007 |
Q: I wondering how to say,"Remember where you come (or came) from". In Italian. Thank you
A: Here’s the translation you asked me. -"Remember where you come from" ="Ricordati da dove vieni" ...
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| translating from English to Italian for me | 3/8/2007 |
Q: My husband is in Milan for a week and I would like to e mail him in Italian. Can you tell me how to ...
A: here's the translation you asked me: "Ciao, Amore Mio! Sento molto la tua mancanza e conto i giorni ...
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| Italian spellings | 3/5/2007 |
Q: I was wondering if you could tell me the exact spelling of the Italian names Lucy and Connie? I ...
A: Actually the Italian name for Lucy is ‘Lucia’, whose diminutive / sweet form is ‘Lucietta’ ...
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| Miserere | 2/28/2007 |
Q: Am I right in thinking that “Miserere mei/nostri”, sometimes “Miserere di me/di noi” in Italian ...
A: You are right: “Miserere mei/nostri”, sometimes “Miserere di me/di noi”, means “Have mercy on ...
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| verb tenses | 2/24/2007 |
Q: could you please edit my grammar of my composition. thanks Daniel La television era da anni il ...
A: I’ve edited your text, as you can see. Please note that in Italian we say ‘Internet’ without the ...
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| Final “ia” | 2/23/2007 |
Q: Greetings Maria, and many thanks for the recent help. I’m trying to work out some kind of a rule, ...
A: First of all, in the Latin term “cubìlia” the stress stands on the first I which is the ...
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| Staccato | 2/22/2007 |
Q: I’m having trouble understanding the following sentence. Would you mind translating it for me, or at ...
A: the past participle STACCATI (from STACCARE) followed by the contracted preposition DAL means ...
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| Baby name | 2/20/2007 |
Q: I'm not sure if you will even respond to this question, but I am due to have a baby girl in June and ...
A: first of all my congratulations on the next birth of your baby girl. As for the Italian names, ...
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| pronunciation | 2/13/2007 |
Q: How would you pronounce the Italian last name Quaglino?
A: here’s the pronunciation of the Italian surname QUAGLINO: -QU must be pronounced like QU in ...
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| Improve Language | 2/12/2007 |
Q: I need to know one more site which could have fiabe italiane or stranieri. I know when I do search ...
A: Italo Calvino's"Italian folktales"(Fiabe Italiane), a collection of 200 Italian folktales published ...
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| ultrà | 2/6/2007 |
Q: I was shocked to hear about the tragic death of the policeman at the hands of football rioters. ...
A: I too was shocked to hear about this tragic death which has nothing to do with sportsmanship, i.e. ...
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| Relatives pronouns with the subjunctive | 2/4/2007 |
Q: Greetings Maria, I was wanting to look at the translation of a sentence like “I'm looking for a ...
A: The phrase “I'm looking for a woman who has red hair” must be translated as follows: -“Sto cercando ...
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| CAVATINA | 2/2/2007 |
Q: Greetings Maria, I'm interested in the term CAVATINA. What is its origin, please? How did it come ...
A: Greetings Simon, The term CAVATINA (feminine noun) is a diminutive of CAVATA which derives from the ...
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| Calzoni | 1/31/2007 |
Q: Greetings Maria, Which word for trousers is more common in Italian, please? Calzoni or pantaloni? ...
A: Both ‘calzoni’ and ‘pantaloni’ are in common use, though ‘pantaloni’ is perhaps more common. As ...
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| Translation please | 1/30/2007 |
Q: Could you please translate the song "Non Ti Scordar De Me". I have the Italian lyrics here, but I ...
A: here’s the translation of Ernesto De Curtis song, written in 1935 for a movie of the same title, ...
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| actions affecting the body | 1/26/2007 |
Q: Greetings Maria, and many thanks for the recent help. How do I say, “She combed my hair” in ...
A: Both “Lei mi ha pettinato i capelli” and “Lei ha pettinato i miei capelli” are grammatically ...
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| Pronunciation question | 1/25/2007 |
Q: How would Calabria be pronounced? I've been told Ca-lAH-breea and Ca-lay-breea. I was wondering ...
A: I prefer to indicate the correct Italian pronunciation of the region name Calabria as follows: -C ...
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| Strait of Bonifacio | 1/23/2007 |
Q: Am I right in thinking that the usual word for “straits” is “lo stretto”? So why is the Strait of ...
A: You are right: the usual word for “strait” is “lo stretto”. Anyway the Strait of Bonifacio is ...
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| translation | 1/21/2007 |
Q: I'd like to email some hotels in Sicily about their facilities for the disabled – in particular ...
A: here’s the e-mail you could send. Salve! Desidererei sapere se nel vostro albergo vi sono ...
