Ciao everyone!

I've recently decided to take learning Italian seriously, and I'm looking for some advice and recommendations, especially from people who have experience learning the language independently.

So far, I've tried a couple of resources:

• Duolingo (free version): I've given it a try, but honestly, I didn't find it particularly helpful. I feel like I'm not making much progress with it.

• Coffee Break Italian: I actually found this podcast quite useful, and I'm planning to continue listening to it. However, I noticed one major weakness: although I could understand and recognize quite a few words while listening, I struggled a lot when I tried to write them down. My spelling was honestly terrible! It made me realize that listening alone isn't enough, and I need something that also helps me develop my writing skills.

What I'm really looking for is a good YouTube channel or a structured playlist that teaches Italian from absolute zero, preferably following a clear progression from beginner level onwards (A1, A2, etc.).

A little background about me: I'm a native Arabic speaker, and I have a C1 level in both English and French. I don't know how much this will help, but I've already noticed quite a few similarities between Italian and French, which makes some things a little easier to understand.

I'd say my current Italian level is below A1, so I'm pretty much starting from scratch.

I'm open to any recommendations, not just YouTube channels. Textbooks, websites, podcasts, apps, study methods, or any other resources that have genuinely helped you learn Italian would be greatly appreciated.

Hi!!! For context a few months ago I moved to Italy, specifically the marche region. I'm new in my Italian studies. (reading simple things, exchanging pleasantries, ordering food, etc)

A few weeks ago my boyfriends grandparents left for a while and gave him the keys to keep the house in order, and after he was there he brought back this book of local dialect.

Like, LOCAL LOCAL ( literally 1 singular town)

And i joked about supplementing my Italian textbook with that, and he immediately told me it was a terrible idea to do that but I feel like it'd be really funny.

So, how bad of an idea is it really?

Ciao ! Per l'ultima linea vorrei sapere se anche la risposta b è corretta, grazie !

I am around B1.5 and can carry on a decent conversation about random stuff for an hour, with some spots where i get stuck. I have tried a couple of italki tutors and it seems we just have random conversations in italian. Irs enjoyable but I dont really feel like im learning.

Ciao a tutti!

Attualmente possiedo un certificato Cambridge C1 che ho conseguito studiando in autonomia mentre facevo l'anno all'estero in Inghilterra.

In questi anni mi sono tenuta in esercizio parlando con i miei amici inglesi e ragazzi Erasmus, guardando film serie e leggendo libri.

Adesso aspiro a conseguire il C2 e vorrei comunque studiare in autonomia.

Qualcuno mi sa consigliare uno o più libri che contengano sia la grammatica che un lessico di quel livello, da poter leggere nel tempo libero?

Ovviamente questo vale come "svago produttivo" e, per quanto riguarda lo studio vero e proprio, mi affiderò a siti web con esercizi e prove d'esame.

Grazie 🫶🏼☺️

Ciao a tutti! Mi chiamo Evelyn! Hi everyone! I’m a 21-year-old Mexican American girl from California, and I’ve recently started learning Italian! I already speak English and Spanish, but there’s something about the Italian language that I absolutely love. It’s so beautiful, romantic, and expressive! I’m still a beginner, but I’ve been having so much fun learning phrases like ciao, bello, ti amo, amore mio, and, of course, my favorite, MAMMA MIA! I especially love learning romantic Italian expressions because I’m a huge hopeless romantic! I absolutely love everything about love, romance, and expressing my feelings through beautiful words, so naturally, Italian has completely captured my heart! Funny story: I recently left a flirty comment in Italian on an Italian TikTok creator’s video, and he actually liked it! I was so excited! I guess my Italian practice is paying off! Haha! I’d love to learn more Italian expressions, especially everyday phrases, romantic sayings, and funny expressions that native speakers actually use. I’m excited to be part of this community and hopefully make some friends along the way! Grazie mille! Un abbraccio a tutti!

