Language/Italian/Grammar/Present-Tense-of-Irregular-Verbs

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Italian → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Present Tense of Irregular Verbs

Introduction[edit | edit source]

In this lesson, we will explore the present tense of irregular verbs in Italian. We have already covered the basics of Italian grammar, including the alphabet, nouns and articles, and the present tense of regular verbs. Now, it's time to delve into the world of irregular verbs. Irregular verbs are an essential part of any language, and Italian is no exception. Understanding how to conjugate and use irregular verbs will greatly expand your vocabulary and allow you to express yourself more accurately and fluently in Italian. So, let's get started!

What are irregular verbs?[edit | edit source]

Before we dive into the present tense of irregular verbs, let's first understand what irregular verbs are. In Italian, regular verbs follow predictable patterns when conjugated. However, irregular verbs do not follow these patterns and have unique conjugations that must be memorized. Irregular verbs can be challenging to learn, but with practice and exposure to the language, you will become more familiar with them. It's important to note that irregular verbs are commonly used in everyday Italian conversation, so mastering them is essential for effective communication.

Conjugation of Present Tense Irregular Verbs[edit | edit source]

The present tense is used to describe actions that are happening in the present moment or are currently ongoing. In Italian, the present tense of irregular verbs is formed by changing the verb stem or adding irregular endings to the stem. Let's take a closer look at the conjugation patterns of some common irregular verbs in the present tense.

Irregular Verbs Ending in -are[edit | edit source]

Some irregular verbs in Italian end in -are. These verbs have unique conjugations in the present tense. Here are a few examples:

Dare (to give)[edit | edit source]

Italian	Pronunciation	English
dò	/dɔ/	I give
dai	/daɪ/	you give (informal)
dà	/da/	he/she/it gives
diamo	/djaːmo/	we give
date	/daːte/	you give (formal)
danno	/ˈdan.no/	they give

Stare (to stay)[edit | edit source]

Italian	Pronunciation	English
sto	/sto/	I stay
stai	/staɪ/	you stay (informal)
sta	/sta/	he/she/it stays
stiamo	/ˈstjaːmo/	we stay
state	/ˈstaːte/	you stay (formal)
stanno	/ˈstan.no/	they stay

Irregular Verbs Ending in -ere[edit | edit source]

Other irregular verbs in Italian end in -ere. These verbs also have unique conjugations in the present tense. Here are a few examples:

Bere (to drink)[edit | edit source]

Italian	Pronunciation	English
bevo	/ˈbe.vo/	I drink
bevi	/ˈbe.vi/	you drink (informal)
beve	/ˈbe.ve/	he/she/it drinks
beviamo	/beˈvjaː.mo/	we drink
bevete	/beˈve.te/	you drink (formal)
bevono	/ˈbe.vo.no/	they drink

Tenere (to hold)[edit | edit source]

Italian	Pronunciation	English
tengo	/ˈten.go/	I hold
tieni	/ˈtje.ni/	you hold (informal)
tiene	/ˈtje.ne/	he/she/it holds
teniamo	/teˈnjaː.mo/	we hold
tenete	/teˈne.te/	you hold (formal)
tengono	/ˈten.go.no/	they hold

Irregular Verbs Ending in -ire[edit | edit source]

Lastly, some irregular verbs in Italian end in -ire. These verbs also have unique conjugations in the present tense. Here are a few examples:

Uscire (to go out)[edit | edit source]

Italian	Pronunciation	English
esco	/ˈɛs.ko/	I go out
esci	/ˈɛʃ.ʃi/	you go out (informal)
esce	/ˈɛʃ.ʃe/	he/she/it goes out
usciamo	/uʃˈʃjaː.mo/	we go out
uscite	/uʃˈʃi.te/	you go out (formal)
escono	/ˈɛʃ.ko.no/	they go out

Dire (to say)[edit | edit source]

Italian	Pronunciation	English
dico	/ˈdi.ko/	I say
dici	/ˈdi.tʃi/	you say (informal)
dice	/ˈdi.tʃe/	he/she/it says
diciamo	/diˈtʃjaː.mo/	we say
dite	/ˈdi.te/	you say (formal)
dicono	/ˈdi.ko.no/	they say

Practice Exercises[edit | edit source]

To reinforce your understanding of the present tense of irregular verbs, let's do some practice exercises. Choose the correct form of the verb in parentheses to complete each sentence:

1. Io (dare) un regalo a mia madre. 2. Tu (stare) bene oggi? 3. Lei (bere) un caffè ogni mattina. 4. Noi (tenere) le chiavi della macchina. 5. Voi (uscire) con i vostri amici stasera. 6. Loro (dire) la verità.

Answers: 1. do 2. stai 3. beve 4. teniamo 5. uscite 6. dicono

Conclusion[edit | edit source]

Congratulations! You have successfully learned about the present tense of irregular verbs in Italian. Irregular verbs may seem challenging at first, but with practice and exposure to the language, you will become more comfortable using them. Remember to review the conjugation patterns regularly to reinforce your understanding. In the next lesson, we will continue our journey through the Italian language by exploring daily life expressions. Buon lavoro! (Good work!)

Table of Contents - Italian Course - 0 to A1[edit source]

Course Presentation

Introduction to Italian Language

Daily Life Expressions

Italian Culture and Tradition

Past and Future Tenses

Social and Work Life

Italian Literature and Cinema

Subjunctive and Imperative Moods

Science and Technology

Italian Politics and Society

Compound Tenses

Arts and Design

Italian Language and Dialects

Videos[edit | edit source]

RIEMPIRE - Irregular Italian Verbs (Present Tense) - YouTube[edit | edit source]

Italian Present Tense 8 Irregular Verbs - YouTube[edit | edit source]

Sources[edit | edit source]

Other Lessons[edit | edit source]

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