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| Caponata | 1/4/2007 |
Q: Greetings Maria, Caponata (the dish) came up in a quiz recently. Please, what is the origin of this ...
A: Greetings Simon, The Italian word ‘caponata’, of Sicilian dialectal origin, seems to derive from ...
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| tu e' voi | 12/19/2006 |
Q: I understand that tu, ti, te are familiar singular and voi, vi, ve are familiar plural. Sometimes I ...
A: if you have read or heard the plural form VOI, VI, VE used when talking to one person, it is because ...
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| carducci essay | 12/7/2006 |
Q: Can you please edit the grammar of a paper I am writing on the concetto di patria nella poesia di ...
A: here's the correct Italian text. Best, Maria Di Carducci si devono ricordare alcuni fatti ...
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| north and south | 12/6/2006 |
Q: While digesting your excellent answers I realised I wasn't completely sure where Northern Italy ends ...
A: Generally speaking, Northern Italy ends on the Emilia-Romagna/Toscana border, where Central Italy ...
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| carducci | 12/5/2006 |
Q: Carducci was the greatest poet of the last half of the nineteenth century, the voice and conscience ...
A: here’s the correct Italian text. Please compare it with your translation so that you can realize how ...
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| aggio | 12/4/2006 |
Q: I find the following entry (Giacomo Devoto – Avviamento alla etimologia italiana): aggio: forse da ...
A: The phrase “con la correzione della pronuncia ritenuta a torto settentr.”(i.e. settentrionale) means ...
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| middle east translation | 12/3/2006 |
Q: "hi could you please edit my grammar in my italian translation from english to italian? thank you in ...
A: here’s the correct Italian text. Please compare it with your translation so that you can realize how ...
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| Hospital of St. Lazarus | 11/22/2006 |
Q: Greetings Maria, and many thanks for the recent help. Please, what is the Italian for the "Hospital ...
A: the Italian for the "Hospital of St. Lazarus" is “Ospedale di San Lazzaro”. Such a hospital did not ...
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| edit grammar in small essay | 11/19/2006 |
Q: could you please edit my small essay on friendship? thanks grace Un' amicizia che si esaurisce e' ...
A: I’ve modified your text so as to make it correct in grammar, orthography and style (see below). ...
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| Gadus morhua cognate with merluzzo? | 11/15/2006 |
Q: Greetings Maria, I've been trying to track down the origin of "gadus morhua" (cod) with no luck at ...
A: "gadus morhua" or “"gadus morrhua", which is the scientific name coined by Linnaeus in his “Systema ...
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| "E' conforme al vostro merto". | 11/13/2006 |
Q: Greetings Maria, "E' conforme al vostro merto" appears in "Don Giovanni". Now, I understand that ...
A: The word "merto" instead of “merito” is not an accepted alternative in the Italian language, but ...
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| Please help! | 11/10/2006 |
Q: I'm geting married and i wish to engrave something on the inside of my husbands ring in italian. ...
A: The best translation of your phrase “My whole heart for my whole life “ is in Italian as follows: ...
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| L'incosciente | 11/3/2006 |
Q: I'm hoping you will be so kind as to answer my question! I'm reading a book of short stories titled ...
A: the Italian adjective “cosciente” can mean: -aware of things (E.g. “Ero cosciente della gravità ...
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| pronunciation of z | 10/28/2006 |
Q: Many thanks for the recent help. I notice that Z has two pronunciation: like TS in zio and like DZ ...
A: The Italian letter Z must be pronounced always like DZ or TZ, not TS, which is a vernacular variant ...
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| sintassi e grammatica | 10/27/2006 |
Q: ciao sono un canadese che sta imparando la lingua italiana. devo scrivere un componimento ed vorrei ...
A: Salve Balint! Innanzitutto ho dovuto fare alcune correzioni di cui ti renderai conto confrontando il ...
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| Maremma | 10/25/2006 |
Q: Greetings Maria, I've become interested in the Maremma, the swampy area in Southern Tuscany which ...
A: Greetings Simon, the name “Maremma” derives from classical Latin “maritima”( neuter noun in the ...
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| Italian Language | 10/16/2006 |
Q: I am interested in learning Italian(language). I have taken Spanish, French, and even Latin. But, ...
A: I really appreciate your interest in learning Italian which maybe will not seem too difficult since ...
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| eng to italian | 10/15/2006 |
Q: I need to translate this from english to italian. Could you please correct this translation? ...
A: here’s the correct Italian text. Best regards, Maria ___________________ “In Egitto, più che in ...
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| iscritto alla potente Arte della Lana | 10/12/2006 |
Q: Many thanks for the recent help. I'm stuck on part of the following sentence: Giotto Di Bondone ...
A: “iscritto alla potente Arte della Lana” means exactly “inscribed to the powerful Wool Guild”. The ...