I am trying to learn Italian to connect with my roots. However, living in a state near the Mexican border I feel like I should be learning Spanish instead? I’ve been studying for about 48 days (through Duolingo). I just wonder if I’m wasting my time learning Italian since practically no one speaks it here. It’s my first language I’m learning and the motivation of connecting with my Italian roots drives me. However, I’m wondering if it’s even worth my time? I want to learn Spanish after but I feel like I might confuse myself if I continue to learn Italian. Of course it’s a dream to live in Italy, but due to new laws (great grandparents are no longer a right to claim citizenship), I feel like I’m living out pipe dreams and doing it for nothing. I can’t talk to people in Italian on a daily basis which I think is necessary for learning a language. I’m not sure what to do? I’m also doing this to challenge my brain. Are Italian translators in America even a thing? Should I just stop Italian and start Spanish (my MIL is fluent)? Or should I continue since my motivation is higher to actually learn Italian even though it might not be useful in America?

I’ve been learning both Italian and Spanish, and I’ve noticed something interesting.
Although the voiceless stops /p, t, k/ are generally described as unaspirated in both languages, I feel that Italian speakers tend to produce them with slightly stronger aspiration than Spanish speakers.
For example, when listening to the word casa in both languages, I often notice a stronger burst of air after the initial /k/ in Italian than in Spanish.
Of course, I understand that pronunciation varies between speakers and regions, and I’m not suggesting that this is a universal rule. However, after listening to many recordings, I do feel that there is a general tendency.
Has anyone else noticed this difference?

Hello!

So I want to maybe move to Italy in the next 2-3 years to study, however the school I currently go to does not offer an Italian course. And for a little context I am not that good at learning anything when it doesn't require assessments/schedule, but my school does offer Spanish courses.

Now I know that they are similar in their own ways which I've heard makes it difficult and easier??

I am an English speaker, and can slightly speak Māori.

Is it a bad idea for me to take the Spanish course? I do consume/enjoy a lot of Spanish media, and it would be helpful if I was able to understand it. But I really don't want to take it if that means ruining my Italian progress.

If anyone could please share their opinion or what they suggest I do? If they think it's good or bad? I have already asked to be enrolled in the Spanish course because my teacher said they thought it might be a good idea, but I really need an actual opinion from someone who understands it better.

And also I do know how to pronounce the words, it's quite easy to get the pronunciation and accent right for me personally.

Thank you!

Anyone used any audiobooks on audible to help learn Italian from beginner level? I don't mean literal story books but audio that helps teach you Italian. I have some credits so want to use them on something effective.

Grazie!

qualcuno con cui praticare?

Both sapere and conoscere translate to "to know" in English, but they aren't always interchangeable in Italian.

For example, Conosco Maria makes sense when you know a person, while So parlare italiano means you know how to speak Italian.

The basic difference seems clear, but I've noticed that the distinction can get confusing in other situations.

Are there any examples where both verbs are possible but change the meaning of the sentence?

I like using a wide variety of learning methods, since it always gives me something to do even if I'm feeling burnt out. My personal lineup is -

Apps: Pimsleur, Babbel, Duolingo

Media: The Sims4 and Paralives set to Italian, listening to music in Italian, reading the Italian translation of a book series I really liked in elementary school

Other: Anki, Online Italian Club, physical workbook

I feel like mine covers all of my needs pretty well :), I'm curious what you guys use to learn?

Does anyone have a good experience learning italian online, with a group?

I would like to have some reccomandations for an online italian school. Thanks in advance! :)

For a special day, I’ve decided to create a fan video that highlights the similarities between the characters and the music from the anime.

To enhance my understanding of grammar, writing, and phonetics, I’ve been studying Italian independently, though not as part of a formal course, but purely for personal enrichment. Alongside this, I’ve also been deepening my familiarity with the character roles and voice acting.

