Collins Dictionaries - Easy Learning Italian Conversation

When asking for something, you can use Mi dà…?( Can I have…? ) or Potrebbe darmi…?( Could I have…? ). These come from the verb dare( to give ). For more information on dare, see here.

Often, just as in English, you can leave out Mi dà…?or Potrebbe darmi…?and just ask directly for what you need.

When you want to find out if something is available, or if someone has something, use Ha…?( Have you got…? ) or, more informally, Hai…?. Use Avete..?if you are asking more than one person. These come from the verb avere( to have ). For more information on avere, see here.

If you are asking someone if they can do something for you, you should use Può…?( Can you…? ), although puòcan also be left out.

You will want to be able to discuss what you like and dislike with your Italian-speaking acquaintances. To say what you like, use mi piace( I like ) with singular nouns and mi piaccionowith plural nouns. To say what you don’t like, use non mi piaceor non mi piacciono( I don’t like ) These come from the verb piacere.

If you want to say what you prefer, use preferisco( I prefer ) or preferirei( I’d prefer ). These come from the verb preferire( to prefer ). For more information on -ireverbs like preferire, see here.

Here are some key phrases which you are likely to hear when you’re travelling about.

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