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| I could have done versus I was able to do | 10/10/2006 |
Q: Greetings Maria, and many thanks for the recent help. Please, how do you say “I could have gone ...
A: Greetings Simon, here are the answers you need. ITALIAN: -“Avrei potuto andare” = “I could have ...
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| Various | 10/7/2006 |
Q: Greetings Maria, Hope all is well. Please, what is the best way to say “The 12 Labours of ...
A: Greetings Simon, Here’s the translation of “The 12 Labours of Hercules” into Italian, Latin and ...
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| love | 10/5/2006 |
Q: i love you? you are my sweet heart . and i cant live with out you
A: here are the translations you asked me: -"Ti amo" (I love you) -"Tu sei il mio innamorato"(you ...
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| Phrases to use with a girlfriend | 10/2/2006 |
Q: My girlfriend is Italian and I'm starting to learn the language. I'd like to know some everyday ...
A: here are some phrases you can use with your Italian girlfriend: -“Ti penso sempre “ or “ Sto ...
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| more about the origine of the Marengo name | 9/30/2006 |
Q: Ther are many cities and towns as well as street andboulevards in the usa called Marengo. Do you ...
A: I think that many cities and towns as well as street and boulevards in the USA are called Marengo ...
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| meaning | 9/18/2006 |
Q: i came across this phrase and would like to know the correcct spelling and translation tu vollio ...
A: The correct Italian phrase is :“Ti voglio bene assai”, which means :“I love you very much”. ...
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| Friuli-Venezia Giulia | 9/16/2006 |
Q: Greetings Maria, I am most surprised that Northern Italy's easternmost regione is called ...
A: Until the end of World War II in 1945, there were three regions in north-eastern Italy : la Venezia ...
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| Ghepeù | 9/14/2006 |
Q: Greetings Maria and many thanks for the recent help. In a Don Camillo story, Peppone angrily tells ...
A: Greetings Simon, Don Camillo tells Peppone "The Ghepeù is your affair" because the Ghepeù, i.e. ...
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| bassa padana | 9/9/2006 |
Q: Greetings Maria, "bassa padana" is used of the location of the Guareschi "Mondo Piccolo" stories. ...
A: Greetings Simon, The expression “Bassa padana” we read in Giovanni Guareschi’s Mondo Piccolo is a ...
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| -cello | 9/7/2006 |
Q: Greetings Maria, Hope all is well. I understand that "violoncello" is the diminutive of "violone" ...
A: Salve Simon! All is well, thanks. As for your questions, here are my answers. 1-you are right: ...
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| wedding toast | 9/6/2006 |
Q: How do you say "100 years of health and happiness"? Grazie.
A: "100 years of health and happiness” is in Italian : “Cento anni di salute e felicità !” In fact, ...
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| How do u say... | 9/5/2006 |
Q: CIAO Maria im just fascinated with the italian language and i REALLY wanna learn it well just 1 ...
A: "Beautiful Disaster" is in Italian “Bel disastro!” As for “Arrivederci” , it means “Goodbye” or ...
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| Use of passive Infinitive in Italian | 9/2/2006 |
Q: I would be grateful for some help with what I believe is a passive infinative construction. To take ...
A: Actually in Italian the passive infinitive is used quite often and is formed by the infinitive ...
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| verb | 8/28/2006 |
Q: If I want to say, "when we meet", do I have to use "ci" in front of the verb? For instance, ...
A: yes, you are right. The English phrase “When we meet” is in Italian “Quando noi ci incontriamo” or ...
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| past tense | 8/26/2006 |
Q: My first comment is about your response to recent query on the past tense. There are actually two ...
A: FOLLOW UP: See below, please, where you can read my reply to the question you wrote when you rated ...
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| Sardu | 8/17/2006 |
Q: Greetings Maria, and many thanks for the recent help. Please, where is the stress in the name for ...
A: Greetings Simon, The stress in “ Sardu” , the name for the Sardinian language, is on the ‘a’ ...
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| stress again | 8/16/2006 |
Q: Greetings Maria, Please, where is the stress in the names "Savonarola" and "de' Medici"? I trust I ...
A: In the surname of the Dominican friar Girolamo Savonarola the stress is on the second O, i.e. ...
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| Municipality | 8/10/2006 |
Q: Greetings Maria, Many thanks for the helpful explanation and the correction of your previous ...
A: Greetings Simon, In Italian it is not ‘municipalità’, but ‘Comune’. In this case we say “Comune di ...
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| Marengo | 8/4/2006 |
Q: Greetings Maria, and many thanks for the recent help. Is Marengo (of battle fame) a village near ...
A: Salve Simon, Marengo, today named also Spinetta Marengo, is a suburb ('frazione' in Italian) of ...