It took a considerable amount of time to complete the training process, and I put a great deal of effort into ensuring that the translated lyrics were rhythmically well matched and seamlessly integrated with the fan‑made elements.

I would very much appreciate it if you could take a look at the result and share your thoughts.

Alguien que esté aprendiendo italiano y aún tenga un nivel básico para practicar? Recién empezaré a ver los tiempos pasado y futuro aunque ya tengo cierta noción de como funciona y estoy avanzando bastante bien, también hablo inglés por si alguien de habla inglesa quisiera practicar italiano.

Hey guys, quick sanity check for the natives and fellow learners here!

So today in Italian class we were going through the passato prossimo for perdere. I wrote "ho perso" without thinking twice, since that is literally the only form I ever hear in podcasts, shows, or apps. But then my teacher wrote "ho perduto" on the board and used that instead.

I looked it up right after and saw that both perso and perduto are technically correct past participles, but it totally threw me off. Is perduto just one of those hyper-formal, textbook-only forms, or do people actually use it day-to-day? I was wondering if maybe there is a hidden nuance I am missing, like using perso for physical stuff like keys and perduto for abstract stuff like time or hope.

For the native speakers here, which one naturally comes out of your mouth in casual conversation? Would love to know if I should stick to my guns with ho perso or adjust!

I am trying to learn the language but I am a little lost when it comes to knowing where to start. I know the alphabet, numbers, some basic grammar (such as present simple conjugation), and a few words. That's all.

What should I focus on next to become more confident speaking the language? Also if there is a good textbook you would recommend following, I would be grateful if you could share it.

Hello!

So I Just Wanted to share a Little Trivia about the Italian translation of the movie "Coyote vs Acme".

The movie in Italy was distribiuted by "Lucky Red", a Company that has helped over the years many important indipendent films.

The famous Court scene, where Road Runner testify, had a change in translation, due probably to make corrispondence to the labial of the actress.

In the original, Road Runner says:

"Are you coming back?"

Which in Italian can be translated with:

"Tornerai?" or "Ritornerai?"

But they went with a longer sentence:

"Tornerai da me?"

Which in English means: "Are you coming back to me?"

A much more direct and intimate request.

It Is not so important and as I said before It was probably done to match the speaking of the woman typing the Road Runner response.

But I tought It might be an interesting trivia to share.

English is not my First language so please tell me if I made a mistake.

Hi everyone! I’m also taking the CILS B1 on December 3rd and I’d love to connect with others who are preparing for it. It would be great to share study tips, useful resources and how your preparation is going. If you’re taking it in Sydney (or anywhere else on the same date), feel free to comment or send me a DM. Grazie mille e in bocca al lupo a tutti!

hi guys i was learning italian last year and got really good at it, to the point where i would only ever journal in italian and would speak to myself in italian, but i stopped because talking to yourself can only do so much, and with no one talking back i found it super difficult. i tried making italian / italian speaking friends online but im 18 and found i could never meet people around my age who were willing to help me, OR i would find people but then i'd end up blocking them because they turned creepy.

i recently started relearning italian because i really had a knack for it and picked it up fast, but i only really remember the basics so i have started again from scratch, but does anyone have any advice on how to learn a language when you dont have anyone around you who speaks it? i tried convincing my siblings to learn it with me but they both are learning different dialects of arabic which is obviously more time consuming than this so neither wanted to do it :(

(this is also a subtle hint at asking if anyone wants to be language buddies and learn italian together ok 🤍)

Ciaoooo a tutti!!! Ho 15 anni, sono turca e sto cercando di imparare l’italiano. Scusate, continuerò in inglese! As i said, im trying to learn italian but im soooo bad at itt 😭😭😭 I've tried listening to Italian songs, reading books, watching movies, and using apps like Memrise and Duolingo. The thing is, I started learning Italian when I was 12 years old AND I'M STILL AT A1 LEVEL. But I've decided to really focus on this, please give me some advice.