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February 7, 2025

Learn Italian Conjugation: A Complete Guide for Beginners

Learn Italian Conjugation: A Complete Guide for Beginners

Understanding Italian Verb Groups

Italian verbs are divided into three main groups based on their infinitive endings: -are, -ere, and -ire. These endings help determine how to conjugate verbs in different tenses. The most common group is -are verbs, followed by -ere and -ire verbs.

Verb Group Example English Meaning
-are to speak
-ere to see
-ire to sleep

Present Tense Conjugation

The present tense (presente) is the most fundamental tense in Italian. To conjugate regular verbs, remove the infinitive ending (-are, -ere, -ire) and add the appropriate endings for each person.

Important

For -are verbs like parlare (to speak): (I speak) (you speak) (he/she speaks) (we speak) (you all speak) (they speak)

Common -ere Verbs

The -ere verbs follow a different pattern but are just as important to master. As mentioned in our 30 Essential Italian Verbs guide, many frequently used verbs belong to this group.

Subject Vedere (to see)
io
tu
lui/lei
noi
voi
loro

Irregular Verb Patterns

Some of the most common Italian verbs are irregular, meaning they don't follow standard conjugation patterns. These verbs require special attention and memorization.

Examples

Essential irregular verbs: (to be) (to have) (to do/make) (to go)

Essere Conjugation

The verb essere (to be) is fundamental in Italian, as covered in our Essential Italian Phrases lesson.

Subject Essere
io
tu
lui/lei
noi
voi
loro

Regular -ire Verbs

The -ire verbs have two possible conjugation patterns. Some follow the simple pattern, while others require the addition of -isc- in certain forms.

Notes

Simple pattern for dormire (to sleep): , , , , ,

Special -ire Pattern

Some -ire verbs add -isc- before the ending in the singular forms and third person plural.

Subject Finire (to finish)
io
tu
lui/lei
noi
voi
loro

Modal verbs are essential helpers that modify the meaning of other verbs. The three main modal verbs in Italian are:

Important

(to want) (to be able to) (to have to)

Using Modal Verbs

Modal verbs are followed by infinitives to express various meanings. They have irregular conjugations but follow consistent patterns.

Modal Example
volere (I want to speak)
potere (I can see)
dovere (I have to go)

Reflexive Verbs

Reflexive verbs indicate actions performed on oneself. They are conjugated with reflexive pronouns and follow regular conjugation patterns.

Examples

(to call oneself): Mi chiamo (I am called) Ti chiami (You are called) Si chiama (He/she is called)

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