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| Italian to English Translation | 8/2/2006 |
Q: I've been reading-up on a site: www.scaruffi.com. I've been reading of of this man's reviews for a ...
A: here’s the translation of the review you have read on http://www.scaruffi.com/director/leone.html ...
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| italian surnames | 7/29/2006 |
Q: why do italian last names always end in vowels
A: Actually not all last names end in vowel.There are in fact many surnames that end in a consonant, ...
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| Marriage Proposal | 7/28/2006 |
Q: My partner comes from Rome, and I would like to ask her to marry me in italian. I believe the phrase ...
A: In Italian you must say: ”Vuoi sposarmi?” meaning exactly “Will you marry me?” /“Do you want marry ...
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| what does this mean in engilsh | 7/25/2006 |
Q: il beccy ha un culo piacevole
A: this is a Vulgar Italian Slang meaning :”Beccy has a nice bum (ass, arse)”. In fact ‘bum’ (ass, ...
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| Maria in Italian | 7/13/2006 |
Q: What is the spelling in italian for the name Maria and how do say it in italian?
A: As for the Italian spelling of the name Maria, it is M-a-r-i-a, of course. Therefore I do not ...
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| Auxiliary verbs essere & avere | 7/3/2006 |
Q: Cara Maria, My mother tongue is Spanish & French, so I have a hell of a time when speaking Italian ...
A: Cara Héloïne , Generally speaking, in Italian we use the auxiliary verbs “Essere “ and “Avere” ...
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| HONESTO OCIO POST LABORES | 6/20/2006 |
Q: Greetings Maria, and many thanks for the recent help. I'm a bit confused by the above, as it seems ...
A: First of all I want to tell you that your questions are always welcomed. As for HONESTO OCIO POST ...
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| Song Lyrics | 6/13/2006 |
Q: Could you please provide me with the lyrics for the Di Capua Song. "Ah marie" I understand this is ...
A: The original Neapolitan song by Vincenzo Russo (1876-1904) and Eduardo Di Capua (1865-1917) was ...
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| pet names in italian | 6/10/2006 |
Q: i love to be unique, and i want to call my boyfriend something i know none of his ex girlfriends has ...
A: Here are four pet names we can use in Italian: Fuffi, Pucci, Lilli, Fido. Anyway I think it’s ...
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| Modena | 5/31/2006 |
Q: Greetings Maria and many thanks for all the help. Please, in which syllable is the stress on the ...
A: glad to help you. So, the stress on the place name "Modena” is on the first syllable “Mo” as this ...
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| Cognomen origin and history | 5/27/2006 |
Q: I have documents that indicate that our family lived in Civita D'Antino, in Abruzze, from at least ...
A: Salve! Il cognome BOCCIA, che ha la sua area di origine e di maggiore diffusione in Campania ...
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| Etymology of the Italian words for "marriage" | 5/27/2006 |
Q: I have found 3 words for marriage in Italian. They are sposalizio, sposalizio, matrimonio. I would ...
A: Actually there are four nouns for marriage in Italian, i.e.:sposalizio, sponsali, matrimonio, ...
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| Translation please | 5/25/2006 |
Q: I would like to get a tatoo with a Italian phrase, but I am unsure if this translates to female ...
A: In Latin the saying is ”Qualis pater, talis filius", if ‘filius’ is a son, i.e. male gender. ...
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| inchoative use of imperfect | 5/22/2006 |
Q: Greetings! I believe that the imperfect is used inchoatively in Latin and Greek, e.g. dicebam can ...
A: Actually in the strict sense the Latin imperfect is not used inchoatively, i.e. as a ‘verbal form ...
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| Italian and Latin Translation | 5/14/2006 |
Q: I have been trying to find this phrase in both languages for a long time. If you could help me out ...
A: here are the translations you are looking for: Italian: “Vivere significa soffrire; sopravvivere ...
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| latin translation | 5/9/2006 |
Q: "Death is the answer. Let me show you the way." Could you translate this to latin? Thank you, ...
A: Actually this is the category of Italian Language, not Latin and therefore I should not answer your ...
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| Language | 5/8/2006 |
Q: I have studied Italian in college a little and want to start studying again. I have little time and ...
A: Here are some suggestions that can be helpful to you to learn Italian on your way to work.These CDs ...
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| Italian Etymology | 4/22/2006 |
Q: I am very interested in the origins of Italian words (french or latin) and was wondering if there ...
A: I can suggest two Italian websites where you can type in an Italian word and get a full Italian ...
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| Pontine | 4/8/2006 |
Q: Greetings Maria, and many thanks for all the help. I read that the dessert tiramisu gets its name ...
A: Greetings Simon, the dessert called Tiramisù derives from “tirami su” where ‘tirami' is the ...
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| the Italian word for a blood orange | 3/29/2006 |
Q: Hope all is well with you and your daughter. Many thanks for the recent help. I understand that ...
A: glad to have helped you. As for your first question, you're right: Sanguinello is a variety of ...
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| Fearing | 3/27/2006 |
Q: Greetings Maria, Please could you translate two sentences into Italian and Latin for me: 1 I fear ...
A: 1-"I fear that he will come". In Italian :”Temo che egli venga” In Latin :”Timeo ne veniat” 2-"I ...
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| How to translate my title | 3/23/2006 |
Q: I am a Human Resources Director at a blood center. How do you tranlate that? We use to be called ...
A: In Italian we say “Responsabile delle Risorse Umane” or “Direttore del Settore Risorse Umane”. As ...
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| Gli | 3/22/2006 |
Q: Maria, I'm teaching students italian and I'm stumped between when and how you pronounce the 'gli' ...
A: I know that a not native Italian speaker has difficulty in pronouncing correctly the Italian ...
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| Sorrento | 3/4/2006 |
Q: Greetings Maria Hope all is well with you and your daughter. Where is the Gulf of Sorrento/Golfo ...
A: Salve Simon, I also hope all is well with you and your family. So, the Gulf of Sorrento ( ...
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| translation | 3/2/2006 |
Q: I'd be very grateful if you could translate the following communication about the Rome marathon for ...
A: here's the translation you need. All the best, Maria Transaction effected at ATIELLE ROMA SRL ...
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| ALL ABOUT PROVERBS | 2/13/2006 |
Q: Greetings Maria, and many thanks. I was just trying to figure out the following: conaris scandere ...
A: “Conaris scandere caelum “ means exactly:” "you try to climb (up to) the sky” , as ‘conaris' is a ...
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| ALL ABOUT PROVERBS | 2/10/2006 |
Q: Hope all is well with you and your daughter. Is it okay if I ask you an open question? I feel I ...
A: We are fine, thanks. As for your question, it's not easy to choose five of my favourite ...
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| lexical item savoury | 2/8/2006 |
Q: how would you explain the English word 'savoury' to Italian students as saporito seems to have a ...
A: the English adjective “savoury” must be translated into Italian in different ways according to the ...
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| lexical item savoury | 2/8/2006 |
Q: how would you explain the English word 'savoury' to Italian students as saporito seems to have a ...
A: the English adjective “savoury” must be translated into Italian in different ways according to the ...
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| GRAFFITI | 1/9/2006 |
Q: Greetings Maria, Hope all is well with you and your daughter. A Happy New Year to you both! My ...
A: First of all a Happy New Year to you and your family. I'm fine, thanks, as well as my daughter who ...
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| Stressed syllable | 1/5/2006 |
Q: As a student of Italian, I find the placement of emphasis the most difficult aspect of the language. ...
A: You are right: the dictionary does not help you at all in this case as it cannot tell you which ...
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| "squassavano" | 11/26/2005 |
Q: I read an italian book called "l'incredibile storia di Lavinia" I managed to translate all the words ...
A: in the context you mention the Italian verb “squassare” means "to shake violently". Therefore in ...
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| Speak Italian | 11/25/2005 |
Q: Can you teach me how to speak Italian
A: teaching at a distance how to speak Italian is absolutely impossible as well as teaching at a ...
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| I need help translating this...
Hi,my... | 10/24/2005 |
Q: I need help translating this... Hi,my name is Stephanie. I am married to ________, which would now ...
A: Here's the translation you need: Best regards, Maria Salve! Mi chiamo Stephanie. Sono sposata con ...
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| Hello again Maria
You may... | 9/17/2005 |
Q: You may remember I asked you last week about the future conditional tense, and for a short ...
A: ERRATA CORRIGE: auxiliary verb. Sorry. _________________________________________________ Hello ...
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| usage/grammar + short translation | 9/10/2005 |
Q: First, a question about grammar. (And apologies in advance if I'm revealing my lack of ...
A: glad to help you. So, you are right when you say that Italians often use the expression “Dovevi ...
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| translation of some expressions | 8/24/2005 |
Q: I would like to know the translation of some words/expressions that are hard to find in the ...
A: Here are the translations you asked me. 1.‘Marshmallow' as a confection of sweetened paste could be ...
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| Italian Language & Etymology | 8/16/2005 |
Q: My ceramic ashtray, a gift I received 20 years ago (from a former client) bears this inscription: ...
A: First of all there is an error in this inscription as in Italian we say AVVOCATI, not ‘avocati'. As ...
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| Lampedusa / Stromboli | 6/9/2005 |
Q: Hope all is well with you and your family. I recently watched a film about Lampedusa called ...
A: Glad to hear you are fine. Fortunately I can say the same for me and my family. As for your ...
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| Can You possibly translate this for me? PLEASE!! | 6/4/2005 |
Q: My Girlfriend loves this song we found by anew group called Il Divo and I've searched the web up and ...
A: Here's the translation of “Passerà” written in 1994 by the Italian singer and songwriter Aleandro ...
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| translation | 4/12/2005 |
Q: My fiance and I are getting married in Tuscany in June and I would like to have a phrase engraved ...
A: The phrase “I love you more (as in more than you love me) is in Italian: “Io ti amo di più”. Note ...
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| non ci | 4/4/2005 |
Q: I have run across the combination of "non ci" in many sentences that do not follow the explanation ...
A: In the phrase :"Maria, tu non ci crederai a quello che è successo questo pomeriggio", the Italian ...
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| Andreuccio da Perugia | 3/2/2005 |
Q: would you be able to help me with the book andreuccio da perugia. I need help understanding what its ...
A: I suppose you want me to explain in English this tale, as I think you have already read it in ...
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| the mysterious "strette" | 2/28/2005 |
Q: Ciao Maria: I am learning Italian, and a single song lyric is stumping me. It is the song "On An ...
A: Salve John! First of all I must point out that the refrain of this popular song is written not in ...
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| 'veni, vidi, vici' (I came, I saw, I conquered.) | 2/23/2005 |
Q: I am trying to find out the pronouncation of this. My nephew pronounces it like ve-ni, vi-di, ...
A: This sentence that C.Julius Caesar is said to have written to Roman Senate after he defeated at ...
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| "del" or "di"? | 2/5/2005 |
Q: Can you help me with the difference (even if subtle) between "del lago" and "di lago"? I am trying ...
A: First of all I must tell you that “lake breeze” is “Brezza di lago” in Italian, while “Brezza del ...
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| Michael Scot | 1/24/2005 |
Q: Greetings again Maria, and many thanks. Just a thought - could we perhaps translate "dulce domum" ...
A: "sweetly homeward" could be a free translation of "dulce domum". In fact you be in the right when ...
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| RENAISSANCE | 12/20/2004 |
Q: hope all is well, and seasonal greetings. I had assumed that "Il Rinascimento" was the term always ...
A: All is well, thank you. As for your question, I must point out that: 1-the Italian term ...
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| il calcio | 12/14/2004 |
Q: When I do machine translations, the paragraph comes up with the following. Can the machine ...
A: I'm sorry, but this machine translation is almost entirely wrong as you can see if you do machine ...
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| La solitudine from Laura Pausini | 11/2/2004 |
Q: This may be a very rude question, but I kind of hoped that you could maybe translate the lyrics of ...
A: Actually your question is quite long, but anyway here's the translation you asked me. Best regads ...
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| errors? | 9/14/2004 |
Q: Could you please tell me if this letter is alright? It really need to sounds great! Thanks, Lilly ...
A: here's the correct text of your letter which I have modified in some points as there were some ...
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| language | 9/12/2004 |
Q: Does gracios(gr oh see ose) in Italian mean Thank you. If it does then can you tell me how to say ...
A: First of all “Does gracios” is not Italian at all. It is like the Spanish expression ‘Muchas ...
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| Passato Remoto | 8/23/2004 |
Q: Salve, I have been challenging myself by translating some higher reading passages into italian ...
A: Salve Claudia, Here are the correct Italian phrases. 1-“Al mattino il suo defunto fratello Stan ...
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| translation | 8/21/2004 |
Q: I'd be most grateful if you could translate the following for me (using 'tu'). Many thanks. ...
A: Glad to help you. So here is the translation you need. Greetings from Italy. Maria ...
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| Abbreviations | 8/16/2004 |
Q: I can't find what the Italian abbreviations are for the days of the week. The abbreviations for the ...
A: here are the abbreviations we use in Italian for the days of the week: lun = lunedì (Monday) mar = ...
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| translation | 8/6/2004 |
Q: Ciao Maria, I need some help in translatting a sentence. "i hope you like it" If i say it like "io ...
A: Salve Bugsy, “I hope you like it” is in Italian: “Spero che ti piaccia” , if ‘you ‘ refers to a ...
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| translation | 8/6/2004 |
Q: Ciao Maria, I need some help in translatting a sentence. "i hope you like it" If i say it like "io ...
A: Salve Bugsy, “I hope you like it” is in Italian: “Spero che ti piaccia” , if ‘you ‘ refers to a ...
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| Salve | 7/27/2004 |
Q: I couldn't quite understand the meaning of these sentences and was hoping you could help me? Thank ...
A: Salve Claudia, 1-“Credo di non averlo mai avvertito prima, vivendo con lui, se non in rare ...
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| Allergy translation | 6/14/2004 |
Q: I will be travelling to Tuscany in a week for my honeymoon and I have one problem...I am allergic to ...
A: glad to help you. So, you could write on a small piece of paper the following phrase: “ Sono ...
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| Salve | 5/29/2004 |
Q: I am having trouble with correctly using the right tenses of verbs. I am hoping you could proofread ...
A: Salve Claudia, Immagino tu capisca l'Italiano. Perciò questa volta lo userò per risponderti. ...
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| Origins of the word"race" as in a water channel | 5/23/2004 |
Q: I have an interest in the origins of the word "race" as used for a water channel or flume for ...
A: Neither Old Italian nor Modern Italian have the word ‘racca' , while they have the term RAZZA ...
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| Stressed syllables | 5/17/2004 |
Q: Maria, how do I go about learning the correct stressed syllables of conjugated verbs? I know some, ...
A: Actually this is a difficult matter for those who are not Italian native speakers. In fact, while ...
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| Ciao | 5/9/2004 |
Q: I am having trouble with correctly using the right tenses of verbs. I am hoping you could proofread ...
A: I made several corrections and I've added many footnotes so that you can understand the reason why ...
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| congiuntivo. | 3/10/2004 |
Q: how do you use the congiuntivo? In this context, did I use it properly? Thanks. Lilly Oggi mi sono ...
A: Actually you used properly the 'congiuntivo', except the passage where you say:”lui é l'unico uomo ...
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| Italian translation | 3/5/2004 |
Q: Below is an Italian paragraph that I was given to translate into English. I was hoping you could ...
A: As an expert in Italian language, I can proofread an Italian text, not viceversa. Therefore I can ...
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| grammatica | 3/4/2004 |
Q: Ciao, sto preparando un curriculum and potresti dargli un'occhiatina (spelling/grammatica?) L'ho ...
A: Salve Lori, Come hai certamente visto leggendo il mio profilo, io sono Italiana e vivo in Italia, ...
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| Italian prepositions | 3/2/2004 |
Q: Maria. My name is Carlie and I am an ESL teacher. I have a few Italian speaking students in my ...
A: the functions of prepositions in Italian are not always similar to those in English, though in ...
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| Original meaning of a word | 9/3/2003 |
Q: I know that the Italian word "frottola" originally had a meaning which today has changed. Could you ...
A: You are right. In fact, the noun "Frottola", plural "Frottole", originally meant "secular song", ...
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| <> | 8/5/2003 |
Q: The Italian word "piccata," in the context of food -- i.e. "veal piccata." What does the word ...
A: In a context of food, for example “veal piccata” (in Italian, “piccata di vitello”), i.e. a tender ...
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| translation | 7/25/2003 |
Q: Could you please translate the following into Italian?...Uncle Anthony and Aunt Madeline, you are ...
A: glad to help you. So, here's the translation you need: "Caro zio Antonio(Anthony) e cara zia ...
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| MICHELANGELO (NOT BUONARROTI) | 5/5/2003 |
Q: MICHELANGELO (NOT BUONARROTI) Greetings Maria, Pls can you tell me the full name of the famous ...
A: The full name of the famous artist you mention is Michelangelo Merisi, called IL CARAVAGGIO from ...
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| stencil | 5/2/2003 |
Q: Ciao Maria, mi potrebbe spiegare che tipo di attivita' e' "stencil", l'ho trovato solo in un ...
A: Salve Tatiana, visto che mi hai scritto in Italiano, ti rispondo usando la stessa lingua. Dunque, ...
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| I need this song to be translated | 4/8/2003 |
Q: I need this song to be translated asap. It is very important. Ho camminato sola dietro il vento ...
A: actually this question is too long, but anyway here's the translation you need. Bye Maria ...
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| Incorrect contractions | 3/18/2003 |
Q: Maria - Thanks for your prompt answer to my recent questions. I would like to ask one more, after ...
A: No problem. You do not bother me with your questions. Well, here are the contractions which are ...
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| Subject pronouns | 3/17/2003 |
Q: You recently helped me with a question about agreement. May I ask you two more questions? Is "voi" ...
A: Glad to help you again. Yes, the personal pronoun VOI is the plural of TU , differently from ...
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| Agreement | 3/1/2003 |
Q: I am studying Italian on my own with the help of books and tapes. So far, so good. However, I have ...
A: You are right: in the past tense ( Italian, “passato prossimo”) there is usually the agreement ...
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| translation | 2/22/2003 |
Q: if you'd be so kind. Many thanks in anticipation Many, many thanks for the book. It's splendid – ...
A: here's the translation you need. Best regards Maria “Mille grazie per il libro. E' perfetto ed è ...
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| translation | 2/12/2003 |
Q: I just need the following translated please. (The person I'm writing to is in his sixties, but I use ...
A: Here's the translation you asked me: “La tua e-mail è stata per me una piacevole sorpresa. E' ...
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| poster | 1/31/2003 |
Q: I found this phrase on a vintage travel poster of a fox walking through the snow Sii Furbo! ...
A: the phrase on this vintage travel poster I've seen means exactly: "Be clever! Take your vacations ...
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| more on local government | 1/29/2003 |
Q: Many thanks for the answer about Tivoli. That was really helpful. To return to local government if ...
A: Glad to have helped you about Tivoli. As for your present questions, here are my answers: 1-IL ...
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| Giotto pencils | 12/30/2002 |
Q: A rather eccentric question, I fear. Please take it in the spirit of the season! Over 40 years ago, ...
A: You are right : "Giotto pencils", or "Giotto drawing pencils", i.e. in Italian "Matite Giotto" ...
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| SPAG BOL | 11/21/2002 |
Q: Hope all is well. I was just wondering about SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE, now used in English too (along ...
A: I'm fine, thanks! So, in Italy we never say SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE, which is wrong, obviously, as you ...
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| Help with spelling/translation | 9/19/2002 |
Q: Maria, I am an Italian-American who is compiling a cookbook of my family's recipes, most of which ...
A: I'm glad to help you. So, here are the answers you need. 1st." What is the meaning of the word ...
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| Translation: English-Italian | 9/11/2002 |
Q: I was looking to get a few things translated to italian if it was possible. "If you love something ...
A: I'm glad to help you. So, here's the translation you need: "Se ami qualcosa, lasciala andare: se ...
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| English Italian translation | 9/7/2002 |
Q: I'm going to meet my Italian friend in October. I was planning to meet his family but for bad luck I ...
A: I'm glad to help you. So, here's the translation you asked me: _____ Gentili signori..., (here you ...
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| translation | 9/4/2002 |
Q: What does "Ma che cattso" translate to in English?Thank you Debra
A: the Italian expression "Ma che cazzo(not cattso)!" belongs to coarse language and can be ...
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| 1. PARTURIUNT ..... and 2. bathos in Modern Italian | 9/3/2002 |
Q: PARTURIUNT MONTES; NASCETUR RIDICULUS MUS. Hi Maria! In this sentence, I'm a bit puzzled – why ...
A: First of all, the Latin sentence "Parturiunt montes, nascetur ridiculus mus" (=The mountains are in ...
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| Italian Verbs Avere and Essere | 8/22/2002 |
Q: What determines which auxillary verb, (Essere or Avere),is to be used to form the past tense of ...
A: The answer to your question is simple, i.e."Mangiare" uses "Avere" as auxiliary verb, since it is a ...
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| sentence in Italian | 8/18/2002 |
Q: Would like to say (spell) I AM ITALIAN AND PROUD OF IT in Italian. I know I know the name Pesenti, ...
A: Glad to help you. Well, "I AM ITALIAN AND PROUD OF IT" is in Italian: "SONO ITALIANO E SONO FIERO ...
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| The Rubicon | 8/16/2002 |
Q: Well, I hope you are both well. My son, Ozzie has scraped into university by the skin of his teeth ...
A: Glad to hear from you again and know your son has been accepted into university. As for the English ...
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| grammar/translation | 8/3/2002 |
Q: Maria. The first thing is about the past historic tense. I know generally when it should be used, ...
A: Glad to help you. Well, first here's the translation you need: "Poche righe per ringraziare ancora ...
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| rolling r's | 7/26/2002 |
Q: My name is Chrissy and I am just starting to learn to speak Italian, the only problem is that I ...
A: it's really not easy to answer your question because it would be better for me to explain you this ...
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| as well as | 7/3/2002 |
Q: and many thanks for your marvellous answer re. Tityre tu..... I was wondering about how to ...
A: "as well as" means in Italian "così come", "ed anche" or "sia...sia". As for the word 'review' - ...
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| Tityrus | 7/1/2002 |
Q: when reading about the seventeenth century Tityre Tus, a bit like Teddy Boys in the nineteen ...
A: First of all, this quotation is from Vergil's Eclogues, Eclogue I, line 1, where the shepherd ...
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| Please could you check a short translation? | 6/28/2002 |
Q: the following is pretty short, but very technical. I'd be ever so grateful if you could have a look ...
A: Here's your translation with some corrections: "Il materiale pornografico o "a luci rosse" non è ...
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| A Simple Translation | 6/26/2002 |
Q: Maria, How would you as a native speaker translate the following: You have logged out. Thank you ...
A: Here's the translation you asked me: "Siete usciti dal sistema. Grazie per aver usato ArtToday ...
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| what do you think? | 6/25/2002 |
Q: hope you are well. Best regards to your daughter. I've been wondering about how the Italian I've ...
A: Here's your text with some corrections. "Il vostro ordine consentirà di inserire il vostro sito nei ...
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